One of our favorite Washington, D.C., area summer traditions is back: outdoor movie nights!
You can find a movie under the stars almost every night of the week at venues including the Kennedy Center, the historic Congressional Cemetery, National Harbor and parks throughout Northern Virginia.
So, grab a blanket and chairs, pack some popcorn and settle in for a movie night with your neighbors.
Scroll to find sections for Maryland and Virginia. We've organized these lists starting with the movie series that begin earliest in the season.
DC outdoor movies
Library of Congress Summer Movies on the Lawn
📅 Thursdays through Aug. 8
📍 Thomas Jefferson Building lawn at the corner of 2nd Street SE and Independence Avenue
💲 Free
🔗 Details
Every summer, the Library of Congress screens selections from the National Film Registry. This August, watch "Rocky" (Aug. 1) and "Lady and the Tramp" (Aug. 8).
Movies on the Memorial
📅 Thursdays at sunset through Aug. 1
📍 U.S. Navy Memorial
💲 Free
🔗 Details
Head to downtown D.C. for some classic movies including "Night at the Museum" (July 18), "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" (July 25) and "Top Gun" (Aug. 1).
Lawn Flicks
📅 Thursdays at 9 p.m. from June 6 to Aug. 27
📍 Hi-Lawn at Union Market
💲 Free
🔗 Details
Head to the rooftop above Union Market for some of the most-loved summer movies from the 1980s to today.
You can rent lawn chair seating for $5 via Resy, or bring your own picnic blanket.
Hi-Lawn will offer also curated movie “picnic baskets,” drink specials including $6 cans of Happy Thursday refreshers and $69 bottles of Veuve Clicquot.
Head to the movie nights early for free trivia from 7-9 p.m. No reservations or registration are required.
Kids are allowed at movie nights, but dogs have to stay home.
“You are welcome to bring outside food specifically from Union Market vendors downstairs, or can bring outside cakes/cupcakes for special celebrations. But all outside alcohol is strictly prohibited,” Hi-Lawn’s FAQ says.
Here’s the full schedule:
- June 6: "Dirty Dancing"
- June 13: "The Birdcage"
- June 20: "Everything, Everywhere All At Once"
- June 27: "The Big Lebowski"
- July 4: no movie during the holiday celebration
- July 11: "Jaws"
- July 18: "Ferris Bueller"
- July 25: "Top Gun: Maverick"
- August 1: "Clueless"
- August 8: "One Love"
- August 15: "Friday"
- August 22: "Footloose"
- August 27: "Breakfast Club"
Movies on the Pitch
📅 Select Thursdays
📍 Audi Field
💲 Free, but reservations required
🔗 Details
Catch some relatively new blockbusters right from the green at Audi Field. The screenings are free, but you’ll need to reserve a ticket on Fevo. Ticket sales will begin two weeks before each movie.
- May 30: “The Little Mermaid” (2023)
- June 6: “Barbie”
- June 20: “Mean Girls” (2024)
- June 27 – "The Marvels"
- July 18 – "Wonka"
Audi Field is set to open the gates at 6:30 p.m. before the 7:30 p.m. show time. Chairs, outside food and alcohol and bags larger than 14 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches are not allowed inside. Here’s the full bag policy.
Sunset Cinema
📅 Thursdays through Aug. 29
📍 Transit Pier at The Wharf
💲 Free
🔗 Details
The Wharf's movie nights include classics and newer releases for all ages. Movies are set to begin at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
A few chairs will be available, but it's a good idea to bring your own blanket or folding chairs. You're allowed to bring food from any Wharf restaurant, as well. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for weather updates.
Here's the full list:
- May 30: "Toy Story 2"
- June 6: "Love & Basketball"
- June 13: "Mean Girls" (2004)
- June 20: "Captain Phillips"
- June 27: "50 First Dates"
- July 11: "Angels in the Outfield"
- July 18: "Dreamgirls"
- July 25: "King Richard"
- Aug. 1: "Top Gun: Maverick"
- Aug. 8: "Boys in the Boat"
- Aug. 15: "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again"
- Aug. 22: "Wonka"
- Aug. 29: "Soul"
Cinematery: Summer of Spirits
📅 May 31, plus first Fridays of July, August and September
📍 Congressional Cemetery (Southeast D.C.)
💲 $10 per person recommended donation
🔗 Details
Congressional Cemetery is leaning into its spooky surroundings by reviving some ghostly films.
You're welcome to bring your own food and beverages, including alcohol, or pick up something from the snack bar.
Here's the full schedule:
- May 31: "Beetlejuice" (June 14 rain date)
- July 5: "The Sixth Sense" (July 12 rain date)
- Aug. 2: "The Haunted Mansion" (Aug. 9 rain date)
- Sept. 6: "Casper" (Sept. 13 rain date)
Extraordinary Cinema at The REACH
📅 Fridays, May 31 to Aug. 30
📍 The REACH at the Kennedy Center
💲 Free
🔗Details
The Kennedy Center will present outdoor films all summer long in its Extraordinary Cinema series. The REACH Video Wall, situated near the Potomac River, is a picturesque spot to spend a summer evening. Come early and prepared with a blanket or chair and snacks. There's a snack bar on site, and bathrooms are available inside the REACH building.
This season, expect a diverse lineup of films including classic action flicks, documentaries and family films, including "Elemental" (June 21), "In the Heights" (July 5), Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window" (Aug. 9) and "Free Solo" (Aug. 16).
The Drive-In at Union Market
📅 First and third Fridays
📍 Union Market (Northeast D.C.)
💲 Free walk-ins, or $20 per car
🔗 Details
The Drive-In at Union Market is back for its 11th season.
Showings cost $20 per car. Audio is played over the FM radio.
This drive-in is open to those without a car: You can walk up to Neal Place, and audio will be played over speakers.
Of course, you're welcome to hit up any of Union Market's eateries for snacks or dinner. Alcoholic drinks are only permitted at Neal Place, not in the parking lot.
Here's the schedule:
- June 2: "King Richard"
- June 16: "Clueless"
- July 7: "Top Gun: Maverick"
- July 21: "Hairspray"
Films at the Stone
📅 One Friday per month
📍 Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial (Southwest D.C.)
💲 Free
🔗Details
Catch a film at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial to watch stories of individuals who displayed love and courage.
This year's films are:
- June 21: "Elemental"
- July 19: "Kung Fu Panda 4"
- Aug. 16: "The Little Mermaid" (2023)
The films start at 8 pm. Organizers suggest coming early with blankets or low-profile lawn chairs.
Van Ness Main Street Movie Night in the Park
📅 Wednesdays, June 26 and July 31, plus Saturday, Sept. 14
📍 UDC Ampitheater (Northwest D.C.)
💲 Free
🔗 Details
Watch "Barbie" (June 26), "Aquaman" (July 31) and "Spy Kids" (Sept. 14) at the University of the District of Columbia's outdoor amphitheater. There are wooden seats, but you can bring a cushion or blanket to up the "cozy" factor.
You're allowed to bring food and drinks, including alcohol, organizers say.
Maryland outdoor movies
Summer Movie Nights
📅 Friday, Aug. 16
📍 Cosca Regional Park in Clinton
💲 Free
🔗 Details
Watch the family-favorite "Kung Fu Panda 4" under the stars in Clinton, Maryland.
Movies in the Park: Watkins Regional Park
📅 Fridays through Aug. 9
📍 Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro
💲 Free
🔗 Details
Bring the whole family, plus a picnic and lawn chairs, to watch some relatively new releases including "Kung Fu Panda 4" (July 19), "The Little Mermaid" (2019) (July 26) and "Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" (Aug. 9).
Movies on the Potomac (National Harbor)
📅 Thursday date night movies and Sunday family night movies through September
📍 National Harbor
💲 Free
🔗 Details
Movies on the Potomac are back! Pack your chairs, grab food to go and meet at the plaza’s big screen for free fun with Thursday date night movies beginning at 7 p.m. and Sunday family night movies beginning at 6 p.m.
All you need to bring is a chair or a blanket to enjoy these free screenings. Food is available to purchase at nearby restaurants.
Movies on the Beach (North Beach)
📅 One Saturday a month
📍 North Beach (Calvert County)
💲 Free
🔗 Details
Bring a beach chair for family-friendly films projected onto a giant inflatable screen right on the sand.
Here's the schedule:
- June 15: "Elemental"
- July 13: "Top Gun: Maverick"
- Aug. 17: "Lady and the Tramp"
- Sept. 21: "Migration"
FYI: There's also a Movies on the Beach series in Ocean City, Maryland, if you're heading to the shore.
Bethesda Outdoor Movies
📅 Fri, July 26; Sat. Aug. 2 and Fri., Aug. 9
📍 Woodmont Triangle, Corner of Norfolk & Auburn avenues
💲 Free
🔗 Details
Some chairs will be provided, but it's a good idea to bring your own. Screenings begin about 9 p.m.
This year's movies are:
- July 26: "Men in Black"
- Aug. 2: "Battle of the Sexes"
- Aug. 9: "Sister Act"
Movies in the Parks (Rockville)
📅 Wednesdays, July 31 to Aug. 21
📍 Various locations
💲 Free
🔗 Details
Explore four Rockville parks to see some well-loved family films on select Wednesday nights. Each movie is set to begin at dusk; you're encouraged to bring your own blanket, chairs, food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- July 31: "The Emperor's New Groove" at Fallsgrove Park
- Aug. 7: "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" at Montrose Park
- Aug. 14: "Encanto" at Calvin Park
- Aug. 21: "Matilda" at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park
Virginia outdoor movies
Lovettsville's Summer on the Green
📅 Various dates starting Saturday, May 25
📍 Lovettsville Town Green
💲 Free
🔗 Details
Check out the movie listings on the Lovettsville Facebook page throughout the summer.
Summerbration (Reston)
📅 Saturdays, June 1 to Aug. 31
📍 Reston Station Metro Plaza
💲 Free
🔗 Details
Go for gold with Reston's sports-themed movie nights every Saturday starting at 6:30 p.m.
Many screenings are paired with special events, including "Cool Runnings" with a Jamaican food truck (June 15) and an inflatable batting cage for "The Sandlot" (July 27) and "Angels in the Outfield" (Aug. 24).
South Riding Movie Night
📅 Every other Tuesday, June 11 to Aug. 13
📍 Town Green or SRC Stage
💲 Free
🔗 Details
Bring a blanket or chairs to watch family-friendly movies every other Tuesday at the Town Green or SRC Stage. The movies start at sunset. Check the schedule for movie listings.
Mosaic Films in the Park (Fairfax)
📅 Thursdays, June 20 through Aug. 15
📍 Strawberry Park in Fairfax, Virginia
💲 Free
🔗 Details
The large outdoor screen will show a mix of PG and PG-13 films starting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays from June 20 to Aug. 15.
The schedule is:
- June 20: "Barbie"
- June 27: "High School Musical 2"
- July 4: "Top Gun: Maverick"
- July 11: "Migration"
- July 18: "Trolls Band Together"
- July 25: "Wish"
- Aug. 1: "The Marvels"
- Aug. 8: "PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie"
- Aug. 15: "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3"
Columbia Pike Movie Nights
📅📍 Fridays at Arlington Mill and Saturdays at Penrose Square starting in July
💲 Free
🔗 Details
Set up a blanket or lawn chairs and get comfy for outdoor movies at two locations in Columbia Pike.
Arlington Mill will run movies on Fridays from July 5 to Aug. 23, while Penrose Square offers a Saturday night out from July 6 to Aug. 24. Visit the website for the full schedule and more information.
Movies, which will be shown in English with Spanish subtitles, are set to begin between 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Leashed pets are welcome, but alcohol is not allowed.
Past events
Adams Morgan Movie Nights
📅 Tuesdays, May 21 to June 25
📍 Soccer field at Marie Reed Elementary (Northwest D.C.)
💲 Free
🔗 Details
Gear up for the Summer Olympics with sports-themed movies every Tuesday on the soccer field at Marie Reed Elementary.
Screenings are scheduled to begin about 9 p.m.
Here's the full schedule:
- Tuesday, May 21: "Bring It On"
- Tuesday, May 28: "I, Tonya"
- Tuesday, June 4: "Bend It Like Beckham"
- Tuesday, June 11: "Battle of the Sexes" (Pride Night)
- Tuesday, June 18: "Race"
- Tuesday, June 25: "Space Jam"
CiNoMatic (NoMA)
📅 Wednesdays through June 5
📍 Alethia Tanner Park (Northeast D.C.)
💲 Free
🔗 Details
Go on an "epic expedition" right on the big screen in Alethia Tanner Park. Movies begin at sunset; registration is recommended, the NoMA BID says.
Here's the schedule:
- May 22: "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"
- May 29: "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull"
- June 12: "The Goonies"
Rosslyn Cinema
📅 Fridays in June
📍 Gateway Park
💲 Free
🔗 Details
Watch "Hairspray" (June 7), "The Secret Life of Pets" (June 14) and "Barbie" (June 21) under the stars in Gateway Park. Each night is set to include extra family-friendly activities.
Beer and wine sales are set to begin at 6 p.m. Movies will begin just after sundown.
Downtown DC Summer Flicks
📅 Thursdays at sunset from June 6 to July 18, except July 4
📍 Franklin Park
💲 Free
🔗 Details
DowntownDC is putting blockbusters on the big screen in Franklin Park, which is near the McPherson Square Metro station.
The fun starts at 7:30 p.m. each Thursday with a live DJ, followed by the movie at sunset. Bring your own chairs or blankets!
On July 18, DowntownDC will pay tribute to Prince with a special mini-concert by Grammy nominee Edward "Junie" Henderson before screening “Under the Cherry Moon,” a romantic musical starring Prince.
Here’s the full schedule:
- June 6: “The Equalizer 3”
- June 13: “The Marvels”
- June 20: “Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3”
- June 27: “Wonka”
- July 11: “John Wick Chapter 4”
- July 18: “Under The Cherry Moon” for A Night With Prince in the Park
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