'Parks After Dark' Movie Series Kicks Off In Suffolk County

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Does anything signal the start of summer better than a movie under the stars?

On Friday, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced the launch of the "Parks After Dark" series, an open-air experience at Suffolk County parks.

The free series, which launches July 21, will host family-friendly movies that will premiere on Friday and Saturday nights, Bellone said.

"What better way to spend time with family and friends than enjoying a movie under the stars at one of our county parks?" Bellone said.

The series, he said, will showcase iconic films that residents of all ages will enjoy.

Robert Fonti, co-chair of the Suffolk County Alliance of Chambers added: "The Suffolk County Alliance of Chambers is happy to partner with County Executive Steve Bellone in sponsoring these exciting ‘Movies After Dark’ in three of Suffolk County's beautifuland illustrious parks. These blockbuster movies will provide fun and an evening under the stars for all families in Suffolk. Looking forward to seeing you at the movies."

Upcoming movies include:

• Encanto – July 21 at Gardiner County Park in Bay Shore
• Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl– August 4 at Coindre Hall in Huntington.
• Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark– August 18 at Indian Island County Park in Riverhead.

The free movie series is presented in partnership with the Suffolk County Alliance of Chambers and builds on previous movie night initiatives including the Community Movie Night series and the County's Summer Drive-in Movie Series at Smith Point County Park.

While not mandatory, residents are encouraged to register for free tickets through Eventbrite. The movies begin at sunset — and it's recommended that everyone bring their own food and beverage as well as blankets, and chairs, county officials said.

For additional information and to secure tickets, residents can click here. Admission is free, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.