Rockaways' Outdoor Cinema Faces Uncertain Future

The Arverne Cinema's unique outdoor theater, established in 2021, is facing closure of its current location in October. This D.I.Y. space, built with local help and salvaged materials, offers moviegoers an immersive experience that incorporates the ambient sounds of Kennedy Airport, house parties, and seagulls, alongside visible industrial machinery and natural elements like a willow tree. The landlord, who owns the adjacent concrete plant, is considering other uses for the outdoor lot.

Founded with a spirit of ephemerality, the Arverne Cinema quickly became a beloved art-house destination on the Rockaway Peninsula. Co-founder Sam Fleischner, who also built the outdoor theater with residents, explained that they covered much of the lot with sand and constructed the projection booth from a former funeral home. The cinema, which accommodates around 300 people and charges $10 per ticket, has hosted events like the annual Rockaway Film Festival and special screenings.

While the cinema's indoor venue, established in 2024, will continue to operate, Fleischner is actively seeking a new, permanent home for the outdoor theater. This move comes as a blow to New Yorkers who appreciate the rare open-air cinema experience, especially during warm weather, offering a unique alternative to traditional indoor screenings. The outdoor theater's future is now in question as its lease approaches its end.