Few things can connect families and communities together like the power of movies. This summer, your family can experience all of the joy, excitement, and laughter of film while sitting outside under the stars. From pop-up outdoor theaters to classic drive-ins straight out of the 1950s, this is your definitive guide for summer outdoor family movie nights.
Check websites for movie listings and showtimes.
D.C.
Films at the Stone
Films at the Stone boasts being the first and only summer film series to take place at a memorial site on the National Mall. All films will be screened on select Thursday nights this summer at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and will tell stories that depict the best of humanity. No reservations or tickets needed! FREE.
1964 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20418 • filmsatthestone.org
Sunset Cinema at the Wharf
In partnership with Pacifico Beer, you and the family can enjoy quality food and drinks while watching classic films on the waterfront. Screenings take place on Thursdays from 8-10 PM and all attendees age 3+ must reserve a ticket ahead of time. Selected films range from family classics like The Goonies and Ratatouille to adult favorites such as Office Space and Apollo 13. FREE.
Transit Pier, 970 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024 • wharfdc.com/upcoming-events
DowntownDC Summer Flicks
Back for its fourth season, DowntownDC Summer Flicks – CAN I KICK IT? will have screenings every Tuesday through July 27th starting at sunset. The theme for this year’s season is The Future which will feature sci-fi classics and recent hits such as I Robot, Tron Legacy, and Solo: A Star Wars Story. Attendees are encouraged to register for screenings in advance. FREE.
National Building Museum, 401 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001 • downtowndc.org/event/downtowndc-summer-flicks-can-i-kick-it-2021
Drive-In at Union Market
For the 9th Annual Drive-In at Union Market, the event organizers decided to focus on comedies, action films, and cult classics, including films like Wonder Woman 1984 and Sister Act. Films screen on the first Friday of each month until October 1st with various start times depending on the film. There are a limited number of parking reservations for each showing so don’t wait to book your family film night! $20 per car.
Union Market, 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002 • unionmarketdc.com/events/the-drive-in-at-union-market
Maryland
Bengies
Home to the biggest movie screen in the U.S., Bengies has been serving up triple features and double features on its 6,240 square foot screen for 65 years and counting. Patrons can experience an authentic drive-in experience every weekend this summer with new films updated each week. Be sure to read through their policies ahead of your visit to ensure a smooth evening of filmatic fun! $12.50 per adult, $7 per child. Kids under 4 are FREE.
Bengies Drive-In Theater, 3417 Eastern Blvd. Middle River, MD 21220 • bengies.com
Movies in the Parks
Get outside this summer and into Rockville’s free outdoor movies in the parks on the big screen, each Wednesday during August. Bring chairs, blankets, food and beverages, and enjoy four different movies at four different neighborhood parks throughout the city. Movies begin at dusk (approximately 8 PM). FREE.
Various Locations • rockvillemd.gov/1755/Movies-in-the-Parks
Virginia
Alexandria Drive-In
In 2020, the Alexandria Drive-In raised over $100,000 for local nonprofits & businesses and will continue to bring the community together over fun-filled cinematic adventures. Screenings start at 9pm with new films being announced each month. Enjoy fresh, delicious treats with an assortment of food trucks on-site. $40 per car.
Victory Center, 5001 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304 • alexandriadrivein.com/movies
Starlight Cinema
Part of the Summer Entertainment Series with Fairfax County Parks, Starlight Cinema will screen four films this August which are all free for the public to enjoy. Attendees are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs and check out family-friendly films such as Onward and Raya and the Last Dragon. FREE.
Trinity Center, 5860 Trinity Parkway, Centreville, VA, 20120 • fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/starlight-cinema
South Riding
Bring your family and enjoy fresh blockbuster hits from June till August this summer. Trolls World Tour, Pets 2, and Onward are just a few of the family-friendly outdoor films you can see in South Riding. All screenings are free and begin promptly at sunset. Attendees are encouraged to set up blankets & chairs for their family and asked not to bring alcohol. FREE.
Town Green, 43055 Center St, South Riding, Virginia 20152 • SRC Stage (Corner of Riding Center Dr. & Ulysses St.), South Riding, Virginia 20152 • southriding.net/sr-events/movie-night
More Summer Fun:
2021 Family-Friendly (and Date Night) Outdoor Summer Concerts
D.C.’s Delicious Frozen Treats for Summer
