May 9, 2025 - Things to Do
D.C. free outdoor movie guide for warm weather fun
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Catch a movie and water views at National Harbor. Photo: Courtesy National Harbor
Warm weather calls for spreading a blanket on the grass, unpacking a picnic, and settling in for an outdoor movie.
Our favorite outdoor movie locations around town:
Adams Morgan Movie Nights | Tuesdays, May 22-June 12
- Free movie nights at Marie Reed's soccer field run through June. This year's theme is "Diverse Experiences in Art and Film," with popular flicks and musicals like "West Side Story" (May 22) and "The Birdcage" (May 29) starting around 9pm.
CiNoMatic! at Alethia Tanner Park | Wednesdays, May 7-June 11
- NoMa's outdoor movie series centers around feel-good musicals and comedies — think "Wicked" (May 7) or "Barbie" (May 21). Films start at dusk, and there are food trucks for a picnic dinner.
Movies on the Potomac | Thursdays and Sundays, May 8-Sept. 28
- National Harbor's free movie series overlooking the Potomac River happens every Thursday ("date night") at 7 pm, and Sunday ("family night") at 6 pm through the spring and summer. Surrounding restaurants offer pre-movie meals and takeout.
Sunset Cinema at The Wharf | Thursdays, May 29-Aug. 28
- Grab a seat at The Wharf's big pier for their crowd-pleasing movie series. No tickets or reservations are required; seats for each 7pm movie are first-come.
- Moviegoers can bring their own food, or buy beer and snacks at the Cantina Bambina concession window.
Summer Movies on the Lawn | Select Thursdays, June 26-Aug. 7
- The Library of Congress screens free National Film Registry-selected movies on its southeast lawn, such as "The Princess Bride" (July 10) and "The Goonies" (July 17).
The Drive-In at Union Market | First Fridays, May 9 - Oct. 5
- Indoor cats can get their fix of outdoor films at the drive-in, where ticket holders ($20/car) can watch the likes of "Sister Act" (May 9) from the comfort of their vehicles.
- It's free to watch outside on Neal Place. You can grab food and drinks from the food hall for both experiences, but no alcohol is allowed in the parking lot.
Cinematery at the Congressional Cemetery | First Fridays, May 23-Sept. 12
- The "cinematery" is back with its "mausoleums & monster" motif, showing films like "Jaws" and "The Mummy."
- Reservations are required with a suggested donation of $10. Blankets, chairs, food and alcohol are all allowed — and wine/beer will be on sale — but no pups, please.