Catch Free Outdoor Movies In Astoria, Long Island City This Week

LONG ISLAND CITY, QUEENS — Looking to spend a warm evening out in the neighborhood this week, or later this summer? Consider stopping by one of several outdoor movie screenings happening across Astoria and Long Island City.

This week features the return of the popular CinemaLIC series at Hunter’s Point South Park, as well as a free screening of "Mamma Mia!" at Athens Square Park. Here are the details on both.

CinemaLIC at Hunter's Point South Park

This free series is returning for its eighth year at Hunter’s Point South Park, showing four films through September — starting on Thursday, with a screening of Marvel's "Black Panther."

Starting at sunset — which will be around 8:26 p.m. on Thursday — the 2018 superhero film will be shown on a 30-foot-tall inflatable screen right on the East River, near Center Boulevard and 51st Avenue. Enhnaced video projection equipment will provide "remarkable color, clarity and sound," organizers say.

This summer's subsequent screenings will include: "Skyfall" on Aug. 6, "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" on Aug. 27, and "Encanto" on Sept. 9.

Moviegoers can buy food and beverages during the movies at Ottomanelli’s — the new vendor at the park cafe formerly known as LIC Landing.

Organized mainly by the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy, this summer's screenings were also sponsored by Nest Seekers, Gotham Point, and Shibley Day Camp.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to show off our beautiful LIC Waterfront with the best outdoor movie experience anywhere," Hunters Point Parks Conservancy President Rob Basch said in a statement.

"Mamma Mia!" at Athens Square

Meanwhile, on July 17 (Sunday) at 8:30 p.m., Astorians can head over to Athens Square on 30th Avenue and 30th Street for a free screening of the 2008 movie "Mamma Mia!"

Set, of course, to the music of ABBA, the movie was filmed on the Greek island of Skopelos. The screening was organized by Astoria's own Hellenic Film Society USA.

"This is a fun family movie for a summer evening,” said Hellenic Film Society President Jimmy DeMetro in a statement.

"While Mamma Mia is not the type of film we typically show, it’s filmed on a Greek island and captures the Greek love of life and celebration. The audience will not be discouraged from singing along to the Abba soundtrack."

Guests can bring their own chairs for comfort, organizers aid. The film, rated PG-13, is being screened as part of the Parks Department's Movies Under the Stars series.