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Photo courtesy of Union Market.
The Complete D.C. Outdoor Movie Guide
April 30, 2023 @ 11:00am
Check out our list of outdoor movie series around the DMV this summer season.
Starting now, you’ll see a movie on a large screen basically everywhere you look in D.C. We rounded up the many locations showing classics, blockbusters and kid-friendly movies all summer long. Make your own movie moment while watching one. Let the montage begin. Note: All movies are free and open to the public unless otherwise stated. We’ll be updating this guide as new movie series are announced.
Skip the scroll — check out whatever series is most convenient for you by clicking below:
Northwest
Can I Kick It? Downtown DC Summer Flicks
Extraordinary Cinema at the REACH
Film in the Field at Mitchell Park
Movie Night in the Park at the UDC Amphitheater
Movies on the Memorial at United States Navy Memorial
Northeast
CiNoMatic at Alethia Tanner Park
Southwest
Films at the Stone at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Movies on the Pitch at Audi Field
Southeast
Movies on the Lawn at Library of Congress
Maryland
Movies on the Potomac at The Plaza at National Harbor
Virginia
Columbia Pike Movie Nights: Fridays at Arlington Mill
Columbia Pick Movie Nights: Saturdays at Penrose Square
Films in the Park at Strawberry Park
Rosslyn Cinema at Gateway Park
Adams Morgan Movie Nights on the Soccer Field at Marie Reed School
Thanks to Hotbed, a standup comedian will kick off each movie night for a local flair. This movie series is extremely popular so you should come early, snag a spot and, if you can swing it, send one of your pals to grab dinner at one of the great establishments nearby.
Closest Metro: Woodley Park. Each movie starts at 8 p.m. 2201 18th St. NW, DC; admodc.org // @admobid
Tuesday, May 23. “This is Spinal Tap”
Tuesday, May 30. “Coming to America”
Tuesday, June 13. “Raising Arizona”
Tuesday, June 20. “Bridesmaids”
Tuesday, June 27. “Shrek”
Tuesday, July 6. “The Birdcage”
Movie graphic from IMDb.
Can I Kick It? Downtown DC Summer Flicks at Franklin Park
This isn’t your average movie night (which is still extremely enjoyable). Here, you’ll watch cult classic and contemporary martial arts films all scored by a live band playing hip-hop, soul and funk jams.
Closest Metro: McPherson Square/Metro Center. Each movie starts at 7:30 p.m. 1332 I St. NW, DC; shaolinjazz.com // @shaolinjazz
Thursday, June 1. “Wakanda Forever”
Thursday, June 8. “Mission Impossible”
Thursday, June 15. “The Goonies”
Thursday, June 22. “The Hunger Games”
Thursday, June 29. “Everything, Everywhere All At Once”
Thursday, July 6. “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”
Thursday, July 13. “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”
Movie graphic from IMDb.
CiNoMatic: NoMa’s Weekly Outdoor Movie Series at Alethia Tanner Park
The theme of this round of outdoor movies is “Villains We Love.” Bring a blanket or chairs and relax as you consider the important stuff: what makes a villain and what is actually redeemable.
Closest Metro: NoMa. Each movie starts at 8:30 p.m. 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, DC; nomabid.org // @noma.bid
Wednesday, May 31. “Cruella”
Wednesday, May 24. “Men in Black”
Wednesday, June 7: “The Devil Wears Prada”
Movie graphic from IMDb.
Columbia Pike Movie Nights: Fridays at Arlington Mill
At Columbia Pike movie nights, movies are shown in English with Spanish subtitles. Bring your own chairs or blankets and bask under the stars with your leashed pet, if that’s your thing. Alcohol is not permitted at this movie night. Parking is free in the Arlington Mill garage. Each movie starts at 8 p.m. 909 S Dinwiddie St. Arlington, VA; columbia-pike.org // @columbiapikeva
Friday, July 7. “Spirit Untamed.”
Friday, July 14. “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.”
Friday, July 21. “Dog.”
Friday, July 28. “Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank.”
Friday, August 4. “Lady and the Tramp.”
Friday, August 11. “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
Friday, August 18. “Lightyear.”
Friday, August 25. “The Goonies.”
Columbia Pike Movie Nights: Saturdays at Penrose Square
At Columbia Pike movie nights, movies are shown in English with Spanish subtitles. Bring your own chairs or blankets and bask under the stars with your leashed pet, if that’s your thing. Alcohol is not permitted at this movie night. Parking is free in the Penrose Square garage. Each movie starts at 8 p.m. 2501 9th Rd. S, Arlington, VA; columbia-pike.org // @columbiapikeva
Saturday, July 8. “Cave Rescue.”
Saturday, July 15. “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.”
Saturday, July 22. “Back to the Future.”
Saturday, July 29. “A Man Called Otto.”
Saturday, August 5. “Till.”
Saturday, August 12. “Top Gun: Maverick.”
Saturday, August 19. “The Woman King.”
Saturday, August 26. “Jurassic World: Dominion.”
Movie graphic from IMDb.
The Drive-In at Union Market at the Union Market Parking Lot
Before hunkering in your cozy car for the movie, feel free to partake of Union Market’s specialized food and beverages from Yasmine, The Creamery at Union Market, Suburbia and more Union Market favorites.
Closest Metro: NoMa. Each movie starts at 9 p.m. $20 per car. 1309 5th St. NE, DC; unionmarketdc.com // @unionmarketdc
Friday, June 2. “King Richard”
Friday, June 16. “Clueless”
Friday, July 7. “Top Gun: Maverick”
Friday, July 21. “Hairspray”
Movie graphic from kingrichardfilm.com.
Extraordinary Cinema at The REACH
Ever driven past the REACH on your way out of D.C. and thought, “I really need to go there sometime”? Well, now is the perfect excuse (well, besides the Kennedy Center’s other amazing offerings). Hang out on the REACH lawn and watch great films screened on the modern buildings around you.
Closest Metro: Foggy Bottom. Each movie starts at 8 p.m. 2700 F St. NW, DC; kennedy-center.org // @kennedycenter
Friday, May 26. “Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark”
Friday, June 2. “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”
Friday, June 9. “Hugo”
Tuesday, June 13. “Miss Juneteenth”
Friday, June 23. “The Swimmers”
Friday, June 30. “The Iron Giant”
Friday, July 7. “Jaws”
Friday, July 14. “True Grit”
Friday, July 21. “Fantastic Mr. Fox”
Friday, July 28. “The Princess Bride”
Friday, August 4. “Moana”
Friday, August 11. “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”
Friday, August 18. “A League of Their Own”
Friday, August 25. “O Brother, Where Art Thou”
Friday, September 1. “Washington Jazz and Art Institute: In Their Own Words”
Movie graphic from Disney Plus.
Films at the Stone at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
This film series aims to highlight individuals who fight for what’s right no matter the cost. Screened on the lawn adjacent to the bookstore by the Memorial, you’ll want to come early and bring something to sit on for ultimate comfort.
Closest Metro: Smithsonian. Each movie starts at 8 p.m. 1964 Independence Ave. SW, DC; thememorialfoundation.org // @thememorialfoundation
Friday, June 16. “Minions: The Rise of Gru”
Friday, July 21. “Avatar: The Way of the Water”
Friday, August 25. “The Woman King”
Movie graphic from 12newsnow.com.
Film in the Field at Mitchell Park
A beautiful and large outdoor space, Mitchell Park is dedicated to the enjoyment of D.C. residents. With plenty of room for everyone, this film series gives you an idyllic place to be once a month this summer.
Closest Metro: Dupont Circle. Movies start at various times. 23rd Street + S Street NW, DC; mitchellparkdc.org // @friendsofmitchellparkdc
Thursday, June 15. “Top Gun: Maverick”
Thursday, July 20. “Best in Show”
Thursday, August 17. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”
Friday, September 22. “The Incredibles”
Movie graphic from IMDb.
Films in the Park
At Mosaic District’s Strawberry Park, you can gather on the green and watch the big screen. Surrounded by the gorgeous shopping center, make a whole night of your time across the river by visiting stores and restaurants before settling in for a cozy picnic movie.
Closest Metro: Dunn Loring. Each movie starts at 7 p.m. 2905 District Ave. Fairfax, VA; mosaicdistrict.com // @mosaicdistrict
Thursday, June 22. “Family Camp.”
Thursday, June 29. “In & Out”
Thursday, July 6. “Top Gun: Maverick”
Thursday, July 13. “Fast X”
Thursday, July 20. “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish”
Thursday, July 27. “Ticket to Paradise”
Thursday, August 3. “Super Marios Bros.”
Thursday, August 10. “Moana.”
Thursday, August 17. “E.T.”
Movie graphic from IMDb.
Films on the Green
This year’s theme is dance, and the films will spotlight new cinematic works from the French-speaking world all around D.C. Get ready to groove. While sitting and enjoying. Multiple locations. Movies start at various times. villa-albertine.org // @villa.albertine
Thursday, May 25. “The Artist.” Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens.
Thursday, June 1. “Sur le rythme (On the beat).” National Sylvan Theater.
Thursday, June 8. “Trois nuits par semaine (Three Nights a Week).” Washington Monument.
Thursday, June 22. “Twist à Bamako (Dancing the Twist in Bamako).” Anacostia Park Field 7.
Movie graphic from IMDb.
Movies at Met
This movie series is held at Arlington’s Metropolitan Park, a space that is part of Amazon’s new headquarters. The event allows for lawn chairs but asks that they’re kept on the sidewalk; blankets will be provided to those who pop in unexpectedly. Dogs are allowed, but they must be leashed. And come hungry: food trucks will be on the premises. More movie dates will be announced soon.
Closest Metro: Pentagon. Each movie starts at 7 p.m. 1321 S Elm St. Arlington, VA; nationallanding.org // @nationallanding
Friday, June 16. “Top Gun: Maverick.”
Friday, June 30. “Super Mario Bros.”
Movie graphic from YouTube.
Rockville is showing off their many beautiful parks and encouraging residents to explore their own backyard. At a different location each week within Rockville, you should plan to brings blankets or chairs and non-alcoholic beverages are encouraged. Each movie starts at 8 p.m. rockvillemd.gov // @city_of_rockville
Wednesday, August 2. “Boss Baby” at Potomac Woods Park.
Wednesday, August 9. “The Secret Life of Pets” at Woodley Gardens Park.
Wednesday, August 16. “Cool Runnings” at Montrose Park.
Wednesday, August 23. “Raya and the Last Dragon” at Maryvale Park.
Movie graphic from Wonders in the Dark.
Movie Night in the Park at the UDC Amphitheater
This is not only an outdoor movie series, but it’s an outdoor movie series in the woods. Surround yourself with nature, support local businesses in the underrated neighborhood of Van Ness and enjoy your night. Some seating is available, but you’re welcome to bring your own just in case.
Closest Metro: Van Ness-UDC. Each movie starts at 8:30 p.m. 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW, DC; udc.edu // @universityofdc
Wednesday, June 21. “Back to the Future”
Wednesday, June 28. “Sister Act”
Wednesday, July 19. “101 Dalmatians” (1999)
Wednesday, July 26. “Minions: The Rise of Gru”
Movie graphic from Movies Anywhere.
Movies on the Lawn at Library of Congress
Featuring films from the Library’s National Film Registry, this film series will take place on the southeast lawn of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building. A huge bonus is that live music will precede select films, giving you a chance to wind down before the movies begin.
Closest Metro: Capitol South. Movies start at sundown. 101 Independence Ave. SE, DC; loc.gov // @librarycongress
Thursday, July 6. “Iron Man”
Thursday, July 13. “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”
Thursday, July 20. “Shrek”
Thursday, July 27. “Groundhog Day”
Thursday, August 3. “Mary Poppins”
Thursday, August 10. “Jaws”
Movie graphic from Collider.
Movies on the Memorial at United States Navy Memorial
This movie series has a somewhat predictable theme given the location: the Navy. Pay tribute to our maritime heritage while sitting near the Lone Sailor. Be sure to bring your own seating.
Closest Metro: Federal Triangle. Movies at various times. 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; navymemorial.org // @usnavymemorial
Thursday, September 7. “The Hunt for Red October”
Thursday, September 14. “Midway”
Thursday, September 28. “In Harm’s Way”
Thursday, October 5. “Tora! Tora! Tora!”
Thursday, October 12. “The Sand Pebbles”
Movie graphic from VeteranLife.
Movies on the Pitch at Audi Field
Get on the pitch and watch these films on the jumbotron. The movie lineup is family-friendly, and the location can’t be beat. We’ve all wanted to see how the field feels.
Closest Metro: Waterfront or Navy Yard. Each movie starts at 7:30 p.m. 100 Potomac Ave. SW, DC; capitolriverfront.org // @capitolriverfront
Thursday, June 22. “Wakanda Forever”
Thursday, July 6. “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish”
Thursday, August 24. “Minions: The Rise of Gru”
Thursday, September 7. “Jurassic World Dominion”
Movie graphic from IMDb.
Movies on the Potomac at The Plaza at National Harbor
At the National Harbor, there are movie nights for two occasions: family night and date night. The Plaza has a few restaurants to peruse before the films start, so grab something delicious and meet on the lawn for whatever movie style you prefer.
Closest Metro: Eisenhower Ave. Family night movies start at 6 p.m. every Sunday, and date night movies start at 7 p.m. every Thursday. 165 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD; nationalharbor.com // @nationalharbor
Thursday, May 25. “Downton Abbey: A New Era”
Sunday, May 28. “Akeelah and the Bee”
Sunday, June 4. “Strange World”
Thursday, June 8. “Ticket to Paradise”
Sunday, June 11. “Lyle, Lyle Crocodile”
Thursday, June 15. “Wakanda Forever”
Sunday, June 18. “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
Thursday, June 22. “Jurassic World: Dominion”
Sunday, June 25. “Cool Runnings”
Thursday, June 29. “King Richard”
Sunday, July 2. “DC League of Super-Pets”
Thursday, July 6. “Black Adam”
Sunday, July 9. “Up”
Thursday, July 13. “Wonder Woman”
Sunday, July 16. “The Princess Diaries”
Sunday, July 23. “Her Best Move” (2007)
Thursday, July 27. “Gracie”
Sunday, July 30. “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”
Thursday, August 3. “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania”
Sunday, August 6. “Incredibles”
Thursday, August 10. “A Journal for Jordan”
Sunday, August 13. “Incredibles 2”
Thursday, August 17. “Invictus”
Sunday, August 20. “Air Bud: World Pup”
Thursday, August 24. “Sister Act”
Sunday, August 27. “Space Jam A New Legacy”
Thursday, August 31. “Cruella”
Sunday, September 3. “Shrek”
Thursday, September 7. “A Man Called Otto”
Sunday, September 10. “Shrek 2”
Thursday, September 14. “Coming 2 America”
Sunday, September 17. “Coco”
Thursday, September 21. “La Bamba”
Sunday, September 24. “Encanto”
Thursday, September 28. “Maid in Manhattan”
Movie graphic from Peacock.
Rosslyn Cinema at Gateway Park
For this movie series, the movies were picked by the public. Here, you’ll find wine and beer, including beer flights from One Family Brewing, and various food trucks will have the perfect bites to accompany your film.
Closest Metro: Rosslyn. Food and drink starts at 5 p.m., and each movie starts at 9 p.m. 1300 Langston Blvd. Arlington, VA; rosslynva.org // @rosslynva
Friday, June 2. “Jumanji (1995)”
Friday, June 9. “Shrek”
Friday, June 16. “Moana”
Friday, June 23. “The Parent Trap”
Movie graphic from IMDb.
Sunset Cinema at The Wharf
Watch classics and blockbusters with the views of the Potomac on Transit Pier. This series is aptly named — the sunset is almost as beautiful as the storylines you’ll be immersed in. Surrounded by some of D.C.’s greatest dining establishments, you can make a whole night out of these events.
Closest Metro: Waterfront or L’Enfant Plaza. Each movie starts at 7:30 p.m. 760 Maine Ave. NW, DC; wharfdc.com // @thewharfdc
Thursday, June 8. “Ford v Ferrari”
Thursday, June 15. “The Goonies”
Thursday, June 22. “Jungle Cruise”
Thursday, June 29. “Top Gun: Maverick”
Sunday, July 9. “Forrest Gump”
Thursday, July 20. “Bend it Like Beckham”
Thursday, July 27. “Where the Crawdads Sing”
Thursday, August 3. “A Dog’s Purpose”
Thursday, August 10. “The Sandlot”
Thursday, August 17: “Ratatouille”
Thursday, August 24: “School of Rock”
Thursday, August 31: “Wakanda Forever”
“The Goonies.” Photo from IMDb.
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