Check out the best places to experience the cinema outdoors or by driving-in with these mostly free options in the nation’s capital.
While the biggest blockbusters are usually screened intheaters, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the warm weather and partake in an old American pastime:drive-in and outdoor movies. Enjoy some snacks and catchclassic flicks you’ve never seen before or re-visit old favorites. Be sure to check out other summer activities across the District.
01
The Drive-In at Union Market
The Drive-In at Union Marketis back for its 12th year and ready for action every second Friday of the month from May 10 – Oct. 4. Admission is $20 per car and the lot allows up to 170cars, but visitors on foot can also enjoy the show from Neal Place, free of charge.Level up yourtheater concessionswiththe variety offlavors offeredat the Market and enjoy the lineup featuring Grease, Mama Mia, Hook and others.
Times vary|Tickets
Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
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02
CiNoMatic
Join the NoMa BIDfor a movie lineup of "Epic Expeditions" every Wednesday in May at sunset. Showings include National Treasure (May 8) and The Goonies (June 5).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, DC20002
03
Adams Morgan Movie Nights
One of DC’s most beloved neighborhoods brings itspopular film seriesback for the summer beginning May 21. In honor of the 2024 Summer Olympics, many screenings will focus on sports movies, including Bring It On (May 21), I, Tonya (May 28) and Space Jam (June 25).
Tuesdays: After sunset (9p.m.) |Free admission|More info
Marie Reed School, 2201 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
04
Summer Outdoor Film Series at The REACH
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 31 – Aug. 30. The lineup includes Dreamgirls (June 7), In the Heights (July 5), Lincoln (Aug. 23) and a special evening of short films presented as a part of the Kennedy Center’s 10,000 Dreams: A Festival of Asian Choreography (June 14).
Fridays: 8:30 p.m. | Free admission | More info
The REACH, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20003
05
Sunset Cinema at The Wharf
Nothing beats watching the sunset on the water, right? Think again. Enjoy fan-favorite flicks like 50 First Dates (June 27) and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (Aug. 15) on the Transit Pier's big screen during Sunset Cinema at The Wharf, in partnership with Pacifico Beer. No tickets are needed– just show up, grab a seat and enjoy bites and sips from Wharfrestaurants, including theCantina Bambinaconcession window.
Thursdays: 7:30 p.m.|Free admission
Transit Pier, 970 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
06
Films at the Stone
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is one of DC’s most recognizable landmarks and itsfoundation is proud to present free-to-attend movie screeningsasthe first and only summer film series at a memorial on the National Mall. Bring the family out forElemental on June 21, Kung Fu Panda 4 on July 19and The Little Mermaid (2023) on Aug. 16, 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
07
DowntownDC Summer Flicks
DowntownDC’s summer movie series delivers an evening of entertainment for movie and music lovers. Experience a mix of box office hits complemented by a live, scene-by-scene score from a lineup of DJs. The series runs every Thursday beginning June 6 (excluding July 4), and concludes on July 18 with a tribute to Prince featuring a mini concert before a screening ofUnder the Cherry Moon(8:30 p.m. movie time).
Thursdays: 7:30 p.m. | Free admission
Franklin Park, 1332 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
08
Movies on the Pitch
Jointhe Capitol Riverfront BID for outdoormovies at Audi Field,home of D.C. United, on Thursdays throughout thissummer.Upgrade the big screen experience andviewview recent movies like Barbie (June 6) and The Marvels (June 27) on the stadium's jumbotron.
Thursdays: 7 p.m.| Reserve tickets
100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
09
Movies on the Potomac
Enjoy movies on the plaza next to the Potomac River all summer long atNational Harbor. Every Thursday offers date night picks with family-friendly features every Sunday. Showings range from romantic flicks such as Titanic and Love and Basketball, heartfelt classics likeAkeelah and the BeeandThe Parent Trap, recent standouts like Elvis and Mean Girls (2024)and family favorites including Inside Out 2.
Sundays: 6p.m. |Thursdays: 7 p.m. |Free admission
National Harbor Plaza, 165Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745
10
The Family Drive-In Theatre in Stephens City
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 iscurrently 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
11
Drive up to Bengies' Big Screen
Bengies, in Middle River, Md., is known forhaving the biggest movietheater screen in the United States.The Bengies Drive-In Theatre offers double features almost every weekend with non-stop projection. Visitorsshould check out the policies in place before visiting.
Times vary | Tickets
3417 Eastern Boulevard, Middle River, MD 21220
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