There’s something timeless about watching a movie outdoors in the summertime. Whether you’re sprawled on a picnic blanket in a city plaza or cuddled up in lawn chairs at a quiet suburban park, these screenings offer a laid-back way to enjoy a film night with your family. Bonus: Most of them are free.
To find the best of the bunch, we browsed through Facebook groups, Google reviews and other online personal experiences to see which events locals actually love. We rounded up the best recurring outdoor movie series across the DMV, with a focus on family-friendly titles, accessibility and fun extras like snacks, music and games before the credits roll.
WASHINGTON DC
Screen on the Green at the National Mall
Where: The National Mall, Washington, DC
When: Beginning around 8:30 p.m. or 9 p.m. on select Mondays starting in mid-July
Cost: Free
More Info: https://downtowndc.org/news/screen-on-the-green-lineup/
Phone: (202) 638-3232
With the Capitol on one side and the Washington Monument on the other, this is the most quintessential movie night in the city. The lineup typically includes a mix of animated favorites and throwback classics. Bring snacks, a blanket and your patience—this one draws a crowd.
Know Before You Go: Arrive early to snag a good spot
CiNoMatic
Where: Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE
When: Wednesday nights at sunset, May 7-June 11
Cost: Free
More Info: https://nomabid.org/annual-events/cinomatic/
Phone: (202) 289-0111
This laid-back community event offers a plethora of family-friendly films, ranging from Disney’s “Coco” to “The Greatest Showman,” often with food trucks and local vendors on site. Families tend to sit on the hill for a good view, and the park’s modern layout makes it stroller- and wagon-friendly.
Know Before You Go: RSVP for free before you go to secure your spot.
Adams Morgan Movie Nights
Where: Marie Reed Elementary School Soccer Field at 18th Street NW and California Street NW
When: Starting between 8:30-9 p.m. on Thursdays, May 22–June 12
Cost: Free
More Info: https://admodc.org/movies/
Phone: (202) 997-0783
Expect an eclectic mix of family picks, animation and comedies in this welcoming neighborhood series. It’s compact and super walkable, with nearby places to grab dinner beforehand.
Know Before You Go: Small playground nearby lets kids burn off energy before showtime.
DowntownDC Summer Flicks
Where: Franklin Park, between 13th and 14th streets NW
When: Thursdays, mid-June to July
Cost: Free
More Info: https://downtowndc.org/event/downtowndc-summer-flicks-2024/
Phone: (202) 208-6843
This centrally located event includes lawn games, popcorn giveaways and frequent family titles. The park is newly renovated with clean restrooms and a large green space for spreading out.
Know Before You Go: Arrive early for performances from special guest DJs.
Sunset Cinema at The Wharf
Where: Transit Pier, 970 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC
When: Movies begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, May 29-Aug. 28
More Info: https://wharfdc.com/sunsetcinema/
Set along the Potomac, this open-air movie series features crowd-pleasing titles, including animated hits and action-adventure favorites. It’s walkable, stroller-accessible and surrounded by family-friendly dining. The breeze off the water makes it one of the cooler (literally and figuratively) places to watch a movie outdoors in the city.
Know Before You Go: Seating is first-come, first-served. Also dog friendly!
MARYLAND
Movies in the Parks
Where: Rotating parks across Montgomery County
When: Movies begin at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.) Thursdays, July 31-Aug. 21
Cost: Free
More Info: https://rockvillemd.gov/1755/Movies-in-the-Parks
Phone: (240) 314-8620
Hosted by Montgomery Parks, this rotating movie series brings the big screen to different local parks each weekend, with locations like Wheaton Regional Park, Wall Park and Layhill Village Park. The lineup features mostly G- and PG-rated picks, making it a great option for younger kids.
Know Before You Go: Locations vary each week, so check the Montgomery Parks website for the updated schedule, parking information and any weather updates.
Outdoor Movies at City Park
Where: City Park Band Shell, 501 Virginia Ave, Hagerstown
When: Fridays, June 13-Aug. 15
Cost: Free
More Info: https://hagerstownmd.org/963/Outdoor-Movies-at-City-Park
Hagerstown’s City Park offers a charming backdrop for its summer movie series. Each event features pre-movie entertainment starting at 7 p.m., followed by a film screening at dusk. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy the show comfortably. Concessions are available on-site, making it easy to grab a snack while enjoying the evening. The 2025 lineup includes popular titles suitable for all ages.
Know Before You Go: Arrive early to secure a good spot and enjoy the pre-movie activities.
Lakefront Live Movie Nights
Where: Columbia Lakefront, Downtown Columbia
When: Fridays, June-August
Cost: Free
More Info: https://columbiaassociation.org/lakefront-live/
Hosted by the Columbia Association, Lakefront Live Movie Nights offer families the chance to enjoy popular films and live concerts under the stars by the beautiful Columbia Lakefront. The 2025 lineup features a mix of animated favorites and classic films suitable for all ages. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or low-backed chairs to relax on the lawn. Movies begin at dusk, typically around 8:30 p.m.
Know Before You Go: Arrive early to secure a good spot and enjoy the picturesque views. Parking is available nearby, but it can fill up quickly on movie nights.
Movies on the Potomac – National Harbor
Where: National Plaza, National Harbor
When: Thursdays and Sundays, May-September
Cost: Free
More Info: https://nationalharbor.com/events/annual-events/movies-on-the-potomac/
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Potomac River, Movies on the Potomac offers a delightful outdoor cinema experience. Families can enjoy a diverse lineup of films, ranging from animated favorites to classic blockbusters, all while relaxing on the plaza’s lawn. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets and can grab food to-go from nearby eateries to enhance the movie night experience. Movies begin at dusk, typically around 6 p.m.
Know Before You Go: Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially on popular movie nights. Keep an eye on National Harbor’s social media channels for any weather-related updates or schedule changes.
Movies on the Beach
Where: North Beach Boardwalk, North Beach
When: Fridays, June 21, July 12, Aug. 16 and Sept. 13
Cost: Free
More Info: https://www.northbeachmd.org/special-events/pages/movies-beach
Experience the magic of cinema under the stars with your feet in the sand. This beloved local tradition transforms the shoreline into an open-air theater, showcasing a selection of family-friendly movies. Bring your beach chairs or blankets, grab some snacks, and enjoy the gentle sounds of the waves as you watch the big screen. Movies begin at dusk, creating the perfect ambiance for a memorable evening.
Know Before You Go: Arrive early to secure a good spot on the beach.Check the forecast—screenings are weather-dependent.
NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Rosslyn Cinema at Gateway Park
Where: 1300 Lee Highway, Arlington
When: Movies start approximately at 8:45-9 p.m. Fridays, June 14 and June 21
Cost: Free
More Info: https://www.rosslynva.org/do/rosslyn-cinema-2024
This series mixes kid-friendly classics with crowd-pleasing comedies and includes games, music and vendors starting at 5 p.m. It’s very metro-accessible and draws a fun mix of families and young professionals.
Know Before You Go: Bring along a picnic blanket, reusable water bottle and a sense of humor.
Movies Under the Stars at Mosaic District
Where: Strawberry Park, Fairfax
When: All movies start at 7 p.m. on Thursdays, June 12-Aug. 12
Cost: Free
More Info: https://mosaicdistrict.com/events/event/films-in-the-park/
Phone: (703) 992-7832
A kid favorite for its lawn seating and close proximity to shops and snacks, Mosaic’s weekly movie night is low-pressure, easily accessible and family-friendly
Know Before You Go: There are plenty of parking garages and clean bathrooms close by.
Starlight Cinema Drive-In
Where: 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly
When: Movie starts at dark on Saturdays, Aug. 2-23
Cost: Free
More Info: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/starlight-cinema
Families can pull up and tune into the sound on their car radio for an old-school experience. Movies are family-rated and kids can sit up front with snacks or in folding chairs out back.
Know Before You Go: Arrive early—spots fill fast and it’s first-come, first-served.
Sunset Cinema at Cherry Hill Park – Falls Church
Where: Cherry Hill Park, 312 Park Ave., Falls Church
When: Movies begin at dusk (between 6:45-7:45 p.m.) on Third Fridays, August-October
Cost: Free
More Info: https://www.fallschurchva.gov/650/Sunset-Cinema
Phone: (703) 248-5027
Falls Church’s Sunset Cinema series offers a delightful outdoor movie experience in the heart of the city. Held on the third Friday of each month from August to October, these free screenings feature a selection of popular and classic films suitable for all ages. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or low-back chairs to enjoy the movies under the stars. The park’s central location makes it easily accessible, and its welcoming environment is perfect for a relaxed family evening.
Know Before You Go: Inclement weather may affect screenings, check the website beforehand.
Columbia Pike Movie Nights – Arlington
Where: Arlington Mill Community Center, 909 S. Dinwiddie St., and Penrose Square, 2501 9th Road S., Arlington
When: All movies start at sunset (approximately 8:30 p.m.) Fridays at Arlington Mill, July 11-Aug. 22, and Saturdays at Penrose Square, July 12-Aug. 2.
Cost: Free
More Info: https://www.columbia-pike.org/movie-nights-2025/
Columbia Pike Movie Nights bring the community together with outdoor screenings at two convenient Arlington locations. The series features a mix of family favorites and classic films, making it perfect for all ages. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or low-back chairs to enjoy the movies under the stars. The events are free and open to the public, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for families and neighbors alike.
Know Before You Go: The venue recommends traveling by bus and bike rather than car.
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