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Free Outdoor Movies in the DC Area this Summer for Kids

Outdoor movies abound in the DC area all summer long. Photo courtesy of the Fairfax County Park Authority
Outdoor movies abound in the DC area all summer long. Photo courtesy of the Fairfax County Park Authority
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.

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Watch a movie in Congressional Cemetery... if you dare. Photo courtesy of the cemetery's Facebook page
Watch a movie in Congressional Cemetery... if you dare. Photo courtesy of the cemetery's Facebook page

Free Outdoor Movies in DC

CiNoMatic at Alethia Tanner Park

NoMa - Wednesdays, May 8 - June 5, 2024
"Epic Expeditions" is the theme for Wednesday-night free movies at Alethia Tanner Park. Enjoy lawn games and food from local vendors beginning an hour before the movie's start. READ MORE

Summer Film Nights at National Zoo

Woodley Park - Third Thursday of the month, May 16 - July 18, 2024
Come to the Zoo for an unforgettable cinematic experience! Introducing Summer Film Nights at the Zoo, a free outdoor summer event series set to dazzle and entertain.  READ MORE

Adams Morgan Movie Nights

Adams Morgan - Tuesdays, May 21 - June 25, 2024
Adams Morgan Movie Nights kick off with a family-friendly animated feature, then continue with an eclectic mix of award-winning, classic, and independent films. READ MORE

Summer Movies On the Lawn at Library of Congress

Capitol Hill - Various Dates, May 25 - June 29, 2024
This summer is the seventh annual Library’s seventh annual “Summer Movies on the Lawn”, presented by The Library of Congress. This series showcases iconic films from the Library’s National Film Registry and will be 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

Movies on the Pitch at Audi Field

Audi Field - Select Thursdays, May 30 - July 18, 2024
The Pitch at Audi Field becomes an outdoor movie theater on select Thursdays throughout the summer. Families can sit on the field or in the stands and view some of their favorite films. READ MORE

Sunset Cinema at the Wharf

The Wharf - Thursdays (except July 4), May 30 - August 29
Sunset Cinema is back at the Wharf this year, showing movies on a 20-foot outdoor LED screen for free.  READ MORE

Cinematery

Capitol Hill - Select Fridays, May 31 - September 6, 2024
Families can enjoy a fun, slightly spooky night out watching a movie in historic Congressional Cemetery. Featuring the films of Tim Burton, movies are shown the first Friday of each month through September. READ MORE

Extraordinary Cinema at the REACH

Foggy Bottom - Fridays, May 31 - August 2, 2024
The REACH at the Kennedy Center hosts family-friendly free movies on select Fridays throughtout the summer.  READ MORE

Movies on the Memorial (at US Navy Memorial)

Downtown - Thursdays (except July 4), June 20 - August 1, 2024
Grab a blanket or chair and relax under the stars with the Lone Sailor on Thursday evenings during the spring and fall 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

MLK Memorial - Third Friday of the month, June 21 - August 16, 2024
Enjoy movies featuring individuals who fight for what is right at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall. READ MORE

Movie Night Wednesdays in the Park at the UDC Amphitheater

Van Ness - Select Wednesdays, June 26 - September 14, 2024
At Movie Night Wednesdays, families can enjoy a favorite film outdoors on three nights in the summer. 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 3 - October 4, 2024
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 - Sundays, May 5 - September 29, 2024
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

The Clarice's Outdoor Movies

College Park - Fridays, May 10 & June 14, 2024
New this spring, Clarice Presents brings outdoor movies to UMD's campus, with special menus, activities, and more. READ MORE

Movie Night at The Wine Bin

Ellicott City - Saturdays, May 25 - October 5, 2024
The Wine Bin hosts a free movie night on Saturdays all summer long, many of which are kid-friendly. Popcorn, cheese, charcuterie, and wine are available for purchase. READ MORE

Movies in the Parks

Rockville - Wednesdays, July 31 - August 21, 2024
Enjoy a free movie screening in Rockville every Wednesday from July 31 - August 21. Bring chairs or blankets, food, and non-alcoholic beverages. Movies begin at dusk, around 8pm. READ MORE
Family movie nights are way better outdoors. Photo courtesy of Tysons Corner
Family movie nights are way better outdoors. Photo courtesy of Tysons Corner

Free Outdoor Movies in Northern Virginia

Rosslyn Cinema

Arlington - Fridays, June 7-21, 2024
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 17 & September 13, 2024
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, June 1 - August 31, 2024
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 14 - September 13, 2024
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 11 - August 13, 2024
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 20 - August 15, 2024
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 5 - August 23, 2024
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 6 - August 24, 2024
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 24 - October 26, 2024
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

Places featured in this article:

Various Locations
Arlington Mill Community & Senior Center

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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