12 Great Places to Catch an Outdoor Movie in Philly This Summer
Photo by waferboard/Flickr
All summer, organizations across the city are setting up their projectors to host free screenings of American classics, mega blockbusters and even a few Philly premieres. Spray on the bug repellant and lay out under the stars. If you’re looking for a cheep date or an evening activity the whole family can enjoy, here are some options to choose from.
Schuylkill Banks Movie Series
Every Thursday night starting at dusk, the Banks are transformed into an outdoor cinema. Arrive early to reap some free snacks and enter raffles for a chance to win gift cards. Thursdays, June 11th through August 20th, dusk, Walnut Street Bridge, Grays Ferry Crescent, and Paine’s Park.
Upcoming movies: Safety Not Guaranteed, The Lego Movie, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Venice Island
As part of a six-week series of Family Fun Night the Venice Island Performing Arts Center will pitch a screen for the little ones. Food trucks and organized activities are offered along with the free movie every Friday night. Fridays through July 3rd, 8 pm, 1 Rector Street.
Upcoming movies: School of Rock, E.T. and Field of Dreams
Headhouse Square Shambles
Join the Headhouse District for dinner and a movie under the Square Shambles. This is a good movie spot if you’re worried about getting wet, screenings take place rain or shine. Wednesdays, June 24th, July 8th, July 22nd, August 5th, August 19th, September 2nd, 8 pm, South Street Headhouse District.
Upcoming movies: Hairspray, Pitch Perfect, E.T.
FringeArts
Kick back at the FringeArt beer garden every Wednesday night to screen mature flicks with a bottle in hand and friends by your side. Wednesdays through July 29th, 8:30 pm, 140 North Columbus Boulevard.
Upcoming movies: True Stories, The Party, La Cage aux Folles
Dilworth Park
Watch your favorite hits under the shadow of William Penn. Dilworth Park offers screenings in front of City Hall on Tuesday nights. Last screening of the year will be held next Tuesday, June 30th. 6:30 pm, 1401 John F Kennedy Boulevard.
Upcoming movie: Annie (2014), more TBA
Hawthorne Park
If you’re looking for a more kid-friendly series, head over to Hawthorne. Free snacks and games will be available before the sun goes down. Fridays, June 26th, July 31st, August 28th, 8 pm, Catharine Street.
Upcoming movies: Annie, Big Hero, Toy Story
The Awesome Fest at Liberty Lands Park
Cozy up with friends on a blanket built for one. Liberty Lands Park’s Awesome Fest hosts independent films to admire and critique. Many of the films premiere right here in Philadelphia. Fridays, June 26th through August 14th, 9 pm, North 3rd Street.
Upcoming movies: Call Me Lucky, Turbo Kid, Roar
Moonlight Movies In Mount Airy
From paperbacks to screen fronts. Mount Airy USA teams up with the Free Library of Philadelphia to feature movies based on books. Prior to the movie night, partake in Moonlight Movie Book Club activities and discussions that correlate with the weekly screenings. Fridays, June 26th through August 14th and Thursday, July 30th, 8:30 pm, 6945 Germantown Avenue.
Upcoming movies: Where The Wild Things Are, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, To Kill A Mockingbird
Clark Park
The food trucks roll in and the picnic blankets roll out and maybe someone lights up a spliff or two (especially on the night they screen Little Shop of Horrors). Later this summer West Philly’s Clark Park will host a variety of movies with munchies courtesy of local vendors like Pitruco Pizza, Chewy’s food truck and Weckerly’s ice cream. Fridays, August 21st through September 18th, 8 pm, 4398 Chester Avenue.
Upcoming movies: The Incredibles, Selma, Little Shop of Horrors
Screenings Under the Stars at Penn’s Landing
Sit riverside to experience a cinematic adventure. Films will be projected on the big screen most Thursdays at dusk. Fridays, July 9th-August 27th, 8:30 pm, 121 North Columbus Boulevard.
Upcoming films: The Goonies, The Wizard of Oz, Guardians of the Galaxy
The Oval
The Parkway will shine a little brighter on Friday nights. The pop-up park will host a series of films starting in mid-July. Have some fresh brews from the pop-up beer garden while you relax and enjoy the flicks. Fridays, July 17th through August 21st, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Upcoming films: TBA
Franklin Square
Gather the family and set up in front of the big screens … but not too close. For three nights this summer the Square will host kid-friendly flicks. Saturdays, July 18th, August 15th and September 5th, 8:30 pm, 200 6th Street.
Upcoming movies: The Lego Movie, Dolphin Tale and Ghostbusters
