There was a time where one could roam Los Angeles during the summer and see not one sign for an outdoor summer movie series.
Thankfully, those times are not now. Seriously, is there any better combo than snacks, lawn chairs, wine and a good flick under the stars? (Even a bad flick, really…)
In the last few years, the outdoor movie scene has exploded, putting us into a tailspin to figure out the best place to get our fix….(and in some cases, necessitating tickets and lines and planning that goes way beyond the very essence of a chill outdoor movie night.)
We cut through the clutter to find the TOP TEN FREE OUTDOOR MOVIES this summer (Click here for our Top Ten Outdoor Concert Series and stay tuned…for our Top Ten Free Events coming soon).
We love these because they’re easy on the wallet and a little more chill than some of their counterparts (Read: No need to wait hours for entrance…Hollywood Forever Cemetery, we’re looking at you.)
1. Friday Night Flicks
(Photo credit: Michal Czerwonka/Getty Images)
Fridays, Dusk, Pershing Square DTLA, Starts July 10
www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/friday-night-flicks
This awesome series projects movies on a 20’ foot inflatable screen and lets you bring your (well-behaved) dog with you. After seeing the Charlize version last month, we’re excited to check out the original Mad Max here on July 24th. For quick and easy access, take the Metro Pershing Square stop.
2. Silverlake Picture Show
(Photo credit: SilverlakePictureShow.com)
Every other Thursday, 7pm, Sunset Triangle Plaza, Starts June 25
www.silverlakepictureshow.com
Fun flicks, local musician performances and just oozing with community spirit. A must for any Eastsider.
3. Malibu Country Mart Movie Series
(Photo credit: Malibu Country Mart Facebook)
Some Saturday Nights, Dusk, Malibu Country Mart
Whatever points they lose for film frequency (or lack thereof), they gain back for proximity to amazing restaurants (offering take-out during flicks), shops and oh yeah, the ocean.
4. Movies on the Green
(Photo credit: Jim Brammer)
Saturdays, Dusk, Warner Center Park Woodland Hills, First one August 1
www.valleycultural.org/concerts-programs/movie-schedule-2015
Super family-friendly fare for Valley folk in their own backyard. Plenty of room for blankets, a playground and shaved ice trucks make this one a local fave.
5. Marina Movie Nights
(Photo credit: Seeing-Stars.com)
Saturday nights, 8pm, Burton Chace Park, MDR, First one July 18
www.visitmarinadelrey.com/files/docs/free-marina-movie-nights-2014.pdf
Pull up a lawn chair or two in Burton Chace park and enjoy some classics like Sound of Music or Casablanca.
6. Moonlight Movies on the Beach
(Photo credit: Alfredo’s Beach Club)
Multiple nights all summer, Dusk, Granada Beach, Long Beach, Started June 22
www.alfredosbeachclub.com/seafest-movie
There is nothing better than a beachside movie. Period. These Long Beach screenings up the ante with the best selection of films of any other outdoor series (Yeah, we said it.). Add in free parking and dinner and popcorn avail for purchase and you have yourself a perfect night.
7. North Hollywood Summer Movie Series
(Photo credit: IFFNoHo.com)
Multiple Friday and Saturdays, Dusk, Various NoHo Parks, Starts July 3
www.iffnoho.com/#!summer-movie-series/chh5
Put on by the NoHo Film Festival, it promises an oldie but goodie right out the gate with Rocky. Even better, local favorite Pitfire Pizza offers a Movie “Picnic” meal to tote along with your blanket.
8. CSUN Summer Movie Fest
(Photo credit: SunDial.CSUN.edu)
Thursdays, Dusk, Oviatt Library Lawn CSUN, Started June 4
www.csun.edu/as/summer-movie-fest
Pet friendly and with an array of classics and recent hits, the CSUN series helps outdoor cinephiles get their weekday fix.
9. Playa Vista Movies in the Park
(Photo credit: PlayaVista.com)
Fridays, Dusk, Concert Park Playa Vista, Started June 19
www.playavista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Playa-Vista-Summer-2015-Events-Calendar.pdf
In the gorgeous Concert Park Bandshell and with dozens of gourmet food trucks to choose from, the Playa Vista Movie Series is a feast for the senses. Can’t wait for summer classic Dirty Dancing on July 10.
10. Summertime Cinema
Fridays, Sundown, Various Westfield Malls, Starting July 10
Don’t let the fact that these outdoor screenings are in a mall deter you. From Culver City to Sherman Oaks and Canoga Park, the Westfield malls offer outdoor screenings of fun family films directly adjacent to their food terraces.