This heat wave has me dreaming of the beach or seeking refuge in highly ventilated areas, but it wouldn’t be a New York City summer without checking out a free outdoor movie. Here are some tips on where to go this Summer.

Bryant Park Free Film Series
Enjoy classic films under the stars from June through August at the HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival. It’s always a great scene — lots of New Yorkers picnicking and enjoying summer in the city — followed by classic films including highlights such as The Wizard of Oz, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Roman Holiday.

RiverFlicks 
Every Wednesday and Friday in July and August, enjoy free movies under the stars. Movies begin at dusk (approximately 8-8:30 p.m.) and there is even free popcorn available (beverages and other snacks are for sale).

Summer on the Hudson: Movies Under the Stars
Free movies are being shown on Pier 1 in Riverside Park South on Wednesday evenings in July and August.

SyFy Movies with a View: Brooklyn Bridge Park Summer Film Series
This free series features films and music on Thursdays from July 5 – August 30, 2012. Pre-movie music begins at 6 and the movies begin at sunset.

Central Park Film Festival
From August 21-25, 2012 enjoy five nights of films under the stars in Central Park. This is the 10th year for this film festival, which will feature five films each of which is considered a “cult classic” nightly on Sheep Meadow in Central Park.

Celebrate Brooklyn Movies & Music Series
This series of movies feature soundtracks performed live by a variety of musical acts. Free performances take place at the Prospect Park Bandshell, but a $3 donation is suggested.

Movie Nights on the Elevated Acre
Enjoy free film screenings on select Monday evenings at 8 pm as part of the River To River Festival at The Elevated Acre at 55 Water Street. Due to limited capacity at this elevated harbor-view park, please line up at the entrance to The Elevated Acre at 6 pm on movie nights to get tickets.

Outdoor Cinema 2012
Head to Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City, Queens for the 14th Annual Festival of International Film, Music, Dance and Food. On Wednesday nights from July 4-August 22, enjoy live performances beginning at 7 p.m. followed by film screenings at dusk, all while experiencing a great view of the Manhattan skyline.

Intrepid Free Summer Movie Series
On select Friday nights from May 25-August 17, 2012, catch free movie screenings on the pier at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum overlooking the Hudson River. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and films begin at sunset.

(via About.com)