Check out the best places to experience the cinema outdoors or by driving-in with these mostly free options in the nation’s capital.
The Drive-In at Union Market is back for its 11th year and ready for action every first and third Friday of the month from April 7 – July 21. Admission is $20 per car and the lot allows up to 170 cars, but visitors on foot can also enjoy the show from Neal Place, free of charge. Level up your theater concessions with the variety of flavors offered at the Market and enjoy your favorite action, family favorite and cult classics.
Times vary | Tickets
Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Join the NoMa BID for a dose of your favorite villains every Wednesday in May at sunset. Showings include Black Panther (May 10) and Cruella (May 31). 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, DC 20002
Downtown DC’s CAN I KICK IT? movie series delivers an action-packed evening for movie and music lovers. Experience big hit and cult classic action films complemented by a live, scene-by-scene score of a blend of hip-hop, soul and rock from DJ 2-Tone Jones. Events run every Thursday from June 1 – July 13 and feature guest DJ sets, giveaway items, nearby food specials and more.
Thursdays: 7:30 p.m. | Free admission
Franklin Park, 1332 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
Join the Capitol Riverfront BID for outdoor movies at Audi Field, home of D.C. United, on Thursdays throughout this summer. Upgrade the big screen experience and view family-favorite movies like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (June 22) and Minions: The Rise of Gru (Aug. 24) on the stadium's jumbotron.
Thursdays: 7 p.m. | Register
100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
Nothing beats watching the sunset on the water, right? Think again. Enjoy fan-favorite flicks like The Goonies (June 15), Forrest Gump (July 6), Ratatouille (Aug. 17) and more 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 Wharf restaurants, including the Cantina Bambina concession window.
Thursdays: 7:30 p.m. | Free admission
Transit Pier, 970 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
One of DC’s most beloved neighborhoods brings its popular film series back for the summer of 2023. Get ready to laugh with this year’s comedy-focused lineup. The first screening (May 23) features This Is Spinal Tap, the '80s mockumentary, and the series wraps up on June 27 with the crowd-pleasing Shrek. Each screening will kick off with a stand-up performance from a local comedian in partnership with Hotbed.
Tuesdays: After sunset (9 p.m.) | Free admission | More info
Marie Reed School, 2201 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is one of DC’s most recognizable landmarks and its foundation is proud to present free-to-attend movie screenings this summer as the first and only summer film series at a memorial on the National Mall. July 21 offers the family-friendly favorite Minions: The Rise of Gru. On July 21, catch The Woman King, an epic story inspired by true events. Screenings begin 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
The REACH at the Kennedy Center presents an outdoor film series all summer long. The Millennium Stage Outdoor Film screenings will present classic and modern feature films on the REACH video wall every Friday from May 26 – September 1. The lineup includes Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Miss Juneteenth, Moana and A League of Their Own.
Fridays: 8 p.m. | Free admission | More info
The REACH, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20003
Enjoy movies on the plaza next to the Potomac River all summer long at National Harbor. Every Thursday offers date night picks with family-friendly features every Sunday. Showings range from superhero standouts such as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Wonder Woman, comedy gold like Sister Act and She's The Man, storied dramas like I Wanna Dance with Somebody and King Richard and family classics including and Akeelah and the Bee, Up and Coco.
Sundays: 6 p.m. | Thursdays: 7 p.m. | Free admission
National Harbor Plaza, 165 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745
The Library of Congress presents National Film Registry selected films on its southeast lawn. Music will be presented prior to each screening, with live performances on July 6, July 20 and Aug. 3. The lineup includes Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (July 13), Mary Poppins (Aug. 3) and Jaws (Aug. 10).
Thursdays (July 6 – Aug. 10): 7 p.m. | Free admission
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC, 20540
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 is currently 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
Bengies, in Middle River, Md., is known for having the biggest movie theater screen in the United States. The Bengies Drive-In Theatre offers double features almost every weekend with non-stop projection. Upcoming screenings include Shazam! Fury of the Gods and Air. Visitors should check out the policies in place before visiting.
Times vary | Tickets
3417 Eastern Boulevard, Middle River, MD 21220
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