Your D.C. free outdoor movie guide
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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.
What's new: A "Movies on the Memorial" series celebrating America's 250th birthday at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Penn Quarter (June 11-25).
- America-themed films include Captain America (June 11) and Apollo 13 (June 25).
🍿 Must-see outdoor movies around town:
Adams Morgan Movie Nights | Thursdays through July 2nd
- Free movie nights at Marie Reed's soccer field focus on classics, nostalgic films and crowd-pleasers like a "Hamilton" sing-along (June 4) and "Milk" for pride night (June 18).
- Note: no alcohol or pets allowed.
CiNoMatic! at Alethia Tanner Park | Wednesdays, June 3-July 1
- NoMa's outdoor movie series centers around nostalgic flicks — think "The Princess Bride" (June 10) and "The Goonies" (July 1). Films start at dusk, with food trucks for picnic dinners.
Movies on the Potomac | Thursdays and Sundays, through September 27
- National Harbor's free movie series overlooking the Potomac River happens every Thursday ("date night") at 7pm, and Sunday ("family night") at 6pm. Surrounding restaurants offer pre-movie meals and takeout.
Sunset Cinema at The Wharf | Wednesdays, through September 2
- Grab a seat at The Wharf's big pier — or tie up your boat — for their crowd-pleasing movie series. No tickets or reservations are required; limited chairs are available starting at 7pm for the 7:30pm shows.
- Moviegoers can bring their own food or purchase from nearby vendors like the Union Pie kiosk. Beer is available at the Cantina Bambina concession window (no BYO allowed).
Library of Congress Movies on the Lawn | Select Thursdays, July 9 - August 13
- The Library of Congress screens free National Film Registry-selected movies on its southeast lawn — this year themed around "America 250: It's Your Story" like "Rocky" (July 16) and "A League of Their Own" (July 30).
"Cinematery" at the Congressional Cemetery | July 17, September 11
- The cemetery cinema has a "Dinosaurs & Declarations" theme this summer with "National Treasure" (July 17) and "Jurassic Park" (September 11).
- 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.
Drive up!
Bengies | Showtimes vary
- It's worth a drive to Middle River, MD (about 57 miles from D.C.) to see what's billed as the biggest outdoor theater in the U.S.
- Cars pull up for a double-feature most weekends, with concessions available from a stand. Prices vary by car type and capacity (2 people minimum).
The Drive-In at Union Market | First Fridays through October 9
- Indoor cats can get their fix of outdoor films at the drive-in, where ticket holders ($20/car) can watch the likes of "Barbie" (June 5) from the comfort of their vehicles.
- Times vary for the parking lot opening and screenings.
- 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.
This story has been updated to reflect new showtimes and offerings