Categories: Outdoor PlaySummer

Outdoor summer movies in and around Washington, DC

Photo; The REACH

The Drive-In at Union Market – Washington, DC
Let’s roll down the windows, feel that warm breeze and turn up the radio because the 11th Annual Drive-In at Union Market is back. A DC “must-do,” the series of eight movies launches April 7, and will continue on the first and third Friday of every month through July 21st. Movie audio will be transmitted through an FM transmitter on the radio and through speakers placed on Neal Place. As always, all movies are shown with open captioning. The movie plays rain or shine! Each movie showing costs $20 per car. “Sold Out” means that all 170 parking spaces have been reserved. All sales are final, no refunds issued.

  • July 7: Top Gun Maverick
  • July 21: Hairspray

Starlight Cinema – Fairfax, VA
Welcome to another exciting season of Starlight Drive-in Cinema. These movie nights bring the community together and nurture community spirit with features that appeal to both children and adults. The 2023 season provides four movies, free for the public to enjoy. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal so feel free to bring a picnic, blanket and chairs, and enjoy the movies.

  • Aug 5: Minions: The Rise of Gru
  • Aug 12: Lightyear
  • Aug 19: Bad Guys
  • Aug 26: DC League of Super Pets

Movies in the Park – Montgomery County, MD
Get outside this summer and get into Rockville’s free outdoor movies in the parks on the big screen. Enjoy four different movies at four different neighborhood parks throughout the city. Movies begin at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.) and are free. Bring your own chairs, blankets, food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Bengie’s Drive-In – Middle River, MD
The BIGGEST movie theatre screen in the USA! Bengie’s offers TriPPPle features almost every Friday and Saturday night, DouBBle features on Sunday night with non-stop projection. The show always begins with the National Anthem. In between movies, they play intermission clips, classic cartoons, and vintage trailers. On Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, they have Dusk till Dawn, All Nite Shows!

Extraordinary Cinema at The REACH– Washington, DC
Join for FREE film screenings outdoors on the REACH Video Wall. Films start at sundown or around 8:30 p.m.

  • June 30: The Iron Giant
  • July 7: Jaws
  • July 14: True Grit
  • July 21: Fantastic Mr. Fox
  • July 28: The Princess Bride
  • Aug. 4: Moana
  • Aug. 11: Close Encounters of the Third Kid
  • Aug. 18: A League of Their Own
  • Aug. 25: O Brother, Where Art Thou?

DowntownDC Summer Flicks – CAN I KICK IT? – Washington, DC
This movie series is back for its sixth season at Franklin Park! This free event series begins June 1 and will run every Thursday evening through July 13. Join us for action-packed films, live DJs, and more. Seating starts at 7:30 p.m., when guests can enjoy music by an impressive lineup of special guest DJs. All movies are mixed with a LIVE music soundtrack of Hip Hop & Soul by Shaolin Jazz‘s own DJ 2-Tone Jones. Movies start at sunset. Attendees can expect free swag items while supplies last, fun movie trivia with prizes, and so much more! Moviegoers can also enjoy 20% off from Pow Pow using code “canikickit” for online and in store orders (ordering ahead is strongly encouraged).

  • June 29: Everything Everywhere All At Once 
  • July 6: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings 
  • July 13: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade 

Summer Movies on the Lawn– Washington, DC
The Library of Congress will host its annual “Summer Movies on the Lawn” series starting July 6. The series featuring films from the Library’s National Film Registry will be presented Thursday evenings at sundown on the southeast lawn of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building. Music will be presented prior to each film, with live performances on July 6, July 20 and Aug. 3. Music for the evening will begin at 7 p.m., followed by the film at sundown. Located on the corner of 2nd Street SE and Independence Avenue, the southeast lawn of the Thomas Jefferson Building is a scenic space to enjoy films on Capitol Hill. No tickets are required, but visitors are encouraged to arrive early as space is limited. Visitors must stay with their items on the lawn at all times. 

  • July 6: Iron Man (2008)
  • July 13: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
  • July 20: Shrek (2001)
  • July 27: Groundhog Day (1993)
  • Aug. 3: Mary Poppins (1964)
  • Aug. 10: Jaws (1975)

The series is a feature of the new Library after hours experience, Live at the Library. From 5 – 8 p.m. on Thursday evenings, visitors are invited to enjoy happy hour drinks and snacks available for purchase in the Great Hall overlooking the Capitol and the Thomas Jefferson Building’s beautiful architecture while immersing themselves in the Library’s exhibits, collections and programs. Free timed-entry passes for entrance to the Thomas Jefferson Building are required and can be reserved here.

Movie Under the Stars – Cabin John, MD
Movies Under the Stars will screen every second Friday on the plaza. Film lovers can watch their favorite flicks on the outdoor screen while sitting picnic-style in Cabin John Village’s plaza. Live music and kids’ activities available from 6:30 pm.

  • July 7: Top Gun Maverick, movie starts at 8:30pm
  • Aug. 4: Toy Story, movie starts at 8:00pm
  • Sept. 1: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, movie starts at 7:30pm
  • Oct. 6: Encanto, movie starts at 7:30pm

Family Drive-In – Stephens City, VA
This is a two screen, 65 year old classic, 484 car drive-in theatre. They offer movie sound via the traditional speakers or via stereo sound (through your car radio). There is a concession stand that offers theatre snacks or full meals. The space has a playground and is pet friendly.

Sunset Cinema at the Wharf – Washington, DC
All summer long, come to The Wharf for free movies on Transit Pier presented by Pacifico onThursday evenings starting at 7:00pm. With action movies, rom-coms, blockbusters, and classics, there is something for everyone

  • June 29: Top Gun: Maverick
  • July 6: Forrest Gump
  • July 20: Bend It Like Beckham
  • July 27: Where the Crawdads Sing
  • August 3: A Dog’s Purpose
  • August 10: The Sandlot
  • August 17: Ratatouille
  • August 24: School of Rock
  • August 31: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Bethesda Outdoor Movies – Bethesda, MD
Enjoy three nights of blockbuster hits at downtown Bethesda’s 19th annual outdoor movie series!  Show times begin at 9pm at the corner of Norfolk & Auburn Avenues. A limited number of chairs will be provided – please bring your own lawn chairs. Admission is FREE! Spend an enjoyable evening in Woodmont Triangle and have dinner at one of the neighborhood’s delicious and diverse restaurants before the show!

  • July 28: Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody
  • Aug. 5: 50 First Dates
  • Aug. 11: Top Gun: Maverick

Movie Night in the Park at the UDC Amphitheater – Van Ness, DC
The park will be open one hour before showtime to select your seats and enjoy food and drinks before (or during!) the show. Seating is limited and will be based on capacity limits provided by UDC. Outside food and drink, including alcoholic beverages, are permitted. Please support our local restaurants and eateries during Movie Night!

  • June 28: Sister Act
  • July 19: 101 Dalmatians (1996)
  • July 26: Minions: The Rise of Gru

Mosaic – Strawberry Park, VA
Films in the Park are every Thursday evening at 7pm through August 17. Film lovers can watch their favorite flicks on the larger-than-life outdoor screen while sitting picnic-style in Strawberry Park. All movies are shown rain or shine unless otherwise noted.

  • June 29: In & Out
  • July 6 Top Gun: Maverick
  • July 13 Fast X
  • July 20 Puss In Boots: The Last Wish
  • July 27 Ticket to Paradise
  • Aug. 3: The Super Mario Bros. Movie
  • Aug. 10: Moana
  • Aug. 17: E.T.

Adam’s Morgan Movie Nights – Adams Morgan, DC

Voted as one of the best outdoor movie series in DC by readers of the Washington City Paper, Adams Morgan Movie Nights is a can’t-miss event!This year’s series focuses on “The Road Less Traveled,” showcasing movies that find our heroes on a quest of one sort or another. Series runs from May-June.

  • June 27: Shrek (Family Night)

Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor – National Harbor, MD
Pack your chairs, grab food to go from one of the delicious dining establishments, and meet on the Plaza’s big screen for a *FREE* evening of fun for all ages! Family Movie Nights: Sundays at 6pm | Date Night Movies: Thursdays at 7pm

  • 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
  • July 27: Gracie
  • July 30: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
  • Aug. 3: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
  • Aug. 6: Incredibles
  • Aug. 10: A Journal for Jordan
  • Aug. 13: Incredibles 2
  • Aug. 17: Invictus
  • Aug. 20: Air Bud: World Pup
  • Aug. 24: Sister Act
  • Aug. 27: Space Jam: A New Legacy
  • Aug. 31: Cruella
  • Sept. 3: Shrek
  • Sept. 7: A Man Called Otto
  • Sept. 10: Shrek 2
  • Sept. 14: Coming 2 America
  • Sept. 17: Coco
  • Sept. 21: La Bamba
  • Sept. 24: Encanto
  • Sept. 28: Maid in Manhattan
Allison

Share
Published by
Allison

Recent Posts

Family-Friendly Fall Foliage Spots and Drives in and near Washington, D.C.

Autumn in Washington, D.C., is one of the most magical times of the year for…

6 hours ago

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

Family Fun at The National Gallery of Art All weekend long eventsPumpkin Chunkin at Great…

4 days ago

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

This weekend has much to offer those wanting to celebrate fall and Halloween! It is…

1 week ago

Spook-tacular Halloween Events for Families in the Washington, D.C. Area

As Halloween approaches, there’s no shortage of family-friendly events in and around Washington, D.C. Whether…

3 weeks ago

The Perfect Day Trip to Frederick, MD with Kids

Looking for a fun-filled family adventure close to Washington, D.C.? Look no further than Frederick,…

2 months ago

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

Looking for exciting things to do in Washington, DC this weekend? Whether you're a local…

2 months ago