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 Washington, DC
1. United States Navy Memorial
Movies on the Memorial, hosted by the United States Navy Memorial, are back this summer! Enjoy an exciting line up of Navy and DC themed movies. Movies begin at dusk. Bring your chair and sit under the stars at 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.
- June 6 @ 3:00 PM – National Treasure (*Special Indoor Screening in conjunction with National Archives Spirit of Independence Festival)
- June 11 – Captain America: The First Avenger
- June 18 – Miracle (Washington Capitals Giveaways & Prize Opportunities)
- June 25 – Apollo 13 (Honoring 2003 Lone Sailor Award Recipient CAPT Jim Lovell, Commander of Apollo 13)
2. The Drive-In at Union Market
The Drive-In at Union Market is a drive-in theater offering the classic big-screen experience under the stars. Tickets are $25 per car. No tickets are needed to watch on Neal Place.
- May 8 – Mulan
- June 5 – Barbie
- July 10 – Iron Man
- August 14 – F1 the Movie
- September 4 – Mean Girls
- October 9 – The Addams Family
3. 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 Saturday nights throughout the summer.
- June 6 – How to Train Your Dragon
- June 13 – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
- June 20 – The Color Purple
4. 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 Thursday nights.
- May 28 – East Side Sushi
- June 4 – Hamilton- Sing Along
- June 11 – Sitar Arts Center Family Night (in partnership with Sitar Arts Center to present winning films from their student-produced set in DC Film Festival)
- June 18 – MILK (pride night)
- June 25 – Kangaroo
- July 2 – Rain Makeup (movie TBD)
5. Sunset Cinema at the Wharf
Sunset Cinema at The Wharf is a family-friendly, free movie series that takes place on the Transit Pier at The Wharf. Movies are shown on Wednesday nights.
- May 27 – Everything Everywhere All At Once
- June 3 – Shrek 2
- June 10 – Hairspray
- June 17 – Sinners
- July 1 – National Treasure: Book of Secrets
- July 8 – Hamilton
- July 15 – A League of Their Own
- July 22 – Catch Me if You Can
- July 29 – Apollo 13
- August 5 – Roman Holiday
- August 12 – 10 Things I Hate About You
- August 19 – F1
- August 26 – Project Hail Mary
- September 2 – When Harry Met Sally + First Wives Club
6. Library of Congress
At sundown on Thursday evenings, starting July 9th, enjoy movies on the southeast lawn which is on the corner of 2nd Street SE and Independence Avenue — at the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building.
- July 9 – Clueless
- July 16 – Rocky
- July 23 – Back to the Future
- July 30 – A League of Their Own
- August 6 – Apollo 13
- August 13 – Rain Date
Guide to Outdoor Movies in MD
1. 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.
- May 31 at 6 pm – Zootopia 2
- May 28 at 7 pm – F1
- June 4 at 7 pm – Captain America: The Winter Solider
- June 7 at 6 pm – Miracle
- June 11 at 7 pm – Captain America: Brave New World
- June 18 at 7 pm – Song Sung Blue
- June 21 at 6 pm – Remember the Titans
- June 25 at 7 pm – Apollo 13
- June 28 at 6 pm – Hoppers
- July 2 at 7 pm – Hamilton
- July 5 at 6 pm – Back to the Future
- July 9 at 7 pm – Dave
- July 12 at 6 pm – October Sky
- July 16 at 7 pm – Rocky
- July 19 at 6 pm – Freakier Friday
- July 23 at 7 pm – The American President
- July 26 at 6 pm – Sarah’s Oil
- July 30 at 7 pm – Forrest Gump
- August 2 at 6 pm – First Kid
- August 6 at 7 pm – Top Gun
- August 9 at 6 pm – Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie
- August 13 at 7 pm – Top Gun Maverick
- August 16 at 6 pm – Elio
- August 20 at 7 pm – Creed
- August 23 at 6 pm – Babe
- August 27 at 7 pm – Michael
- August 30 at 6 pm – Little Giants
- September 3 at 7 pm – Clueless
- September 6 at 6 pm – Rudy
- September 10 at 7 pm – Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning
2. Movies in the Parks *Check back for 2026 movies and locations*
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.
- July 30, 2025 – Movie TBD at Fallsgrove Park 700 Fallsgrove Dr.
- August 6, 2025 – Movie TBD at Montrose Park 451 Congressional Ln.
- August 13, 2025 – Movie TBD at Isreal Park 357 Fredrick Ave.
- August 20, 2025 – Movie TBD at Woodley Gardens Park 900 Nelson St.
3. Whalen Fridays on the Commons Series
This is a free series of entertainment that takes place at Whalen Commons Park in Poolesville. They host a variety of themed nights throughout the summer.
- July 10 – Family Night + Movie
- August 7 – Family Night + Movie
4. Bengies Drive-In Theatre
Enjoy this drive-in theater that shows classic and new movies. It is located in Glen Burnie, Maryland.
- See a variety of shows on different days. There are gobs of options!
5. 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 4650 Willow Lane (behind the Women’s Farm Market in the County Parking Lot).
- July 25 – Ocean’s 8
- July 31 – La La Land
- August 7 – Bring It On
6. Summer Nights Series at Cabin John Village
Live music and kids activities start at 6:30PM before the show at sundown.
- June 12 – Mamma Mia!
- July 10 – Encanto
- August 14 – Parent Trap
- September 11 – Toy Story
- October 9 – Hotel Transylvania
Guide to Outdoor Movies in VA
1. 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. Happening on one Friday night each month this summer.
- June 12 – Lilo & Stitch
- July 10 – Zootopia 2
- August 14 – How to Train Your Dragon
2. Films in the Park at Mosaic*Check back for 2026 movies
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 18 – TBD
- June 25 – TBD
- July 2 – TBD
- July 9 – TBD
- July 16 – TBD
- July 23 – TBD
- July 30 – TBD
- August 6 – TBD
- August 13 – TBD
- August 20 – TBD
3. Summerbration at Reston Station
Summerbration at Reston Station is a series of free events celebrating summer! It features live music, movies, family-friendly activities, and even wellness events.
- June 6 – Rudy
- June 13 – Back to the Future
- June 20 – Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
- June 27 – Big
- July 4 – The Sandlot
- July 11 – Cars
- July 18 – The Bad Guys
- July 25 – The Parent Trap
- August 1 – Minions
- August 8 – Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
- August 15 – The Secret Life of Pets
- August 22 – School of Rock
- August 29 – Pitch Perfect
4. Movies Under the Moon
Movies Under the Moon is a free outdoor movie night series held at various parks in Fairfax, Virginia.
- June 12 – Zootopia at Pat Rodio Park
- July 10 – The Lego Movie at Providence Park
- August 14 – Honey, I Shrunk the Kids at Ratcliffe Park
- September 11 – The Secret Life of Pets at Kutner Park
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.
