In the Park or At the Park

[daddyjohn]

There is a movie entitled 'Barefoot In the Park'.

We have a TV program here entitled 'Concert At the Park'.

I'm now confused as to which is the correct preposition to use, or is there a difference in meaning?

Thank you very much.

[David L.]

Simon And Garfunkel - The Concert In Central Park [1981]
DVD

Bon Jovi - Jon Only - Info on Free Concert In Central Park video


We walk around in a park, and these concerts were held in Central Park (referring to inside the grounds of Central Park).

Concerts/Operas are performed at Carnegie Hall, at Covent Garden Opera House etc ....even though of course, the people are actually inside the buildings!

When we say it is held 'in Central Park' it means 'within the grounds of the Park' with implied emphasis that it's outdoors, in the open.

When we say 'at the Park', then the emphasis is that some particular Park is being named as the special venue for the concert. It is being held at Wichita Opera House; it's being held 'at Yellowstone National Park'.

[Raymott]

Originally Posted by John007

In - is an abbreviation of inside while at refers to a location.

In is not an abbreviation of inside.
Inside is formed from in + side.

[John007]

Originally Posted by Raymott

In is not an abbreviation of inside.
Inside is formed from in + side.

Really?

[Raymott]

Originally Posted by John007

Really?

I'd say so. Just like outside is formed from out and side.
Off-side, Upside down, Southside...
Why? Do you have evidence to the contrary?