Summer Nights Under the Stars: Outdoor Movie Screenings in DC
Nothing says summer like a blanket spread over bursting green grass still warm from a baking hot afternoon while a classic movie begins to flicker on the projector screen under the just appearing stars. Children run between islands of picnic blankets, dodging paper plate dinners (or not) and dogs bark excitedly at the action as vendors on roller skates offer popcorn and other treats. Sound like the perfect summer evening? You’re in luck: free, outdoor movie screenings and summer movie festivals abound in DC in a variety of family-friendly settings. From animated classics for the kids to poignant documentary pieces, the city’s wide array of outdoor movie offerings promises something for everyone, and best of all—they’re free! Check out the schedule of all DC, Virginia and Maryland outdoor movies from DC Outdoor Films, then, grab the kids, your dog or a date and head to one of these open-air movie events in your neighborhood.
Movie Nights in Adams Morgan
Tuesdays May 19, May 26, June 2, June 9, June 16, rain date June 23
Marie Reed Elementary School soccer field
Movies begin 30 minutes after sundown
The new Adams Morgan movie night series boasts a 5-week line up of crowd pleasers including Oscar, SAG and Golden Globe winner Whiplash; the Sundance documentary Rich Hill; and the classic The Bicycle Thief. The first two weeks’ film screenings are up to a reader’s poll vote for readers of Popville and Brightest Young Things – follow the links to check out their sites and cast your vote.
Capital Riverfront Outdoor Movies
Thursdays June 4 – September 3
Showings begin at sundown
The 14-week outdoor movie series from Capital Riverfront features films with characters “whose decisions have shaped the world, space and time.” The line-up includes crowd favorites Back to the Future, The LEGO Movie and The Goonies among others. Movie-goers are invited to arrive early and bring picnic supplies. Visit the website for the full line up and more info.
Carter Barron Amphitheatre Movie Night
Saturday August 22 and Sunday August 23
Carter Barron Amphitheatre in Rock Creek Park
Gates open at 7 pm, showings begin at dusk
The Carter Barron Amphitheatre in Rock Creek Park will host screenings of Frozen and Macbeth as part of free outdoor summer concert series. No tickets are required but admission is first-come, first-served so arrive early for an evening of family fun in a beautiful, DC woodland setting.
Drive-In Movies at Union Market
Fridays June 5, June 12, June 19, June 26
Union Market parking lot
Parking lot opens at 6 pm, showings at 8 pm
The summer drive-in movie series at Union Market celebrates the 80’s and 90’s with screenings of Pretty Woman, Beverly Hills Cop, Space Jam and Jurassic Park. Reservations are available for cars ($10/vehicle) and admission is free for car-less moviegoers with first-come, first-serve picnic tables available. Movies will be projected onto the exterior front wall at Union Market and the DC Rollergirls will be on site delivering carhop service for refreshments.
Dupont Circle: Cinema in the Circle
2015 Schedule TBA
Films at the Stone- Martin Luther King Memorial
2015 Schedule TBA
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Gateway DC Summer Film Series
2015 Schedule TBA
Golden Cinema Series
Fridays May 22 – July 31
Movies begin at sunset
An 11-week, free, outdoor movie festival, this year’s Golden Cinema Series features screenings of The Devil Wears Prada, Hook, Miss Congeniality and others and includes dinner-and-a-movie deals from area retailers. See the 2015 schedule here, pack up your picnic blanket and head to Farragut Square for summer movie fun!
Jane Austen Outdoor Film Series
2015 Schedule TBA
Dumbarton House
NoMa Summer Screen
Wednesdays May 27 – August 12
Movies start at dark
This year’s NoMa Summer Screen theme is “Dance, Dance, Dance!” and screenings include Dirty Dancing, Center Stage and Flashdance among other dance movie classics. Arrive early for picnicking, food truck fun, music, giveaways and more.
Screen on the Green
2015 Schedule TBA
National Mall between 7th and 12th Streets
U Street Outdoor Movie Series – Harrison Field Under the Stars
2015 Schedule TBA
Harrison Playground field
(Photo source istockphoto # 8959876 used with license)
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