Hunters Point to screen Tim Burton classic for 2,000-visitor Halloween crowd

Hunters Point Parks Conservancy will screen The Nightmare Before Christmas outdoors at Hunter’s Point South Park on Saturday, Oct. 31. The film, a 1993 animated feature by Tim Burton, will begin at 6:15 p.m., just after sunset. The screening serves as the main event for the group’s annual Halloween on the Waterfront celebration.

The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. at the Oval within the park. Attendees will first join a costume parade and a contest. The conservancy will award prizes in three specific categories: best kids’ costume, best adult costume, and best group costume. These awards are designed to encourage participation from families and small groups across the neighborhood.

Jessica Sechrist, the executive director of the conservancy, said the group is eager to bring the Long Island City community back to the waterfront for the holiday. She noted that the area has a strong tradition of gathering for spooky season events. Sechrist stated that the organization is glad to help bring the community together for the annual celebration.

Last year’s edition of this event drew more than 2,000 people to the park. That gathering featured a screening of the original Beetlejuice film as its centerpiece. The organizers expect a similar turnout this year as residents prepare for the Halloween weekend.

The event is open to the public and takes place on the same day as the national holiday. The park location in Hunters Point South Park provides a waterfront setting for the outdoor cinema experience. The conservancy manages the space and coordinates the activities for the evening.