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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.
Plan the perfect summer getaway complete with an outdoor movie at Hotel Zena’s rooftop pool. Enjoy your favorite movies while floating in the pool or poolside with sips and snacks. Now that sounds relaxing!
Wednesdays: 9:00 p.m. | Reserve Tickets (Complimentary for hotel guests)
Hotel Zena, 1155 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
Congressional Cemetary
Experience movie night with a spooky twist as Cinematery returns to the historic Congressional Cemetery. This year’s Dinosaurs and Declarations series features National Treasure (July 17) and Jurassic Park (Sept. 11), all screened under the stars among centuries-old headstones. Bring a blanket and your bravest friends to enjoy a hauntingly fun night for only $20.
7 p.m. | Tickets
Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
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
The Memorial Foundaiton
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is one of DC’s most recognizable landmarks and its foundation is proud to present free-to-attend movie screenings as the first and only summer film series at a memorial on the National Mall. Bring the family out for Zootopia on June 19, Wicked: For Good on July 17 and Michael on Aug. 21, all beginning at 8 p.m. Make sure to bring your own lawn chair or blanket!
Fridays: 8 p.m. | Free admission
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, 1964 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20003
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
Navy Yard Business Improvement District
Join the Navy Yard BID for outdoor movies at Audi Field, home of the Washington Spirit, D.C. United and DC Defenders. Upgrade the big screen experience and view recent movies on the stadium's jumbotron every Thursday in August. Stay tuned for the movie lineup!
Thursdays: 7:30 p.m. | More information
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
Starting Thursday, July 30, through August 20
Head to The Yards Park Canal Basin for free outdoor family movie nights on the Great Lawn every Thursday. Each screening includes a kid-friendly activity before the film, making it the perfect way to spend a summer evening with the whole family. Looking for even more movie nights? DCDPR is also bringing pop-up screenings to parks and neighborhoods across the city throughout the summer. Check out the full schedule to find one near you.
Thursdays: 6 p.m. | Free admission
The Yards, 355 Water Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
