Enjoy free outdoor events at the Wollman Rink Overlook, with movies, music, and family programming.
Wollman Rink runs a free community event series at The Overlook, which sits just above the rink, with open park views and the Manhattan skyline behind you.
The events span several recurring formats: outdoor movies on Thursday evenings, Sunday family programming that rotates each week, Saturday dance sessions led by Arthur Murray Dance Studios, evening concerts featuring live bands, and more.
Because all programming takes place outdoors, every event is weather-dependent. Wollman posts cancellations on their site and social channels, so check before you head over.
Sundaes on the Overlook
Sundaes on the Overlook runs on select Sundays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with a rotating format: some weeks it's a live acoustic set, others bring in a magician, an interactive bubble show, or a high-energy DJ. It's free, family-friendly, and two hours long.
Full schedule:
- May 17: Mike Risko Band Acoustic
- May 31: Mike Risko Band Acoustic
- June 7: Magic Dave
- June 21: Bubble Bus
- July 5: Two2Many
- July 26: Extreme Music Productions
- August 9: Magic Dave
- August 23: Bubble Bus
- September 6: Bob Larro Orchestra
- September 20: Mike Risko Band Acoustic
Not every Sunday has an event, so make sure to check the Wollman Rink calendar before you plan around it.
Movie Night on the Overlook
Seven outdoor screenings run on select Thursday evenings, all free, all on an inflatable screen. Showtimes shift with the sunset: June screenings start around 8:15 PM, and by September the schedule moves up to around 7:00 PM.
The following films are confirmed so far:
- Zootopia 2 on May 21
- Freakier Friday on June 4
- Wicked: For Good on June 18
- The Time Traveler's Wife on August 11
- Captain America: Brave New World on September 24
- Serendipity on October 8
More films still to be announced. Check the Wollman Rink calendar.
Dancing on the Overlook
Arthur Murray Dance Studios leads outdoor sessions on select Saturdays this summer, each a different style and open to all skill levels:
- Swing on May 23
- Salsa on June 6
- Argentine tango on August 15
- Swing on September 5
- Bachata on September 26
Sessions run from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. No prior experience needed and nothing to sign up for in advance.
Concerts on the Overlook
Two evening concerts are on the calendar, both featuring The M80s, a high-energy cover band built around 80s hits.
- June 16
- August 25
Shows run from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Unlike the daytime programming, these are night events, and they're a different experience: the park after dark, live music, all free.
Modern Marionette
Kim Profaci and the Modern Marionette Company perform handcrafted puppet shows at the Overlook, drawing on over 20 years of live performance experience. Shows are built around original characters and classic stories and are suited for all ages.
Dates this season:
- May 19
Performances are at 12:00 PM. Check the Wollman Rink calendar for any additional dates added to the schedule.
URvet Care Pet Adoption
URvet Care, a family-owned 24-hour emergency animal hospital, hosts pet adoption events at the Overlook in partnership with local rescue organizations. The events are free and open to the public.
Dates this season:
- May 28 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Getting there and what to know
- The Wollman Rink Overlook is at the southern end of Central Park, near 59th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. The easiest park entrance is at Sixth Avenue and Central Park South.
- No registration or tickets are required for any event in the series.
- For movie nights, bring a blanket or folding chair since seating isn't provided.
- All events are subject to cancellation for weather, and Wollman posts updates on their site when something changes.
For the full schedule with specific dates and performer details, visit the Wollman Rink community calendar.