It’s Summertime in Los Angeles and that means time for some outdoor movies!
This fun activity has exploded in popularity in recent years and has become an LA past time favorite.
From rooftops to beaches to cruise ships and even a famous cemetery(!) outdoor movie experiences keep getting better and better and are here to stay.
Many of them include music, food trucks, and an overall party atmosphere and all guarantee a fun way to catch your all-time favorite classics on the screen.
Here in this article, we are sharing our top picks for fun places to watch movies al fresco this summer.
Also here is a convenient schedule of all LA outdoor Summer movie screenings based on date:
1 – CINESPIA
Description:
Since 2002 Cinespia has been hosting on-site screenings of classic films in and around Los Angeles, California most notably at the famous Hollywood Forever Cemetary.
You can join a couple of thousand others who bring their blankets, pillows, picnic dinners, alcoholic beverages, and candles to enjoy classic screenings under the stars and in a real live cemetery.
If you want a truly unique movie watching experience pack your picnic and go catch a flik at the Hollywood Forever Cemetary with Cinespia.
Location:
6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood CA
Pic Credit:@cinespia
hack:
Want to down some drinks as you watch your movie? Cinespia is one of the few outdoor movie organizations that not only allows you to bring your own drinks but encourages it!
2 – The Queen Mary Movie Nights
Description:
The Queen Mary is always throwing memorable and fun events at their iconic venue and this one is FREE!
Yes, they now have Queen Mary movies nights where you can watch memorable classic and contemporary films.
Get your blankets out and make your self comfortable on the lawn next to the Queen Mary’s ship.
Food trucks and a full bar are available on site, so leave your picnic at home for another time. It starts at 6:00 pm and the parking is $10.
Location: 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA., 90802
PIC Credit:@thequeenmary
hack:
The Queen Mary only has one movie night a month in May, June, July, and August. So if you want to catch a flik at this one of a kind venue for free make sure you check the screening dates.
3 – Movies @the Montalban Rooftop
Description:
2019 is the 10 year anniversary for Rooftop movies at the Montalbán. The Montalbán is a rooftop oasis in the center of Hollywood complete with a bar, concession stand, and full kitchen!
Your open-air movie theater experience comes complete with a large projection screen, state-of-the-art projector, noise canceling headphones, fresh-popped popcorn and even cozy blankets for those chillier nights.
Location: 1615 Vine St, Hollywood, CA 90028
PIC Credit:@dwillofthe9
hack:
If you are looking for a more ‘high end’ outdoor movie experience this might be the one for you.
The Montalbán not only offers that amazing rooftop view but probably one of the higher end dining options with gourmet burgers from Umami and delicious cocktails and wine choices.
4 – Street Food Cinema
Description:
Street Food Cinema is more than just watching an outdoor movie. It’s a huge party! Mixing beloved movies with music and gourmet food and happening in some of the best outdoor locations in the beautiful Los Angeles weather.
With so many events happening they have as diverse a line up as you are going to get; for example, you can watch ‘Black Panther’ at Griffith Park or ‘Grease’ in Westdrift Golf Course in Manhattan Beach or ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’ in West Hollywood.
Not only are the movies diverse but you will get all the food trucks choices you could possibly want including Filipino bbq bowls, Astro doughnuts, burgers, ice cream, and the list goes on. If you are a foodie don’t miss this one!
Location:
Multiple locations
PIC Credit:@stfoodcinema
hack:
With so many different screening events happening all over the city you can usually score discount tickets to Street Food Cinema events.
The best place to start might be Groupon which usually offers deals to their various events.
5 – Melrose Rooftop Theater
Description:
In the heart of fabulous West Hollywood, you can find a unique outdoor movie experience at the Melrose Rooftop Theater.
There you’ll find a full menu of food and drinks LA night lifestyle and watch some of your favorite movies that include cult classic and new releases alike.
The Melrose Rooftop Theater has a huge list of options as it operates Sun-Thur every week from May-November with movies starting at sunset. The cinema also uses a really cool wireless technology providing you with an individual headset for a next level cinema experience.
Location:
603 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
PIC Credit:@joshone
hack:
Want to go VIP? You have the choice to pick their special “Dinner & a Movie” option to dine before the movie at the EP restaurant. Perfect for a complete date night!
For $65 you get three-course meal, movie ticket, plus tax and service charge. And yes, they will even reserve your bean bag for you at the theater while you’re having dinner.
6- Eat, See, Hear
Description:
Similar to Street Food Cinema, Eat, See, Hear combines outdoor movies, food trucks, and live music!
Eat, See, Hear also makes it possible to enjoy watching movies outdoor at some pretty incredible LA landmark locations including Rose bowl stadium, Griffith Park, Santa Monica Pier and many more.
You can purchase tickets in advance and you can get a discount if you have a party of 10 people or more. Not only that, if you buy your tickets online, you can reserve an area by purchasing “fashionably late tickets” so you don’t have to be there right at 5:30.
Location:
Autry Museum in Griffith Park, LA State Historic Park, Santa Monica Pier, etc.
PIC Credit:@rouseytheboston
hack:
Can’t stand to be without your puppy while watching your outdoor movie? Eat, See, Hear throws by far the most dog-friendly events. Not only do they allow dogs but call themselves LAs largest and most accommodating pet-friendly series, ever.
Click below for a convenient schedule of all LA outdoor Summer movie screenings based on date:
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!