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Check out the best places to experience the cinema outdoors or by driving-in with these mostly free options in the nation’s capital.
Join the NoMa BID for outdoor movies every Wednesday from May 6 – June 10 at sunset. With a theme of "Adventure Awaits", showings include The Goonies (May 20), Night at the Museum (June 3) and The Princess Bride (June 10). 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
One of DC’s most beloved neighborhoods brings its popular film series back for the summer on Thursdays from May 21 through June 25. In celebration of 250 years of revolutionary thinking and pulling for the underdog, enjoy iconic and bold stories including Rocky (May 21), Hamilton (June 4) and MILK (June 18).
Thursdays: After sunset (8:30-9 p.m.) | Free admission | More info
Marie Reed School, 2201 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Nothing beats watching the sunset on the water, right? Think again. Enjoy fan-favorite flicks and blockbuster hits like Sinners (June 17), A League of Their Own (July 15), 10 Things I Hate About You (Aug. 12) and Project Hail Mary (Aug. 26) on the Transit Pier's big screen during Sunset Cinema at The Wharf presented by Pacifico. 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
Enjoy films inspired by America's 250th on the Navy Memorial Plaza, steps from the Lone Sailor statue. This summer’s lineup includes National Treasure, Captain America: The First Avenger, Miracle and Apollo 13, perfect for movie lovers and histoey buffs alike. Screenings take place on Thursdays in June.
Thursdays: 8 p.m. | Free admission
United States Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Library of Congress presents National Film Registry selected films on its southeast lawn. The lineup includes Clueless (July 9), Back to the Future (July 23) and Apollo 13 (Aug. 6). Enjoy live performances before some of the showings, beginning at 7 p.m.
Thursdays: 8 p.m. | Free admission
Thomas Jefferson Building - Southeast Lawn, 10 First Street SE, Washington, DC 20540
Enjoy movies on the plaza next to the Potomac River all summer long at National Harbor. Every Thursday offers date night blockbusters, while every Sunday features family-friendly films. Showings range from sports favorites like Little Giants (Aug. 30) and Moneyball (Sept. 24), crowd-pleasers such as Remember the Titans (June 21) and Top Gun (Aug. 6)) and animated hits including Zootopia 2 (May 31) and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (Sept. 13).
Sundays: 6 p.m. | Thursdays: 7 p.m. | Free admission
National Harbor Plaza, 165 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745
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. Visitors should check out the policies in place before visiting.
Times vary | Tickets
3417 Eastern Boulevard, Middle River, MD 21220
