Lincoln Center's legendary concert halls play second fiddle during the cultural powerhouse's three-week, Out of Doors celebration of the performing arts.

Tip: Highlights include Family Day (Aug. 15) with a giant puppet pageant and other kid-friendly programs; Heritage Sunday (Aug. 16) featuring traditional music and dance from around the world; and Roots of American Music (Aug. 22-23) with masters of rock, New Orleans R&B, and more. Chairs are provided so no need to bring your own.

When: Aug. 5-Aug. 23, days and times vary.

Details: At Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park and South Plaza, Amsterdam Avenue and West 62nd Street. www.lincolncenter.org. 212-721-6500.

MOVIES WITH A VIEW

You'll feel like you're on a film set while watching flicks in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Gotham's glittering towers and the park's namesake bridge make a striking backdrop. All movies are rated P or PG, though some may bore small children.

Tip: ''Come early to watch the sun set over the New York City skyline,'' suggests Kellie Rogers, the park's programming director.

Movies begin at sundown, but local radio DJs spin tunes beginning at 6 p.m. While you wait for the main event, enjoy pizza from world-famous Grimaldi's (718-858-4300) or dinners from RICE, sold on site. Park capacity tops out at 4,500.

When: Thursdays, July 9-Aug. 27.

Details: At Brooklyn Bridge Park, 1 Main St., Brooklyn. www.brooklynbridgepark.org. 718-802-0603.

NAUMBURG CONCERTS

Be part of a historic tradition by attending the Naumburg Orchestral Concerts, begun in 1905 and dubbed the country's oldest continuous free outdoor concert series. Performances take place at Central Park's Naumburg Bandshell, an elegant Neo-Classical structure situated in a grove of elm trees.

''The concert ground is a place of great beauty and tranquility,'' says Christopher W. London, great-great grandson of series founder Elkan Naumburg.

Tip: Arrive in style at the Bandshell by taking one of the horse-drawn carriages lined up at the Central Park South entrance. The crowd typically exceeds the number of available seats, so bring a blanket or chairs.

When: 7:30 p.m.; June 23, July 7, July 21, Aug. 4

Details: At Naumburg Bandshell; enter Central Park at 72nd Street on the East or West sides; 718-340-3018; www.naumburgconcerts.org.

N.Y. PHIL

Looking for more orchestral music? The New York Philharmonic is putting on a quartet of concerts in various city parks. As an enticing encore, concerts will be followed by fireworks displays.

Tip: Try to arrive no later than 6 p.m.; as many as 60,000 can turn out for a concert. Bring a blanket or chairs.

When/where: 8 p.m., July 14 and 17, The Great Lawn, Central Park, enter at West 81st or 86th Streets at Central Park West, 79th or 85th Streets at Fifth Avenue

8 p.m., July 15, Prospect Park, Brooklyn, enter at Grand Army Plaza at Ninth Street or Bartel-Pritchard Circle at 15th Street

8 p.m., July 16, Van Cortland Park, The Bronx, enter on Broadway near W. 251st Street. www.nyphil.org. 212-875-5656

RIVER TO RIVER

Launched in 2002 to help revitalize downtown Manhattan after 9/11, the River to River Festival has since become the nation's largest free summer arts festival. Hundreds of music, dance and cultural events take place almost daily from May 31st to mid-September.

Atmospheric waterfront venues include the South Street Seaport, World Financial Center, and Castle Clinton National Monument.

Tip: Some events require tickets. People usually begin gathering around noon for the July 4 concert in Battery Park.

When/Where: May 31-mid September; days and locations vary.

Details: www.rivertorivernyc.com.

SHAKESPEARE

IN THE PARK

Watching the Bard's dramas on sultry summer evenings in an open-air theater in Central Park is a ritual for New Yorkers.

Tickets are given out at 1 p.m. each performance day. It's advisable to arrive at least several hours in advance. The wait, and the number of tickets (limit two per person), varies daily. Some early risers get there at 6 a.m. when the park opens.

Tips: Be sure to check the weather forecast because if the show is rained out, you're out of luck. Pack a picnic lunch or call Andy's Deli (212-799-3355), which delivers orders while you wait on line.

When: Twelfth Night starring Academy Award nominee Anne Hathaway runs from June 9-July 12, and Euripedes' The Bacchae from Aug. 11-Sept. 6. No performances on Mondays.

Details: At the Delacorte Theater; enter Central Park at 81st Street and Central Park West. www.publictheater.org.

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