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Outdoor Summer Movies in LA

Updated for 2022

Summer means it’s time to get outside and have fun. What better way to celebrate than taking the family to a movie under the stars? Parks, schools, museums — and even rooftops — are some of the great places to see outdoor movies in Los Angeles. 

We’ve checked and updated the schedules, and we’ll keep checking all summer to make sure this info is fresh.

There are pop-up drive-ins all over SoCal, and you can find their schedules here, too. Plus, we are very excited about seeing movies while sitting on a blanket or in beach chairs.

But, what if you’d rather stay indoors? No problem! We’ve got a great list of bargain movies showing at some of the theater chains this summer, too: like the Regal Summer Movie Express and the AMC Summer Movie Camp.

Wherever you catch a movie this summer, we hope you’ll enjoy it!

movie screen set up outdoors in Los Angeles

Outdoor Summer Movies in Los Angeles

Street Food Cinema

Street Food Cinema makes going to the movies an event. During the pandemic, they launched a pop-up drive-in series, but they will once again show movies for people to sit outside and watch starting May 28th, 2022.

They offer a wide range of movies, food trucks, live music (before the film), and community fun. This summer, their locations include Will Rogers State Historic Park, and LA State Historic Park, among others. Check the website for details about dates, films, and locations — and to purchase tickets in advance.

Note: Not all movies are family-friendly.

Here’s a partial summer schedule:

  • May 28: 10 Things I Hate About You at Will Rogers State Historic Park and Jurassic Park at The Autry Museum
  • June 4: Sunset Blvd. at Poinsettia Park and The Mummy at Brand Park
  • June 11: Pitch Perfect at Verdugo Park and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World at Veterans Memorial Park
  • June 18: Black Panther at The Autry Museum and Mrs. Doubtfire at Will Rogers State Historic Park
  • June 25: Back to the Future at The Autry Museum and Bohemian Rhapsody at Poinsettia Park
  • July 2: A League of Their Own at Veterans Memorial Park, Independence Day at The Autry Museum, and The Avengers at Will Rogers State Historic Park
  • July 9: Friday at Exposition Park and The Princess Bride at The Autry Museum

Parks After Dark
34 LA County Parks Locations all over SoCal

LA County is bringing back their popular FREE summer movie and concert series at 34 area parks this summer. With movies like Scoob!, Godzilla vs. Kong, Onward, and Sonic the Hedgehog, you’re sure to have fun. The movie nights also include an arts and crafts activity as well as health resources for all. Click over to see the event schedule at a park near you.

Related: Summer Concerts all over SoCal

Rooftop Cinema Pop-up Drive-in
Rooftop Cinema Club The Drive-In at Santa Monica Airport (photo used with permission)

Rooftop Cinema Club
3 Locations
Arts District: 777 S. Alameda St. Los Angeles 90021
DTLA: 888 South Olive Street, Los Angeles 90014
El Segundo: 1310 East Franklin Ave., El Segundo 90245

Rooftop Cinema Club will return to its Downtown LA location this summer! Watch movies on a rooftop while seated in a comfortable deck chair. State-of-the-art wireless headphones are available so nothing will distract you from the classic dialogue!

They also have a location in El Segundo as a pop-up drive-in. Click to get all the details and order tickets in advance. Note that they often show double features, so be sure to look at the showtimes before you purchase tickets; the film you want to see may not begin until 11 pm.

Rooftop is also offering special family-friendly screenings this summer on an LED screen. RCC’s early screenings can start as early as 1 pm or somewhere between 4 and 5 pm, so watch movie times closely. They’ll open their 18+ rooftop venue to younger moviegoers for these early screenings and allow the whole family to enjoy a movie night under the sky. Check out their website to see the entire schedule!

Want to see a movie at a Classic SoCal Drive-in? Check out this list of great places.

Plaza West Covina
Summer Movie Night Flix Series 
112 Plaza Dr., West Covina, CA 91790

Plaza West Covina — in partnership with the City of West Covina and sponsored by Regal Medical Group and Athens Services — is excited to announce its Summer Movie Night Flix Series, on the roof of the parking garage. Attendees are asked to bring their own beach/lawn chairs and come ready to enjoy a night of family entertainment, games, and giveaways. Event dates to save are July 12th, July 26th, and August 9th.

Catalina Island Museum
First Friday Films

Catalina Island Museum is thrilled to announce the return of its First Friday Films with the next film screening taking place on June 3. The featured movie will be, The Wackiest Ship in the Army, starring Jack Lemmon and Ricky Nelson.

Taking place on the first Friday of every month, the Museum will screen popular films under the stars in the outdoor Ackerman Family Amphitheater.

The rest of the season’s films will be announced on their website, so check back often to find out what will be shown each month. A variety of movie snacks along with wine and beer will be available for purchase. Tickets to First Friday Films are $12 for members, $17 for non-members, and $5 for kids. You can buy tickets online in advance.

Cinespia
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038

Hollywood Forever Cemetery is a memorable location to enjoy an outdoor movie, and Cinespia also screens films at historic theaters around LA. Audiences enjoy pre-show fun including DJs and themed photo booths — and don’t forget to bring a picnic.

They are kicking off the 2022 season on May 28th with a screening of Mean Girls. Check their website and social channels for updates on the rest of the summer.

Note: not all movies are family-friendly.

poolside cinema with the family and dinner at the Fairmont Miramar hotel in Santa Monica
Want to watch a family-friendly movie poolside? Check out the Poolside Cinema Series at the Fairmont Miramar hotel in Santa Monica. More details below. (Photo courtesy of the Fairmont Miramar.)

PCH Movies and Moonlight
6400 East Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90803

PCH Movies & Moonlight returns on Friday, June 3rd at sunset with a special feature of Hairspray. Movies are complimentary to the community; self-seating will be available on a first-come first-serve basis. Pets are welcome but must remain leashed and under physical control at all times.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. 2ND & PCH offers an array of restaurants, retailers, and specialty services within the center for the community to enjoy before, during, or after the movie.  

Marina Movie Nights
13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292

Marina Movie Nights returns for a free summer series on select summer Saturdays in July and August. Movies will play at 8 pm, but arrive early to pick your spot on the grass — seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

You can bring a picnic, a blanket, and a low beach chair. Stay tuned to their website to get the upcoming movie line-up! 

Melrose Rooftop Theatre
603 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood 90069

A unique outdoor cinema experience nestled in the heart of West Hollywood’s fashion and design precinct. The Melrose Rooftop Theatre is attached to the property occupied by E.P. & L.P. and the entry is via the lobby at 603 N La Cienega Boulevard, West Hollywood.

The Theatre is showing cult classic movies and new releases alike. The cinema utilizes wireless technology with individual headsets provided to guests to maximize the cinema experience. They’re offering a dinner and cocktail option as well!

poolside cinema with dinner at the Fairmont Miramar hotel in Santa Monica
The Poolside Cinema experience, complete with dinner, at the Fairmont Miramar, photo used with permission

Poolside Cinema Series
Fairmont Miramar Hotel, 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica 90401

Park yourself by the pool and enjoy family-friendly films, along with food and drinks – every Saturday from now to Labor Day with the return of Fairmont Miramar’s Poolside Cinema Series, showcasing iconic classics and cult-favorites from Encanto to The Incredibles and much more. Stop by Saturdays & Sundays at sunset (7pm/8pm) for a plethora of family-friendly films for guests and locals to enjoy while lounging poolside al fresco with complimentary popcorn in hand. And the option for dinner provided by the ultra-seasonal farm-to-table FIG Restaurant. Reserved seating is complimentary for hotel guests and outside visitors can book a $20 reservation through the hotel’s website. 

Partial Poolside Cinema Schedule:

  • Saturday, June 25: Cars
  • Saturday, July 2: How to Train Your Dragon
  • Sunday, July 3: Up
  • Saturday, July 9: The Incredibles
  • Saturday, July 16: Aladdin (original)

Pleasant Valley Movies in the Park
Constitution Park, 601 Carmen Dr., Camarillo, CA 93010
Community Center Park, 1605 Burnley St., Camarillo, CA 93010

On select Fridays from June through August you can watch free movies in the park, enjoy live music, and play family games. Movies start at 8:15 pm and food trucks will be available as early as 6 pm.

Seating will be on the lawn at each event and is on a first-come, first-served basis. You can “bring blankets, low folding chairs, and a picnic to enjoy during the movie”.

The movie schedule is:

  • June 17: Mary Poppins Returns at Community Center Park
  • July 8: Encanto at Constitution Park
  • July 29: Hairspray at Constitution Park
  • August 12: Jungle Book at Community Center Park

Movies on the Lawn
Jamaica Bay Inn, 4175 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292

Most Sundays, starting June 5th, you can watch free evening movies at the Jamaica Bay Inn. Seating begins at 7 pm with movies starting at dusk. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. It’s acceptable to bring blankets, pillows, and low chairs for seating comfort during the movie screenings. Guests are encouraged to register ahead of time online.

Here’s the movie lineup:

  • June 5: Dune
  • June 12: Talladega Nights
  • June 19: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
  • June 26: Luca
  • July 10: Anchorman
  • July 17: Wall E
  • July 24: The Truman Show
  • July 31: 007 No Time to Die

Eat See Hear

This terrific summer movie company has announced that their traveling outdoor cinema series is back for 2022! They use the “largest inflatable movie screen on the West Coast with the highest quality HD-projection, a 52-foot wide image, and professional sound”. There will also be music, pop-ups, and food trucks to enhance your viewing experience. Look on the website for further information and to buy event tickets.

Here’s a partial schedule of summer screenings:

  • May 29: Shang-Chi & The Legend of the Ten Rings at Autry Museum of the American West
  • June 18: 42 at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza
  • June 24: The Birdcage at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza
  • July 2: Jaws at Centennial Square at Pasadena City Hall
  • July 29: Jurassic Park at LA State Historic Park
  • July 30: The Goonies at LA State Historic Park

City of San Gabriel Summer Movies
Various Locations Around San Gabriel

San Gabriel’s popular annual summer entertainment series returns with free movies, providing residents and guests with plenty of family-friendly fun and free experiences to enjoy on southern California’s cool summer nights. Bring a blanket and enjoy free outdoor movies throughout San Gabriel on select Thursdays in June and July:

  • Thursday, June 30 at 8:30 p.m. Encanto movie at Vincent Lugo Park
  • Thursday, July 14 at 8:30 p.m.: Sing 2 movie at Vincent Lugo Park
  • Thursday, July 28 at 8:30 p.m.: Jumanji movie at Marshall Park

Bargain Summer Movies Indoors at Theater Chains

regal summer movie express promo image
Take your kids to see one of the fun movies this summer at the Regal Summer Movie Express

Regal Summer Movie Express

Back for 2022! The Regal Theater chain hosts their Summer Movie Express where they show family-friendly movies for $2 every Tuesday and Wednesday, all summer long. Check the website to see the schedule and the participating local theaters.

The 2022 summer schedule:

  • May 31 & June 1: Penguins of Madagascar and The Lego Movie
  • June 7 & 8: The Lorax and The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
  • June 14 & 15: Abominable and The Lego Batman Movie
  • June 21 & 21: Despicable Me and Pokemon Detective Pikachu
  • June 28 & 29: Despicable Me 2 and Space Jam
  • July 5 & 6: Sing and Puss in Boots
  • July 12 & 13: Sing 2 and Space Jam: A New Legacy
  • July 19 & 20: Despicable Me 3 and Tom & Jerry
  • July 26 & 27: Minions and Trolls World Tour
  • August 2 & 3: The Croods: A New Age and The Boss Baby: Family Business
  • August 9 & 10: Trolls and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
  • August 16 & 17: The Secret Life of Pets and Scoob!
  • August 23 & 24: The Secret Life of Pets 2 and Hop
  • August 30 & August 31: The Grinch and Shrek

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse
Nearby locations include: Apple Valley, Carson, Playa Vista, Marina, and Orange

The Summer Movie Clubhouse is back at participating Cinemark theaters this summer! Enjoy the big screen each Wednesday for the bargain price of only $1.50 per ticket per movie.

Kids can get eight weeks of fun movies between Jun 15th and August 3rd. While watching they can munch on items included in a kid’s snack pack — or get any size popcorn and drink combo—and take $1 off of the purchase. Their website has additional information on screening times and where to go to watch a movie at a theatre near you.

Outdoor movies in Los Angeles photo/flyer

Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.

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