On July 8, Downtown Alliance to Host Special Outdoor Screening of “On The Town” at the Battery

On July 8, the Alliance for Downtown New York, the Battery Conservancy and PAC NYC will co-host a free outdoor screening of the beloved 1949 MGM musical “On the Town” in the heart of the Battery. Taking place on the final day of Fleet Week, the screening will be staged against the cinematic backdrop of New York Harbor, which will serve as the centerpiece of a summer-long series of maritime celebrations and patriotic festivities marking America250 and Sail4th NYC. 

This interactive evening will include giveaways, surprise performances and more. Food will be available to purchase from on-site vendors, but attendees are also encouraged to bring their own food from local businesses as well as a blanket to make themselves comfortable during the screening. Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. with the movie beginning at 7:30 p.m. 

“New York, New York, it’s a wonderful town! Come on down to the Battery to join us for a special evening under the stars to take in one of the most iconic New York movies, and be prepared for a few surprises,” Downtown Alliance president Jessica Lappin said. 

Starring Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Jules Munshin as three sailors on a whirlwind 24-hour shore leave, “On the Town” is a joyful love letter to the city featuring iconic landmarks and locations — including many in Lower Manhattan — alongside unforgettable musical numbers. Based on a Broadway musical of the same name, the movie features music by Leonard Bernstein and Roger Edens, including the enduring song, “New York, New York.”

“Few films capture the energy, optimism and sheer joy of New York City quite like ‘On the Town.’ We’re thrilled to partner with the Downtown Alliance and PAC NYC to bring this beloved classic to the waterfront, creating an evening that celebrates our city’s history, culture and enduring spirit in one of its most iconic public spaces,” the Battery Conservancy president Paula Recart said. 

PAC NYC, the world class performing arts venue located on the World Trade Center campus, will provide interactive entertainment throughout the screening, including a surprise performance. 

“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to making downtown a welcoming and dynamic destination. By partnering with the Downtown Alliance and the Battery, we’re creating cultural experiences that invite the community to have fun, enjoy the arts and celebrate the civic life of our city,” PAC NYC executive director Khady Kamara Nunez said. 

This screening is part of Big Screen at the Battery, a free summer series of outdoor movies, World Cup watch parties, and special events on New York Harbor, presented by the Battery Conservancy and the Battery Park City Authority.

Entrance info: entry gates into the Woodland screening area will be along the path near Battery Urban Farm, past Castle Clinton National Monument, all the way to SeaGlass Carousel. Please enter the park from Battery Place and State Street (across from Bowling Green) or by the path next to the Battery Playscape. Attendees are encouraged to register for the screening and reserved a free spot at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/on-the-town-1949-a-classic-new-york-musical-big-screen-at-the-battery-tickets-1991927331269