When the weather is nice out and the cool air is sweet, watching a movie outside is the perfect activity to take advantage of late spring evenings and summer nights.
Luckily, in and around D.C., there are a few places with outdoor cinemas, whether it be a drive-in theatre or ‘camping’ out in a park.
From Downtown DC’s summer flicks to Sunset Cinema at The Wharf, nights, and dates, are made better by some of these outdoor movie spots.
1. Sunset Cinema at The Wharf
During the summer, Sunset Cinema at The Wharf is held on Thursday evenings at Transit Pier in the Washington Channel.
You’re also welcome to anchor your boat at Wharf Day Docks and enjoy the film from the comfort of your vessel.
What’s more, the movies are FREE!
Grab a cold one from Cantina Bambina and bring some food from any Wharf restaurant to make your outdoor movie night perfect.
📍 The Wharf, 970 Wharf Street SW, Washington, D.C.
🍿 Bring in food from any Wharf restaurant. Drinks available at Cantina Bambina.
2. Adams Morgan Movie Nights
Adams Morgan Movie Nights was voted one of the best outdoor movie series in D.C. by readers of the Washington City Paper.
Once the weather warms up, cinephiles can head to the Adams Morgan neighborhood for a memorable evening out.
Watching a movie in Adams Morgan is also FREE and screened on the soccer field at Marie Reed School.
Popular films such as Coming to America and Bridesmaids have been shown in the past.
Don’t miss out on this experience and keep an eye on the Adams Morgan website for upcoming movie nights.
📍 The soccer field at Marie Reed Elementary School, 2201 18th St NW, Washington, D.C.
🍿 Bring your own food, or indulge in free treats from local businesses like Insomnia Cookies.
3. Bengies Drive-In Theatre
Beginning with a National Anthem at the start of each show, experiences Bengies are different from your typical drive-in experience.
The season at Bengies generally starts in early spring and ends in fall.
And if you’re feeling a little bit chilly on a particular night, electric-in-car heaters are available.
Enjoy the nostalgic activity of watching a film from your car at a theatre that opened in 1956.
Coming up this season you can expect to see family-friendly films but the exact 2025 film schedule has not yet been released.
📍 3417 Eastern Blvd., Middle River, MD
🍿 Popcorn, burgers, sandwiches, soup, and more are available at the snack bar.
4. CiNoMatic: NoMa’s Weekly Outdoor Movie Series at Alethia Tanner Park
CiNoMatic, the outdoor movie series, comes to Alethia Tanner Park and brings a new theme every year. Previous themes have included Art & Soul—“a celebration of the arts in all forms.”
Click here for more info and to check for any upcoming dates.
📍 Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, Washington, D.C.
🍿 Snacks available
5. Family Drive-In
This theater is especially for attendees who have small children to enjoy a lovely night together!
They offer double features to watch back-to-back movies for $7 to $12.
They have two screens so two back-to-back movies can be watched at the same time.
Movies are added to the schedule every Monday afternoon, so keep an eye out for your favorite one.
This Drive-In is located an hour and a half away from the city, but for two movies at such a good price, it seems worth it!
Keep an eye on the movie schedule here with the final weekend of the season taking place in early December.
📍 5890 Valley Pike, Stephens City, VA
🍿 Traditional movie snacks and a hot menu, which includes pizza, burgers, and fries.
6. Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor
Every Summer, all season long, you can head to National Habor for an outdoor film night!
Movies on the Potomac hosts films twice a week, one on Thursday and another on Sunday, one tends to be a classic or popular movie and the other more family-friendly.
📍165 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745