Watching a movie outside is a classic summer activity. Whether you’re bringing a lawn chair or driving up to the screen, here’s where to catch a flick outdoors in the Washington region.
This post was updated on June 1, 2026.
Movies on the Potomac
150 National Plaza, National Harbor
From May 3 through September 27, head to National Harbor for waterfront screenings twice a week. Thursdays feature date night flicks, while Sundays are for family-friendly films. Upcoming films: Back to the Future (1985) and Top Gun (1986). Details: Free. View schedule here.
Drive-In at Union Market
1309 5th St., NE
Park your car (or a chair) in the lot at Union Market on Fridays for outdoor showings one Friday each month, starting May 8 and ending October 9. Movie theater snacks get an upgrade with goods from Union Market vendors. Upcoming films: Barbie (2023) and Iron Man (2008) Details: $25 per car, free on foot. Reserve tickets here.
Cinematery
1801 E St., SE
Celebrate “Museums and Monsters” at this historic cemetery, where you can bring your own blanket, food, and alcohol to watch films about spooky specters. Screenings take place once a month on July 17 and September 11. Upcoming films: National Treasure (2004) and Jurassic Park (1993). Details: Recommended $10 donation. View schedule here.
CiNoMatic
227 Harry Thomas Way, NE
Unroll a blanket in Alethia Tanner Park every Wednesday, from June 3 through July 1. This year’s theme is “Adventure Awaits,” highlighting films with a classic hero’s journey. Upcoming films: The Princess Bride (1987) and The Goonies (1985). Details: Free. View schedule and RSVP here.
Adams Morgan Movie Nights
2201 18th St., NW
The Adams Morgan BID is screening a lineup of films with a revolutionary spirit. On Thursdays from May 28 through June 25, you can head to the field outside Marie Reed Elementary School and catch classics and new favorites. Upcoming films: Hamilton (2020) and Milk (2008). Details: Free. View schedule here.
The Reach at the Kennedy Center
2700 F St., NW
The Kennedy Center’s “Extraordinary Cinema” series is projected onto the Reach’s massive video wall. Screenings take place on Saturday evenings. Upcoming films: How to Train Your Dragon (2010) and The Color Purple (1985). Details: Free. View schedule here.
Bengies Drive-In Theater
3417 Eastern Blvd., Middle River
Looking for not just a big screen, but the biggest possible screen? Bengies offers the largest movie theater screen in America. Make sure you arrive early: No one is allowed in after the box office closes. Upcoming films: Scary Movie (2026) and Toy Story 5 (2026). Details: $12.50 per adult, and $7 per child; $4 vehicle fee. Reserve tickets here.
Wolf Trap
1551 Trap Rd., Vienna
Immerse yourself in a live film score, courtesy of the National Symphony Orchestra. The hybrid movie and music nights take place at the Filene Center, Wolf Trap’s outdoor amphitheater, from Thursday, July 9 through Saturday, September 5. Upcoming films: The Little Mermaid (1989) and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001). Details: Starting at $43.25. View schedule here.
Movies in the Park Rockville
Multiple Locations
The outdoor theater rotates between Rockville parks on Thursdays from July 30 through August 20. Movies and locations are not yet released. Details: Free. View schedule here.
“Summerbration” Reston
1901 Reston Metro Plaza, Reston
Reston Station is playing a roster of family-friendly films on Saturdays. Many of the movies are paired with themed swag or activities, such as a a meet-and-greet with minions. Upcoming Films: Minions (2015) and The Secret Life of Pets (2016). Details: Free. View schedule here.
Films in the Park Mosaic District
Strawberry Park, Fairfax
On Thursdays starting June 18, this outdoor mall is screening films at the grassy Strawberry Park. Pick up food from nearby restaurants such as Colada Shop or District Dumpling to set up a picnic for the movie. Films have not yet been released. Details: Free. View schedule here.
Sunset Cinema at the Wharf
970 Wharf St., SW
Catch sunset and a movie every Wednesday, through September 2, at the Wharf’s Transit Pier starting on May 28. No need to buy tickets in advance but plan to arrive early if you want one of the limited seats (You can also bring your own chair or blanket.) Looking for concessions? Grab food from nearby restaurants such as Bartaco and Lucky Buns, plus drinks are available at waterfront bar Cantina Bambina. Upcoming films: Sinners (2025) and 10 Things I Hate About You (1999). Details: Free. When the showing schedule is officially released, it will go live here.
Films at the Stone
964 Independence Ave., SW
Located at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Films at the Stone features a lineup of animated films that center social justice and equality. Bring snacks, blankets, and chairs to the lawn. Upcoming films: Zootopia 2 (2025) and Wicked: For Good (2025). Details: Free. View schedule here.
Sunset Movies at the Navy Memorial
701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Catch movies inspired by the ocean and swimming at the Navy Memorial Plaza this summer. Films start at dusk on Thursdays. Bring chairs, blankets, and snacks. Upcoming films: Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) and Miracle (2004). Details: Free. View schedule here.
Movies on the Lawn at the Library of Congress
10 1st St., SE
Moviegoers can set up chairs and picnic tables on the Thomas Jefferson building lawn every Thursday from July 9 to August 6. Films start at sunset, but the library is also hosting live music performances before some of the movies. Upcoming films: Clueless (1995) and Rocky (1976). Details: Free. View schedule here.
