Movies with a View in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo via Eileen O'Donnell on Flickr

Nothing gets us as excited for summer as when all the free event listings start filling the inbox, and today we got news on one of the best: the nine free movies that will be shown at Brooklyn Bridge Park from July 17-Sept. 1, all of which are New York themed. Before long, thoughts of digging out your doorstep day after day will seem like ludicrous nightmares as we recline on a blanket under the humid stars, pull snacks from a picnic basket and revel in Woody Allen’s Manhattan against the beautiful backdrop of the city skyline. See the full schedule below. (more…)

In the grand tradition of Citi Field, Staples Center and Doritos Hail to the Cheese Colbert Report campaign, Brooklyn Bridge Park could soon have a corporate name. The gorgeous park — home to free movies, yoga classes, kayak outings and general good times — may sell naming rights to cover the estimated $16 million annual upkeep, reports NY1. The 85-acre park would be the first time even part of a New York City park carried a sponsor’s name (the idea came from Chicago’s Millennium Park, where sponsors pick up half the cost). Other options being considered to pick up the tab include building more high-rise condos. So we wondered: what name would you want to see on Brooklyn’s showpiece park? Some of our suggestions below: (more…)

Photo by Etienne Frossard

It’s a little difficult to recommend anything outdoors this week, but we’ll just put the stuff out there, and you gauge the risk. Tonight, Jul. 6, the Fitness Guru is holding a free hour-long Pilates mat class in Brooklyn Bridge Park. The park’s Conservancy runs a slew of events and programs (some of which, you might have heard of), and this is the first of the weekly Tuesday-night Pilates classes that continue through August. The 7 p.m. classes are open to all skill-levels, and they’re held at Pier 1. Registration, which is required, starts at 6:30. And you can “rent” a free mat with ID. Who knows? With the heat, it could be a private lesson. More info here.

Photo by Etienne Frossard.

You’re surely aware by now of the some of the great stuff the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy is responsible for. Where else can you watch iconic films while you picnic under the shadow of an iconic bridge? But did you know the conservancy hosts a bunch of other free programming, like educational classes, park-stewardship events, waterfront workouts, boating, bird-watching and seining the river? Of course, all this doesn’t come cheap. So tonight’s your chance to pitch in at the conservancy fundraiser and ensure the East River gem keeps the pleasant nights flowing for years to come. (more…)

Believe it or not, the affordable big-screen movie isn’t dead. And by affordable, we mean FREE. This summer, Brooklyn’s home to at least a half dozen spots where you can take in a good-old cinematic experience without cracking the wallet. Check out these venues where you can get sticky seats, rowdy crowds… and a movie, no snack-smuggling or cash transaction required. (more…)

TONIGHT: The Met Opera summer recitals bring soprano Joyce El-Khoury + more to Coffey Park (Red Hook) Free, 7 p.m.

TOMORROW: Check out the floating ecohabitat/art installation the Waterpod, docked in Brooklyn Heights thru 8/17. Free, all day.

TOMORROW: Kayak the Cove off of Brooklyn Bridge Park, (also 8/22, 29). Free. 2 to 6 p.m.

SUNDAY: Go deep + prowl the world’s oldest subway tunnel at the Atlantic Avenue tunnel tour (rsvp quickly!). $10-15, 11 a.m. + 1:15 p.m.

TUESDAY: Iceland’s rootsy Mugison plays all 5 boros for amnesty international. Pete’s Candy Store. Free, 11 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Lynchian love story Wild at Heart, (Nicolas Cage, Laura Dern) @ McCarren Park. Free. Movie plays at dusk;  gates open at 6.

Listings brought to you by the skint.

Here’s Brooklyn Vegan’s handy list of free summer movies at McCarren Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park this summer, along with flicks showing in another borough slightly to the west. P.S. Why do blog commenters love the word Meh?