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There are outdoor screenings in NYC parks, on waterfronts, and even in cemeteries. But Long Island’s Long Beach may beat them all with an alfresco screening set right on the beach, under the stars, with the sound of waves as a soundtrack.
The annual "Shorts on the Beach" series returns to the Allegria Hotel beachfront as part of the Long Beach International Film Festival. Tickets are free—you can reserve tickets here—and the screening will begin shortly after sunset, around 8:45pm on Saturday, July 26. It’s a rare chance to watch award-winning films in a completely relaxed setting, where flip-flops and beach blankets are encouraged.
“Bring a blanket, a beach chair, and your crew—this is cinema like you’ve never experienced it before. From award-winning shorts to hidden indie gems, you’ll laugh, cry, and fall in love with film all over again,” the festival wrote in an Instagram post. No word yet on what shorts will be part of the program or who the filmmakers are, so perhaps pack that blanket but leave your expectations behind.
Originally founded in 2012, the 2025 Long Beach International Film Festival runs through July 26. In addition to Shorts on the Beach, the festival will also host another shorts-inspired event, "Chefs & Shorts: A Unique Pairing of Gastronomy, Wine and Short Films." Held at the Allegria Hotel at 6pm on Thursday, July 24, the evening will see five chefs paired with five acclaimed short films, each tasked with creating a dish inspired by a flick, complete with a complementary wine pairing to take the experience to the next level. Participating chefs include Matt Hisiger, Kerry Heffernan (formerly of Eleven Madison Park), Michael Howell (founder and Executive Director of Devour), Daniel Drexler, and Alex Grunert.
For a full line-up of features playing at the Long Beach International Film Festival, click here.
Of course, Long Beach is hardly the only place you can see movies this summer. Domino Park in Brooklyn is hosting a Tuesday screening series, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Williamsburg Bridge and the Manhattan skyline, while Bryant Park continues its beloved summer film series every Monday through August 11.