Catch a free movie under the summer stars at one of these outdoor film festivals.
Summer loving happened so fast, didn’t it? The sun's out longer, the temperature is rising, and it’s time to enjoy the warm weather. As the summer days turn into summer nights, grab some blankets, invite your loved ones, and check out some of these amazing outdoor film series for a free movie screening right under the summer stars.
Adams Morgan Movie Nights | 2201 18th Street NW
Looking to blast off into space this summer? Well, head to 17th Street for Adams Morgan Movie Nights. This year, movie lovers can bring their chairs, blankets, or sleeping bags at 8 p.m. on select Tuesdays to catch some out-of-this-world sci-fi films. On some evenings, the outdoor theater will also invite special guests from the National Air and Space Museum to chat with fans about the science behind the films and set up telescopes for you to see a galaxy far, far away. Check out their interstellar schedule below, and be sure to arrive early to get a free cookie from Insomnia Cookies.
May 21: Armageddon (pre-show by AirSpace, podcast of the Air and Space Museum)
May 28: Alien
June 4: Spaceballs
June 11: Apollo 11 (including guests from the Air and Space Museum to chat about the movie)
June 18: E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial
Capitol Riverfront Outdoor Movie Series | Canal Park, 200 M St. SE
As the sun sets on Thursday nights, be sure to catch the stars lighting up the big screen at Canal Park. This year, the Capitol Riverfront Outdoor Movie Series has an incredible star-studded lineup that was voted on and created by the public. Therefore, you’re sure to find a movie that’ll make you laugh, cry, and scream. Be at the park as early as 7 p.m. to grab a good spot on the lawn, and check out the schedule below to see what popular new movies are playing at Canal Park this summer.
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: Incredibles 2
August 22: Bohemian Rhapsody
DowntownDC Summer Flicks
Are superhero movies your thing? Then you definitely need to check out the DowntownDC Summer Flicks at Freedom Plaza. This year, DowntownDC Summer Flicks is teaming up with Shaolin Jazz to provide a multimedia movie screening engagement. This means that each screening will feature a Marvel film scored with a live original soundtrack of hip hop, soul, and more by DJ 2-Tone Jones. As you groove to the movie, also check out their martial arts demo, outdoor games, and complimentary popcorn. Films start at 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday in June, and then a couple in July as well.
June 4: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
June 11: Black Panther
June 18: Deadpool
June 25: Thor: Ragnarok
July 2: Avengers: Infinity War
July 9: Captain Marvel
Films at the Stone | Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Washington, D.C., is known for its history and monumental monuments. Therefore, Films at the Stone provides audiences the chance to become a part of history. It’s the only summer film series at a memorial on the National Mall and showcases films about the best of human strength, love, and courage. If you want to become part of movie history, head to the National Mall at 7 p.m. and catch the following award-winning films at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.
June 20: BlacKkKlansman
July 18: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
August 28: The Hate U Give
Georgetown Sunset Cinema | 3303 Water St. NW
Once you get off work, all you want to do is relax and never think about working ever again. Well, Georgetown Sunset Cinema has just what you need to ease your mind. This year, their 2019 movie theme is “Out of Office” and will feature films about vacations and trips. Movies start at sunset – around 8:30 p.m. – and will allow you to watch films against a panoramic backdrop of the sun falling into the Potomac River. You can even catch several food trucks across the street to pick up the perfect dinner or movie snack.
July 9: Under the Tuscan Sun
July 16: Sandlot
July 23: Little Miss Sunshine
July 30: The Parent Trap (1998 version)
August 6: Eat Pray Love
Golden Cinema Series | Farragut Park, Connecticut Avenue & K Street NW
Every Friday at sunset, watch as Farragut Park transforms into some of your favorite movies. This year, Golden Cinema Series is featuring a lineup of new releases that are sure to bring a smile to your face. So, bring a blanket and pop a squat at Farragut Park to catch some of these popular and family-friendly films.
June 7: Crazy Rich Asians
June 14: A Dog’s Way Home
June 21: Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
June 28: Ocean’s 8
July 12: Mary Poppins Returns
July 19: Incredibles 2
July 26: Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
August 2: Wonder Woman
NoMa Summer Screen | 1150 First Street NE
This year, the NoMa Summer Screen is taking us all out to the ball game with their sports-related films. Called “Who’s Got Game,” this year’s theme will take you through some of the most memorable sports films throughout movie history. And what’s a sports game without snacks? NoMa Summer Screen will also feature numerous food trucks so that you can munch while you watch. These screenings are very popular, so you’ll want to arrive by 7 p.m. to make sure you get a seat.
June 5: The Karate Kid
June 12: Love & Basketball
June 19: Moneyball
June 26: Rudy
July 3: The Sandlot
July 10: I, Tonya
July 17: Bend It Like Beckham
July 24: Remember the Titans
July 31: Bring It On
August 7: Cool Runnings
August 14: She’s the Man
August 21: Best in Show
August 28: reserved for a rain/make-up date
Union Market Drive-In | Union Market, 1309 5th St. NE
If you thought drive-ins were a thing of the past, think again. When you watch a film at the Drive-In at Union Market, you’ll catch a blast from the past with some delicious food, pre-show activities, and amazing family films. This seventh season of the Union Market Drive-In will last from May through October with movies every first Friday of the month. While walk-ins are free, you will have to pay a $15 parking fee per car.
May 3: Dazed and Confused
June 17: Con Air
July 5: A League of Their Own
August 2: Jaws
September 6: Coco
October 4: The Wiz
Movies on the Potomac | National Harbor
Alright, so this one isn’t technically in D.C., but it’s close enough for you to enjoy the weather and watch a movie with your loved ones. This year, Movies on the Potomac is offering two nights of movie magic. Every Thursday at 7 p.m., fall in love again as National Harbor features romantic and action-filled “Date Night” movies. Then, on Sundays at 6 p.m., bring the entire family out for “Movies on the Potomac.” Check out both schedules below and figure out which one sparks your interest.
Date Night
May 2: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
May 9: First Man
May 16: Robin Hood
May 23: Ant-Man and the Wasp
May 30: Crazy Rich Asians
June 6: Spaceballs
June 13: Pele
June 20: Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
June 27: Dream Girls
Movies on the Potomac
May 5: The Little Rascals
May 12: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
May 19: Incredibles 2
May 26: The LEGO Batman Movie
June 2: Cars 3
June 9: Matilda
June 23: Air Bud: World Cup
June 30: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
July 7: Mary Poppins Returns
July 14: Coco
July 21: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
July 28: The LEGO Movie 2
You’ll always have something to do this summer by heading to one of these summer film series. Let us know which movies you’re going to see – and have fun under the summer stars!
