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Check out the best places to experience the cinema outdoors or by driving-in with these mostly free options in the nation’s capital.
Join the NoMa BID for outdoor movies every Wednesday from May 7 – June 11 at sunset. Showings include Barbie (May 21), Inside Out (June 4) and The Greatest Showman (June 11). Movies are free and open to the public but advanced registration is encouraged.
Wednesdays: Times vary | Register
Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, Washington, DC 20002
One of DC’s most beloved neighborhoods brings its popular film series back for the summer on Thursdays from May 22 through June 12. In celebration of Diverse Experiences in Art and Film, enjoy iconic musicals and bold performances including Westside Story (May 22), Hairspray (June 5) and Dreamgirls (June 12).
Thursdays: After sunset (8:30-9 p.m.) | Free admission | More info
Marie Reed School, 2201 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
The REACH at the Kennedy Center presents an outdoor film series all summer long. The Millennium Stage Outdoor Film screenings presents classic and modern feature films on the REACH video wall every Friday from May 30 – Aug. 29. The lineup kicks off with The Bourne Identity.
Movies begin at dusk | Free Admission
The REACH, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20003
Franklin Park transforms into an open-air cinema every Thursday in June with DowntownDC’s summer movie series, featuring back-to-back blockbusters and DJ sets to kick off each night. Enjoy double features like Mamma Mia! and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (June 5) and The Little Mermaid (2023) and Barbie (June 26), plus food trucks, free swag and plenty of space to spread out. Bring a blanket, grab some snacks and settle in for a summer night of movies and music in DowntownDC’s largest green space.
Thursdays: 6 p.m. | Free admission
Franklin Park, 1332 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
Nothing beats watching the sunset on the water, right? Think again. Enjoy fan-favorite flicks like Happy Gilmore (June 12), Money Ball (July 17), How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (Aug. 7) and La La Land (Aug. 28) on the Transit Pier's big screen during Sunset Cinema at The Wharf presented by Pacifico. No tickets are needed – just show up, grab a seat and enjoy bites and sips from Wharf restaurants, including the Cantina Bambina concession window.
Thursdays: 7:30 p.m. | Free admission
Transit Pier, 970 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Experience movie night with a spooky twist as Cinematery returns to the historic Congressional Cemetery. This year’s Mausoleums and Monsters series features Jaws (May 23), Monsters, Inc. (June 13), The Mummy (Aug. 29) and Ghostbusters (Sept. 12), all screened under the stars among centuries-old headstones. Bring a blanket and your bravest friends to enjoy a hauntingly fun night for only $5-10.
7 p.m. | Tickets
Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is one of DC’s most recognizable landmarks and its foundation is proud to present free-to-attend movie screenings as the first and only summer film series at a memorial on the National Mall. Bring the family out for Despicable Me 4 on June 20, Moana 2 on July 18 and Wicked on Aug. 15, all beginning at 8 p.m. Make sure to bring your own lawn chair or blanket!
Fridays: 8 p.m. | Free admission
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, 1964 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20003
Join the Capitol Riverfront BID for outdoor movies at Audi Field, home of the Washington Spirit, D.C. United and DC Defenders. Upgrade the big screen experience and view recent movies on the stadium's jumbotron every Thursday in August. Stay tuned for the movie lineup!
Thursdays: 7:30 p.m. | Reserve tickets
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
Enjoy sea-inspired films on the Navy Memorial Plaza, steps from the Lone Sailor statue. This summer’s lineup includes favorites like Finding Nemo (May 29), Pirates of the Caribbean (June 5), Aquamarine (June 19) and Aquaman (June 26), perfect for movie lovers and maritime fans alike. Screenings take place on Thursdays from May 29 through July 3.
Thursdays: 8 p.m. | Free admission
United States Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Library of Congress presents National Film Registry selected films on its southeast lawn. The lineup includes The Princess Bride (July 10), Spy Kids (July 24) and Jurassic Park (Aug. 7). Enjoy live performances before some of the showings, beginning at 7 p.m.
Thursdays: 8 p.m. | Free admission
Thomas Jefferson Building - Southeast Lawn, 10 First Street SE, Washington, DC 20540
Enjoy movies on the plaza next to the Potomac River all summer long at National Harbor. Every Thursday offers date night blockbusters, while every Sunday features family-friendly films. Showings range from comedies like Nacho Libre (July 24) and Police Academy 2 (Sept. 11), crowd-pleasers such as Black Panther (June 19) and Pitch Perfect (Aug. 21), beloved classics like Forrest Gump (July 3) and Selena (Sept. 18) and animated hits including Paddington in Peru (June 29) and Dog Man (July 13).
Sundays: 6 p.m. | Thursdays: 7 p.m. | Free admission
National Harbor Plaza, 165 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745
The Family Drive-In Theatre is nothing new to the locals around Stephens City. This two-screen drive-in movie theater, which is pet-friendly, has been around since 1956. The drive-in is currently holding screenings from Friday through Sunday, so make sure you get your ticket ahead of time to enjoy a timeless film.
Times vary | Tickets
5890 Valley Pike, Stephens City, VA 22655
Bengies, in Middle River, Md., is known for having the biggest movie theater screen in the United States. The Bengies Drive-In Theatre offers double features almost every weekend with non-stop projection. Visitors should check out the policies in place before visiting.
Times vary | Tickets
3417 Eastern Boulevard, Middle River, MD 21220
