Watching a movie outside is a classic summer activity. Whether you’re bringing a lawn chair or driving up to the screen, here’s where to catch a flick outdoors in the Washington region.
This post was updated on May 22, 2025.
Movies on the Potomac
150 National Plaza, National Harbor
Starting May 1, head to National Harbor for waterfront screenings twice a week. Thursdays feature date night flicks, while Sundays are for family-friendly films. Upcoming films: Elemental (2023) and Black Panther (2018). Details: Free. View schedule here.
Drive-In at Union Market
1309 5th St., NE
Park your car (or a chair) in the lot at Union Market on Fridays for outdoor showings one Friday each month, starting May 9 and ending October 3. Movie theater snacks get an upgrade with goods from Union Market vendors. Upcoming films: Mamma Mia! (2008) and National Treasure (2004). Details: $20 per car, free on foot. Reserve tickets here.
Cinematery
1801 E St., SE
Celebrate “Museums and Monsters” at this historic cemetery, where you can bring your own blanket, food, and alcohol to watch films about spooky specters. Screenings take place once a month on Fridays through September 12. Upcoming films: Jaws (1975) and Ghostbusters (1984). Details: Recommended $10 donation. View schedule here.
CiNoMatic
227 Harry Thomas Way, NE
Unroll a blanket in Alethia Tanner Park every Wednesday, from May 7 to June 11. This year’s theme is “Under the Rainbow,” highlighting inclusive cinematic classics and new favorites in honor of Pride. Upcoming films: Barbie (2023) and Coco (2017). Details: Free. View schedule and RSVP here.
Adams Morgan Movie Nights
2201 18th St., NW
The Adams Morgan BID is screening a lineup of sports films. On Thursdays from May 22 through June 12, you can head to the field outside Marie Reed Elementary School and catch classics and new favorites. Upcoming films: Hairspray (2007) and Dreamgirls (2006). Details: Free. View schedule here.
The Reach at the Kennedy Center
2700 F St., NW
Starting on May 30, the Kennedy Center’s “Extraordinary Cinema” series is moving outdoors for the season. Enjoy classic films and family-friendly favorites projected onto the Reach’s massive video wall every Friday through August 29. Upcoming films: Wonka (2023) and Bend It Like Beckham (2002). Details: Free. View schedule here.
Bengies Drive-In Theater
3417 Eastern Blvd., Middle River
Looking for not just a big screen, but the biggest possible screen? Bengies offers the largest movie theater screen in America. Make sure you arrive early: No one is allowed in after the box office closes. Upcoming films: Lilo & Stitch (2025) and Jurassic World Rebirth (2025). Details: $12.50 per adult, and $7 per child. Reserve tickets here.
Wolf Trap
1551 Trap Rd., Vienna
Immerse yourself in a live film score, courtesy of the National Symphony Orchestra. The hybrid movie and music nights take place at the Filene Center, Wolf Trap’s outdoor amphitheater, from Thursday, July 17 through Friday, September 5. Upcoming films: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Back to the Future (1985). Details: Starting at $51.50. View schedule here.
Movies in the Park Rockville
Multiple Locations
The outdoor theater rotates between Rockville parks for four Thursdays in July and August. Bring your own chairs, blankets, and snacks. Upcoming films: Inside Out 2 (2024) and IF (2024). Details: Free. View schedule here.
“Summerbration” Reston
1901 Reston Metro Plaza, Reston
Reston Station is playing a roster of family-friendly films this summer. Many of the movies are paired with themed swag or activities, like free eyepatches in honor of the movie Hook and a Princess Jasmine meet-and-greet after Aladdin. Upcoming Films: The Goonies (1985) and Sing 2 (2021). Details: Free. View schedule here.
Films in the Park Mosaic District
Strawberry Park, Fairfax
On Thursdays starting June 20, this outdoor mall is screening films at the grassy Strawberry Park. Pick up food from nearby restaurants such as Colada Shop or District Dumpling to set up a picnic for the movie. Upcoming films: The Wild Robot (2024) and Honey I Shrunk The Kids (1989). Details: Free. View schedule here.
Sunset Cinema at the Wharf
970 Wharf St., SW
Catch sunset and a movie every Thursday, through August 28, at the Wharf’s Transit Pier starting on Memorial Day. No need to buy tickets in advance but plan to arrive early if you want one of the limited seats (You can also bring your own chair or blanket.) Looking for concessions? Grab food from nearby restaurants such as Bartaco and Lucky Buns, plus drinks are available at waterfront bar Cantina Bambina. Upcoming films: Casablanca (1942) and Shrek (2001). Details: Free. When the showing schedule is officially released, it will go live here.
Films at the Stone
964 Independence Ave., SW
Located at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Films at the Stone features a lineup of animated films that center social justice and equality. Bring snacks, blankets, and chairs to the lawn. Upcoming films: Moana 2 (2024) and Wicked (2024). Details: Free. View schedule here.
Sunset Movies at the Navy Memorial
701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Catch movies inspired by the ocean and swimming at the Navy Memorial Plaza this summer. Films start at dusk every Thursday from May 29 to July 3. Bring chairs, blankets, and snacks. Upcoming films: Pirates of the Caribbean (2003) and Moana (2016). Details: Free. View schedule here.
Movies on the Lawn at the Library of Congress
10 1st St., SE
Moviegoers can set up chairs and picnic tables on the Thomas Jefferson building lawn every Thursday from July 10 to August 7. Films start at sunset, but the library is also hosting live music performances before some of the movies. Upcoming films: The Princess Bride (1987) and Jurassic Park (1993). Details: Free. View schedule here.
