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Free Outdoor Movies in the DC Area this Summer for Kids

Sunset Cinema at Cherry Hill Park in Falls Church, Virginia. Photo courtesy of the event.
Sunset Cinema at Cherry Hill Park in Falls Church, Virginia. Photo courtesy of the event.
5/4/24 - By Jennifer Swope

It doesn't get much better than enjoying free outdoor movies on a warm summer evening. This summer, the DC area is brimming with outdoor movies for families in parks, plazas, wineries, and even a cemetery. Grab your lawn chairs or blankets, pack a picnic, and enjoy a relaxing evening of free family fun in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

Our Outdoor Activities Guide for DC Kids has even more ideas for fresh-air fun, like free concerts and outdoor music festivals. And, be sure to keep checking our DC events calendar as more outdoor movies are announced.

Why Outdoor Movies Are Perfect for DC Families this Summer

Who doesn't love free movies? Add in a picnic dinner, snacks, and seeing said movie under the stars on a blanket or lawn chair – chef's kiss. Many of this summer's free outdoor movies are probably in your neighborhood or close by!

Make the Most of Your Outdoor Movie Night

Make sure you check a few things to ensure you have fun:
  • Do you need to register in advance, even if the movie is free?
  • What time can you arrive to set up a spot to see the movie? What time does the movie start?
  • Do you need to set up a spot with your own blanket/seating or are seats provided/available?
  • Are there bathrooms? If so, where are they located?
  • Are pets allowed? If so, does that pose an issue for you and your kids?
  • Will any snacks/beverages be sold at the show, or can you bring your own?
  • Is the movie location Metro-accessible or is parking nearby and plentiful?
  • Are there any rain dates listed?

And most importantly, don't forget to enjoy the show!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

CiNoMatic at Alethia Tanner Park, photo by Sam Kittner for the event.
CiNoMatic at Alethia Tanner Park, photo by Sam Kittner for the event.

Free Outdoor Movies in DC

CiNoMatic at Alethia Tanner Park

NoMa - Wednesdays, May 7, 2025 - August 19, 2026
Enjoy Wednesday-night free movies at Alethia Tanner Park, along with lawn games and food from local vendors beginning an hour before the movie's start. READ MORE

Summer Movies On the Lawn at Library of Congress

Capitol Hill - Thursdays, July 10 - August 7
This Library of Congress's annual Summer Movies on the Lawn series showcases iconic films from the Library’s National Film Registry. It is presented on Thursday evenings at sundown on the southeast lawn of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building, located on the corner of 2nd Street SE and Independence Avenue.  READ MORE

Sunset Cinema at the Wharf

The Wharf - Thursdays, May 29 - August 28
Sunset Cinema is back at the Wharf this year, showing movies on a 20-foot outdoor LED screen for free.  READ MORE

Cinematery (at Congressional Cemetery)

Capitol Hill - Select Fridays, May 23 - September 12
Families can enjoy a fun, slightly spooky night out watching a movie in historic Congressional Cemetery. Movies are shown one Friday per month through September. READ MORE

Movies on the Memorial (at US Navy Memorial)

Downtown - Thursdays,, May 29 - July 3
Grab a blanket or chair and relax under the stars with the Lone Sailor on Thursday evenings during the summer at Movies on the Memorial. Each year, movies are selected for film lovers and naval enthusiasts to enjoy on the outdoor plaza. READ MORE

Films at the Stone (at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial)

MLK Memorial - Third Friday of the month, June 20 - August 15
Enjoy movies featuring individuals who fight for what is right at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall. READ MORE
Enjoy family-friendly movies on the Potomac on Sunday evenings. Photo courtesy of National Harbor
Enjoy family-friendly movies on the Potomac on Sunday evenings. Photo courtesy of National Harbor

Free Outdoor Movies in Maryland

Summer Nights Series at Cabin John Village: Movies Under the Stars

Potomac - First Friday of the month, May 2 – September 5
Movies Under the Stars shows a family-friendly film on the big screen the second Friday of each month through September. Live music and kids' activities begin at 6:30pm, and the movies start at sunset. READ MORE

Sunday Family Movies on the Potomac

National Harbor - Various dates, May 8 - September 28
Enjoy a free family-friendly movie every Sunday all spring and summer at National Harbor. Visitors should bring their own blanket or chairs and watch on the big screen at the plaza starting at 6pm. READ MORE

Movies in the Parks

Rockville - Various locations, July 31 - August 21
Enjoy a free movie screening in Rockville from July 31 - August 21. Bring chairs or blankets, food, and non-alcoholic beverages. Movies begin at dusk, around 8pm. READ MORE

The Wine Bin Summer Movie Nights 2025

Elicott City - Saturdays, May 24 - October 4
Every Saturday night from Memorial weekend through the end of September, come for the live music, stay for the FREE movie!  Check for Times and Movies HERE   READ MORE

Free Outdoor Movies in Northern Virginia

Rosslyn Cinema

Arlington - Thursdays, May 15 & May 22
On Friday nights in June, enjoy a free movie screening in Gateway Park in Rosslyn. There are food trucks, beer and wine for sale, and lots of fun, kid-friendly programming. READ MORE

Big Screen on the Green (at Vienna Town Green)

Vienna - Fridays, May 16 & September 12
Vienna screens family-friendly flicks on the Vienna Town Green during the summer, with a special holiday feature in December. Bring a blanket and a picnic. READ MORE

Summerbration Movies: A Celebration of Sports at Reston Station

Reston - Saturdays, May 31 - August 30
Reston Station summerbrates sports with a free movie series this summer. Some movies will have inflatable sports for kids, demonstrations, and more, as well as food trucks for everyone. READ MORE

Movies Under the Moon

Fairfax - Second Friday of the month, June 13 - September 12
On the second Friday of each month this summer, enjoy a family-friendly movie at Van Dyck Park. Bring a blanket and wind down under a big screen. READ MORE

South Riding Movie Nights

South Riding - Select Tuesdays, June 24 - August 12
Families can enjoy a free, family-friendly movie screening on select Tuesday nights at sundown in South Riding. READ MORE

Films in the Park

Fairfax - Thursdays, June 12 - August 12
Mosaic District hosts Films in the Park every Thursday evening at 7pm on the lawn of Strawberry Park. Most of these movies are kid-friendly! READ MORE

Columbia Pike Movie Nights at Arlington Mills

Arlington - Fridays, July 11 - August 22
Sitting on Arlington Mill's Outdoor Plaza, families can enjoy some of their favorite movies under the stars. Movies are shown in English with Spanish subtitles.  READ MORE

Columbia Pike Movie Nights at Penrose Square

Arlington - Saturdays, July 5 - August 23
Families can enjoy some of their favorite movies under the stars at Penrose Square Apartments' outdoor plaza. Movies are shown in English with Spanish subtitles.  READ MORE

Sunset Cinema at Cherry Hill Park

Falls Church - Select dates, August 22 - October 17
Bring a blanket and a picnic (and social distance, please) to Sunset Cinema at Cherry Hill Park. Drinks, popcorn, and snacks are available for purchase. READ MORE

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About the Author

Jennifer Swope
Jennifer Swope, a DC resident since 2003, transitioned from humanitarian work to freelance editing in 2012 to stay home with her two kids. This shift sparked her passion for finding fun ways to keep them entertained—and inspired her to contribute to Mommy Poppins. When she's not navigating DC's chaos with her kids, she and her husband love watching sports, planning their next trip, and attending concerts. Follow Jennifer on Instagram @jenniferswope.
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