Willy Wonka in Bryant Park
New York is notorious for being annoyingly expensive, but for every
there is something equally or more amazing to do that is 100% free. On Monday, after getting back from an impromptu shopping trip (where I bought a dress with a screaming cat face on it?), I was browsing the
site for upcoming events. Mostly by accident I discovered that Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was playing in Bryant Park, so of course I had to go.
I watched Willy Wonka
every single day
when I returned from pre-school, so much so that I wore out the VHS tape. My sister and I used to buy Hershey's bars and unwrap them at the exact moment and in the precise way that Charlie does when he finds his golden ticket. While I have come to appreciate the Tim Burton remake for certain things (the kids are great, it looks awesome), Gene Wilder is beyond compare.
The Bryant Park Film Festival series starts in June, and ends in August with a new movie every Monday. The lawn opens at 5:00pm, and Willy Wonka started at 9 (or a little after, there was a preview and a Looney Tunes short). I recommend getting there early, especially if you have a large group or plan on spreading out. I knew I wouldn't have too much trouble squeezing myself (and eventually my friend Alisha joined me) into an open patch of grass, but it was already packed when I got there a little before 6.
Of course you should also be prepared to deal with hundreds of people trying to stake out a perfect spot for themselves, which involves a lot of bare feet touching your blanket (ew), and people walking wherever they can or want.
They were checking bags as you entered, but apparently you're allowed to bring alcohol. I brought some snacks, but I was having major food envy looking around at what others brought: whole pizzas, Chipotle, sandwiches, Magnolia cupcakes. Next time I'll plan a slightly better feast, but Alisha saved the day and brought Kit Kats after I realized that no viewing of Willy Wonka is truly complete without at least a little chocolate.
I had tried to see a movie in Bryant Park a few years ago, but left when I couldn't hear at all. I noticed they switched the location of the screen (now you sit with your back to the library), and I was a lot closer this time and had no problems at all. We really had an amazing spot, and I can't think of a better way to watch a movie — aside from a totally random five-minute downpour around 8, the weather was breezy and perfect.
Bryant Park isn't the only place where you can see a free movie outside in the city, and I'd love to try out some of the other spots. They're actually showing Willy Wonka again on July 28th in Brooklyn Bridge Park, which is one of my favorite parks in the city. Now I have a few weeks to plan my picnic, and this time I definitely won't forget the chocolate.