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Free Outdoor Movies Near DC 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
5/21/23 - 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 free movies for families in parks, plazas, wineries, and even a cemetery.

Here are some awesome places to enjoy free outdoor movies near DC with kids this summer. With options in the District, Maryland, and Northern Virginia—and movies of all different genres and ratings—there's bound to be be an outdoor movie near you that fits your family. So grab your lawn chairs or blankets, pack a picnic, and enjoy a relaxing evening of free family fun.

If you prefer to watch movies in air-conditioned comfort, check out our round-up of drive-in movie theaters near DC. And, keep checking our DC events calendar as more outdoor movies are announced, as well as our Summer Activities Guide for DC Kids for more summer fun.

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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

NoMa - Wednesdays, May 3-31, 2023
"Villains We Love" 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

Movies on the Pitch

Audi Field - Select Thursdays, May 18 - September 7, 2023
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

Adams Morgan Movie Nights 2023

Adams Morgan - Tuesdays, May 23 - June 27, 2023
Adams Morgan Movie Nights kick off with a family-friendly animated feature, then continues with an eclectic mix of award-winning, classic, and independent films.  READ MORE

DowntownDC Summer Flicks – Can I Kick It?

Downtown - Thursdays, June 1 - July 13, 2023
The DowntownDC BID and Shaolin Jazz are bringing this year’s outdoor cinematic experience to Franklin Park on Tuesday nights. READ MORE

Cinematery

Capitol Hill - First Friday of the month, June 2 - September 1, 2023
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

Movie Night Wednesdays in the Park at the UDC Amphitheater

Van Ness - Third and Fourth Wednesdays in June and July 2023
At Movie Night Wednesdays, families can enjoy a favorite film outdoors on four nights in the summer. READ MORE

Films at the Stone

MLK Memorial - Fridays, June 16, July 21, & August 25, 2023
Enjoy movies featuring individuals who fight for what is right at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall. READ MORE

Sunset Cinema at the Wharf

The Wharf - Thursdays, June 1 - August 31, 2023 (except July 13)
Sunset Cinema is back at the Wharf this year, showing movies on a 20-foot outdoor LED screen for free.  READ MORE

Extraordinary Cinema at the REACH

Foggy Bottom - Select Fridays, June 9 - August 4, 2023
The REACH at the Kennedy Center hosts free family-friendly movies on select Fridays throughtout 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

Sunday Family Movies on the Potomac

National Harbor - Sundays, May 7 - September 24, 2023
Enjoy a free family-friendly movie every Sunday all spring and summer at National Harbor. Bring your own blanket or chairs and watch on the big screen at the plaza starting at 6pm. READ MORE

Movie Night at The Wine Bin

Ellicott City - Saturdays, May 27 - October 28, 2023
(including Friday, May 26, excluding October 14 & 21)
The Wine Bin hosts a free movie night on Saturdays (and some Fridays) all summer long, many of which are kid-friendly. Popcorn, cheese, charcuterie, and wine are available for purchase. READ MORE

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

Potomac - First Friday of the month, June 2 - October 6, 2023
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

Merriweather Movie Nights

Columbia - Wednesdays, June 21 &August 23 and Tuesday, July 18
DCACC's popular Merriweather Movie Nights are back with three family-friendly films in June and July. READ MORE

Movies in the Parks

Rockville - Wednesdays, August 3-23, 2023
Enjoy a free movie screening in Rockville every Wednesday in August. 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 Virginia

Cinema Del Ray

Alexandria - Third Saturday of the month, May 20 - July 15, 2023
Families are invited to a kid-friendly outdoor movie screening on the field at Mount Vernon Rec Center.  READ MORE

Summer on the Plaza: Family Movie Nights

Tysons Corner - Last Friday of the month, May 26 - August 18, 2023
(except August will be on the 3rd Friday)
On the last Friday of each month, families can enjoy a free outdoor movie screening on the Tysons Corner Plaza. Complimentary popcorn and sodas are provided while supplies last. READ MORE

Rosslyn Cinema

Arlington - Fridays, June 2-23, 2023
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

Vienna - Second Thursday of the month, June 8 - August 10, 2023
Vienna screens a family-friendly flick on the Glyndon Park green on the second Thursday of the month from June through August. Bring a blanket and a picnic. READ MORE

Movies Under the Moon

Fairfax - Second Friday of the month, June 9 - September 8, 2023
Van Dyck Park hosts a free outdoor movie night every second Friday of the month. Bring a blanket and a picnic and wind down under a big screen. READ MORE

South Riding Movie Nights

South Riding - Every other Tuesday, June 13 - August 8, 2023
Families can enjoy a free family-friendly movie screening every Tuesday night at sundown in South Riding. READ MORE

Films in the Park

Mosaic District - Thursdays, June 22 - August 17, 2023
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

Fridays, July 7 - August 25, 2023
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

Starlight Cinema

Centreville - Saturdays, August 5-26, 2023
Families can enjoy free drive-in movies and a children's show every Saturday night in August as part of Fairfax County's Summer Entertainment Series. READ MORE

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