Each summer, my kids can’t wait for the outdoor movie series around the DC metro area. It’s a favorite for us, and we love inviting friends—it’s free and so enjoyable!
I’ve compiled all the details on this year’s outdoor movie lineup across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Get ready to make some movie memories with your family!
Summer Movies in Virginia
Columbia Pike Summer Movies @ Arlington Mill and Pensrose Square
Fridays and Saturdays, July 12 – July 24 | Schedule
Movies start at sunset (8-8:30 pm) in English with Spanish subtitles in Arlington. Bring your own chairs or blankets, and leashed pets are welcome. Remember, no alcohol allowed.
Movie highlights:
- Vivo – July 19, 8 pm
- Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie – July 26, 8 pm
- Wonka – August 2, 8 pm
Starlight Cinema
Saturday evenings, July 12 – July 24 | Schedule
Another exciting season of Starlight Drive-in Cinema! Gates open at 6pm, with a pre-movie children’s show at 7 p.m., and the movie starts at dark.
These movie nights bring the community together, nurturing a spirit that appeals to both children and adults. The 2024 season offers children’s shows before each of the four movies, free for the public to enjoy.
The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, so families are encouraged to bring a picnic, blanket, and chairs to enjoy the movies under the stars. For details, contact their office at 703-814-7100.
Summer Movie Nights
Tuesdays, June 11 – Aug 13 | Schedule
Join the fun at the summer movie nights, running from July 12 to July 24! Each Tuesday, the event will rotate between Town Hall, South Riding Center, and Murrey Park, offering a perfect evening outing for families.
Screening highlights include:
- Migration (July 30, 2024)
- Kung Fu Panda 4 (Aug 13, 2024)
Sunset Cinema
August – October | Schedule
The annual Sunset Cinema Series is back with its 21st edition, with family-friendly movie nights on select Fridays and a spooky Saturday in fall.
Movies start at dusk around 6:30pm – 7:15pm. Mark your calendars for August 23, September 20, and October 26, 2024. Arrive early for the best seats and bring blankets, bug spray, and a picnic. Refreshments like drinks, popcorn, and snacks will be available for purchase.
In case of bad weather, screenings will be rescheduled.
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Movies Under the Moon
August – October | Schedule
Van Dyck Park invites families to enjoy free outdoor movies this summer! Settle in with blankets and chairs on the lawn for an evening under the stars.
Featured movies include “WALL E” on July 12, 2024, “The Incredibles” on August 9, 2024, and “Onward” on September 13, 2024, all starting at 8pm. Don’t miss out on these magical evenings with your loved ones!
Films in the Park
June – August | Schedule
Get ready for a summer filled with outdoor movie magic at Films In The Park! Starting at 7pm, families can enjoy their favorite films under the stars at Strawberry Park. Rain or shine, these screenings promise a picnic-style viewing experience on a larger-than-life outdoor screen.
July Movies:
- 7/4: Top Gun: Maverick
- 7/11: Migration
- 7/18: Trolls Band Together
- 7/25: Wish
August Movies:
- 8/1: The Marvels
- 8/8: Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie
- 8/15: My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3
Starr Hill Movie Nights
Sundays, June 2 – August 4, 2024 | Schedule
Every Sunday at 6pm, families can enjoy the cozy ambiance of Starr Hill Biergarten for their family-friendly movie nights. Bring your lawn blankets and settle in to watch a selection of staff favorites under the stars. It’s a delightful way to spend quality time together outdoors.
Free! Summer Movies @ Reston Station
Saturdays, June – August | Schedule
You can enjoy free outdoor movies at Reston Station every Saturday night from 6:30 pm to 9 pm. Hosted at Reston Station, these screenings offer more than just movies—some nights feature extra activities such as a Bubbleologist, pet adoptions, and even a car show! It’s a perfect opportunity to relax under the stars with loved ones and take part in community fun.
Big Screen on the Green
September 13, 2024 | Schedule
Families can enjoy movie nights under the stars at the Big Screen on the Green, held on select Thursdays at the Vienna Town Green. The lineup features “Back to the Future” on May 17, 2024, and “Trolls Band Together” on September 13, 2024.
For weather updates, call (703) 255-7842. Bring your loved ones, and some cozy blankets for a fun-filled evening.
Summer Movies in Washington DC
Summer Film Nights at National Zoo
July 18, 2024 | Schedule
Join the Zoo for a free Summer Film Night featuring Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax (2012) on July 18 at Lion-Tiger Hill, near the Harvard Street entrance. Bring blankets and enjoy select food options. Zoo exhibits close at 5:30 p.m., and the last entry is at 8 p.m. The event will happen rain or shine, with severe weather updates on the Zoo’s social media and website.
Summer Movies On the Lawn at Library of Congress
July 17 – August 8, 2024 | Schedule
Enjoy a magical movie experience this summer on the southeast lawn of the Library of Congress! The Movies on the Lawn series features iconic films from the Library’s National Film Registry, shown on Thursday evenings at sundown.
The 2024 lineup includes:
- July 11: The Wizard of Oz (1939)
- July 18: An American in Paris (1951)
- July 25: Love and Basketball (2000)
- Aug 1: Rocky (1976)
- Aug 8: Lady and the Tramp (1955)
No tickets are needed, but space is limited, so come early to grab a spot and enjoy these classic films under the stars!
Movies on the Pitch at Audi Field
May 30 – July 18, 2024 | Schedule
In its third season, “Movies on the Pitch” transforms Audi Field into an outdoor cinema with five blockbuster films, chosen by public vote, shown on the stadium’s jumbotron. Movie-goers can register for tickets for these dates:
- May 30: The Little Mermaid (2023)
- June 6: Barbie
- June 20: Pride Month Recognition – Mean Girls (2024)
- June 27: The Marvels
- July 18: Wonka
Gates (C Gate) open at 6:30 PM, and movies start at 7:30 PM. Arrive early to secure a good spot and get settled in!
Sunset Cinema at the Wharf
Thursday evenings, May – August | Schedule
All summer long, families can enjoy free movies at The Wharf on Transit Pier, presented by Pacifico. Every Thursday evening at 7:00pm, there’s a mix of action movies, rom-coms, blockbusters, and classics to suit all tastes.
Guests are encouraged to grab a snack and a Pacifico Beer to enjoy the show.
Cinematery
Friday evenings, July – September | Schedule
Cinematery is back this summer with “The Summer of Spirits” at Congressional Cemetery! Enjoy four iconic haunted films on the cemetery grounds, creating a unique, atmospheric experience. Bring your blankets, low lawn chairs, and favorite snacks for a spooky night under the stars.
Movies will be shown on Friday evenings, starting at sunset, with gates opening about an hour before. Reservations are required, with a suggested donation of $10 per person. Films include:
- May 31: Beetlejuice (rain date June 14)
- July 5: The Sixth Sense (rain date July 12)
- August 2: The Haunted Mansion (rain date August 9)
- September 6: Casper (rain date September 13)
All proceeds support the preservation of this historic landmark.
Extraordinary Cinema at the REACH
August 2, 2024 | Schedule
Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center invites families to enjoy free entertainment this summer with its Extraordinary Cinema series. Mark your calendars for June 21, 2024, to watch “Elemental,” June 28, 2024, for “Ratatouille,” and August 2, 2024, for “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax.”
Admission is free, but tickets are required, so be sure to reserve yours in advance for a fun and memorable evening!
Movies on the Memorial (at US Navy Memorial)
June – August | Schedule
Join the Lone Sailor under the stars on Thursday evenings for Movies on the Memorial. This summer series offers an exciting lineup for film lovers and naval enthusiasts alike, featuring classics like The Caine Mutiny and crowd favorites like Top Gun on the outdoor plaza.
Movies start at dusk, so arriving early is key to snagging a prime spot. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, follow their social media for updates on cancellations.
Films at the Stone
June – August | Schedule
Films at the Stone at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial feature inspiring stories of individuals who fought for justice and democracy. Movies start at 8:00 pm on the lawn near the bookstore. Bring a picnic and relax on blankets or low-profile chairs. Public transportation is recommended due to limited parking.
Movie Night Wednesdays in the Park at the UDC Amphitheater
July 31, September 14, 2024 | Schedule
Featured in this year’s lineup is AQUAMAN and the Lost Kingdom on July 31 at 8:30 PM.
Gather your picnic blankets and favorite snacks for a pre-film picnic in the park. The amphitheater opens before dusk for seating, and you’re welcome to bring outside food and drinks, including alcohol. It’s an ideal setting for a memorable family movie night under the evening sky.
Summer Movies in Maryland
Movies on the Beach
Wednesdays, June 7 – August 16, 2024 | Schedule
Get ready for a summer treat with Free Movies on the Beach! From June 7th to August 16th, every Wednesday at dusk, families can enjoy movies at Carousel Oceanfront.
Remember to check the weather forecast, as shows are subject to cancellation during inclement weather.
Movies on the Potomac
Thursday nights, May 2 – September 29, 2024 | Schedule
Movies on the Potomac offers a delightful way to enjoy summer evenings with your family or for a cozy date night. Running from May 2 to September 29, this series features free screenings at the Plaza’s big screen.
On Thursday nights at 7pm, enjoy date night movies, while Sundays at 6pm are perfect for family-friendly films. Bring your chairs, grab some takeout from nearby dining spots, and settle in for a night of outdoor entertainment by the water’s edge. It’s a great way to unwind and create memorable moments with loved ones under the stars.
Movies in the Parks
Wednesdays, July 31 – August 21, 2024 | Schedule
This summer, dive into Rockville’s free outdoor movies in the parks, featuring four different films across various neighborhood parks. Hosted under the stars, these screenings start at dusk around 8 p.m. Bring along your chairs, blankets, and favorite snacks—just no alcohol. It’s a perfect opportunity for families to enjoy quality time together outdoors.
In case of bad weather, keep an eye on cancellations posted on their Facebook event page.
Avam’s Flicks
Thursdays, July 11 – August 1, 2024 | Schedule
Experience the charm of outdoor movies “under the stars” at AVAM’s free film series returning for four Thursday nights starting in July 2024. Alongside the screenings, enjoy free museum admission from 5 pm to 9 pm, creating a perfect evening outing for families.
Bengies Drive-IN Theatre
July – August | Schedule
Located at Bengies Drive-In Theater, just east of Baltimore and about an hour from Silver Spring, it’s a perfect spot for a memorable drive-in movie night. Bengies operates from spring through fall, providing heaters for chilly evenings and continuing shows rain or shine.
Gates typically open around 7:15pm for the first screening, starting around 8:45pm, varying with the season. Families are advised to arrive early to beat the crowds, a lesson our expert learned firsthand.
For more details, check out this detailed guide here.
Outdoor Movies at Shamrock Park
Every third Friday, June – August | Schedule
Summer Movie Nights are back for 2024 with the Bel Air Downtown Alliance’s Summer Movies Nights at Shamrock Park. Held on the third Friday from June through August, these free and family-friendly events are perfect for a fun evening out. Join the community on June 21 for “Elemental,” July 19 for “The Little Mermaid (2023),” and August 16 for “Trolls Band Together.”
Enjoy the movies under the stars, but remember, these events are weather permitting. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the movie will be canceled without rescheduling. Stay updated by following the Bel Air Downtown Alliance on Instagram and Facebook for all event updates.
Movies on the Beach
Every third Friday, June – August | Schedule
Movies on the Beach offer a perfect summer evening activity for families in the area. Presented on a large inflatable screen right on the sand, these screenings are free and open to all. Whether you choose to relax in a beach chair or snuggle up on a blanket, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a movie under the stars.
