There’s something truly magical about watching a movie outdoors, and the Washington DC area offers a myriad of venues where you can enjoy your favorite films in the open air. So, grab your blanket and popcorn and check out our guide to outdoor movies in DC, MD, and VA.
Guide to Outdoor Movies in D.C.
- Capitol Riverfront Outdoor Movie Series: The Capitol Riverfront neighborhood, near Nationals Park, hosts an outdoor movie series during the summer months. Movies are shown at Canal Park on Thursdays, and admission is free. Movies start at sundown.
- June 13 – Crazy Rich Asians
- June 20 – Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
- June 27 – The Little Mermaid
- July 11 – The Goonies
- July 18 – Ralph Breaks the Internet
- July 25 – Apollo 13
- August 1 – Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
- August 8 – Guardians of the Galaxy
- August 15 – Incredlibes 2
- August 22 – Bohemian Rhapsody
- The Drive-In at Union Market: The Drive-In at Union Market is a drive-in theater that shows classic and new movies. Tickets are required and can be purchased online.
- Extraordinary Cinema THE REACH: Extraordinary Cinema at The REACH is a free outdoor film series that takes place at The REACH, an outdoor arts space at the Kennedy Center. Movies are shown on Friday nights from June to September.
- Adams Morgan Movie Nights: Adams Morgan Movie Nights is a free movie series that takes place on the soccer field at Marie Reed School in Adams Morgan. Movies are shown on Wednesday nights from June to August.
- Downtown DC Summer Flicks: Can I Kick It? Downtown DC Summer Flicks is a free movie series that takes place on the lawn at Franklin Park in Downtown DC. Movies are shown on Thursday nights from June to August.
- Sunset Cinema at the Wharf: Sunset Cinema at The Wharf is a free movie series that takes place on the Transit Pier at The Wharf. Movies are shown on Friday nights from June to August.
Guide to Outdoor Movies in MD
- National Harbor Movies on the Potomac: National Harbor, located in Maryland just outside of D.C., hosts a summer movie series called “Movies on the Potomac.” Movies are shown on a large screen along the waterfront, and the screenings are free. The series runs from May to September.
- June 22 – Jurassic World Dominion
- June 25 – Cool Runnings
- June 29 – King Richard
- July 2 – DC League of Super-Pets
- July 6 – Black Adam
- July 9 – Up
- July 13 – Wonder Woman (2017)
- July 16 – The Princess Diaries
- July 23 – Her Best Move (2007)
- July 27 – Gracie (2007)
- July 30 – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- Movies in the Parks: Movies in the Parks is a free series of outdoor movies that takes place at four different parks in Rockville throughout the summer. Movies begin at dusk and are family-friendly. Movies start at dusk (typically around 8 pm).
- August 2 – The Boss Baby at Potomac Woods Park 1380 Stratton Dr.
- August 9 – The Secret Life of Pets at Woodley Gardens Park 900 Nelson St.
- August 16 – Cool Runnings at Montrose Park 451 Congressional Lane
- August 23 – Raya and the Last Dragon at Maryvale Park 812 First St.
- Whalen Commons Summer Movie Series is a free series of outdoor movies that takes place at Whalen Commons Park in Poolesville. Movies begin at dusk and are family-friendly.
- July 12 – Teen Beach Movie
- August 23 – The Goonies
- Bengies Drive-In Theatre is a drive-in theater that shows classic and new movies. It is located in Glen Burnie, Maryland.
- See a variety of shows on different days.
- Bethesda Outdoor Movies: In downtown Bethesda, Maryland, the Bethesda Urban Partnership hosts a free outdoor movie series called “Bethesda Outdoor Movies.” Movies are shown at Woodmont Triangle, typically during the month of July.
- July 28 – Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody starts at 9:00 pm
- August 5 – 50 First Dates starts at 9:00 pm
- August 11 – Top Gun: Maverick starts at 9:00 pm
- Free Movies Under the Stars at Black Rock Center: Summer nights call for movie lights! The BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown shows FREE movies during the summer.
- June 14 – Sing starts at 9:00 pm
- Summer Nights Series at Cabin John Village: Live music and kids activities start at 6:30PM before the show at sundown.
- June 2 – Moana starts at 8:30 pm
- July 7 – Top Gun Maverick starts 8:30 pm
- August 4 – Toy Story starts 8:00 pm
- September 1 – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off starts at 7:30 pm
- October 6 – Encanto starts at 7:30 pm
Guide to Outdoor Movies in VA
- Movie Night on the Village at Landsowne Town Center: Find a variety of free outdoor family-friendly fun plus free movies at Landsowne Town Center.
- June 16 – Luca starts approximately at 9:00 pm
- July 14 – Puss in Boots: The Last Wish starts approximately at 8:45 pm
- August 11 – Bad Guys starts approximately at 8:30 pm
- Films in the Park at Mosaic: the Strawberry park turns into an open-air theater showing free family-friendly movies. Weekly from 7-9:30 pm see a fun movie.
- June 22 – Family Camp
- June 29 – In & Out (PG-13)
- July 6 – Top Gun: Maverick
- July 13 – Fast X
- July 20 – Puss In Boots: The Last Wish
- July 27 – Ticket to Paradise
- August 3 – The Super Mario Bros. Movie
- August 10 – Moana
- August 17 – E.T.
- Tysons Corner Outdoor Movies: Tysons Corner Center Summer on The Plaza is a free series of outdoor movies that takes place on The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center. Movies are from 7:00-9:00 pm on select Fridays throughout the summer.
- June 30 – E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
- July 28 – Boss Baby: The Family Business
- August 18 – Matilda
- Starr Hill Movie Nights: The Perch Tysons is a restaurant and brewery that hosts free outdoor movies on select Sundays throughout the summer. Movies begin at 6pm.
- Select Sunday evenings at 6 pm
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Rosslyn Cinema Outdoor Movie Festival: In Rosslyn, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from D.C., the Rosslyn Cinema Outdoor Movie Festival takes place during the summer. The movies are shown at Gateway Park, and admission is free.
- June 2 – Jumanji begins at sundown (around 8:45/9 pm)
- June 9 – Shrek begins at sundown (around 8:45/9 pm)
- June 16 – Moana (plus free face painters!) begins at sundown (around 8:45/9 pm)
- June 23 – The Parent Trap begins at sundown (around 8:45/9 pm)
Outdoor movies have become a cherished staple of summer entertainment, but be sure to check all of our fun guides for summer: Best Pools for Families in DC, MD, VA, Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun, and the DC Summer Bucket List. And if you are planning a beach vacation, check out our guide to Kid-Friendly All-Inclusive Resorts.
