Your Ultimate Guide To Outdoor Movie Screenings In Los Angeles

It's nearing that time of year again where we get to spend warm spring and summer nights in Los Angeles watching film screenings under the stars while picnicking on blankets. Although we can check out all the new blockbuster releases in chain theaters, there's nothing that can replace watching old school films—like E.T. or Back to the Future—with equally fervent fans who are just itching for some nostalgia. Here is a list of our favorite outdoor movie screenings in the city that take place at spacious parks, drive-ins and restaurant garden patios. We'll keep our eyes peeled and update the list when other faves announce their summer lineups. Remember to check the websites of these events before attending as film and time listings sometimes change.

Street Food Cinema (Photo by Tonya Wise, courtesy of Street Food Cinema)
STREET FOOD CINEMA

Each Street Food Cinema event is like a mini-festival: not only do they host outdoor film screenings, but also food trucks and live musical performances. The event heads are stepping up their game this year by throwing at least one outdoor movie screening every Saturday night from May 2 to October 1 at 11 different locations throughout the city. They'll be showing some old favorites like Jurassic Park, Purple Rain and Back to the Future, and featuring food truck staples like Cousins Maine Lobster, Kogi BBQ, Grill 'Em All, Grilled Cheese Truck, Carb & Nation and Komodo. One of their biggest bands performing is indie rock outfit The Rebel Light.

Most of the screening locations are dog-friendly, and there's even a VIP (Very Important Pooch) section at the locations where you can get your dog water and a place to do their doggie business.

Street Food Cinema's general admission is $12, reserved seating is $17, children from 6 to 12 is $6, and children 5 and under are free. There are limited tickets available at the door, which you can purchase with cash starting at 6 p.m. for each event. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., band plays at 6:30 p.m., and the movie starts at 8:30 p.m. Most locations allow dogs except for Culver City's Syd Kronenthal Park. More info can be found on Street Food Cinema's website here.

Here is their screenings schedule:

May 2: Exposition Park, Los Angeles - The Breakfast Club 30th Anniversary
May 9: Victory Park, Pasadena - Grease
May 9: Poinsettia Park, West Hollywood - Pretty Woman 25th Anniversary
May 16: Syd Kronenthal Park, Culver City - Pitch Perfect
May 16: Central Park, Glendale - Forrest Gump
May 23: Exposition Park, Los Angeles - 500 Days of Summer
May 23: Will Rogers, Palisades - Almost Famous 15th Anniversary
May 30: Exposition Park, Los Angeles - Thelma & Louise
May 30: Central Park, Glendale - Stand By Me
Jun 6: Victory Park, Pasadena - Jurassic Park
Jun 6: Westchester Park, Westchester - Donnie Darko
Jun 13: Syd Kronenthal Park, Culver City - American Beauty
Jun 13: Central Park, Glendale - Poltergeist
Jun 20: Exposition Park, Los Angeles - The Interview
Jun 20: Eagle Rock Recreation Field, Eagle Rock - TBD
Jun 27: Verdugo Park, Glendale - Raiders of the Lost Ark
Jul 4: Brand Park, Glendale - Jaws 40th Anniversary
Jul 11: Eagle Rock Recreation Field, Eagle Rock - Purple Rain
Jul 18: Victory Park, Pasadena - Jurassic Park
Jul 18: Syd Kronenthal Park, Culver City - Clueless
Jul 18: Exposition Park, Los Angeles - True Romance
Jul 25: Poinsettia Recreation Park, West Hollywood - Mean Girls
Jul 25: Central Park, Glendale - The Karate Kid
Jul 25: Will Rogers, Palisades - The Royal Tenenbaums
Aug 1: Victory Park, Pasadena - Dirty Dancing
Aug 1: Westchester Park, Westchester - Office Space
Aug 8: Exposition Park, Los Angeles - Heathers
Aug 8: Verdugo Park, Glendale - The Sandlot
Aug 15: Victory Park, Pasadena - Sixteen Candles
Aug 15: Exposition Park, Los Angeles - The Big Lebowski
Aug 15: Syd Kronenthal Park, Culver City - The Muppet Movie
Aug 22: Will Rogers, Palisades - The Shining 35th Anniversary
Aug 22: Central Park, Glendale - Weird Science
Aug 29: Victory Park, Pasadena - Cruel Intentions
Aug 29: Mariott Golf Course, Manhattan Beach - Beetlejuice
Sep 5: Poinsettia Park, West Hollywood - The Rocky Horror Picture Show 40th Anniversary
Sep 5: Central Park, Glendale - 10 Things I Hate About You
Sep 12: Syd Kronenthal Park, Culver City - Moulin Rouge
Sep 12: Victory Park, Pasadena - E.T.
Sep 19: Will Rogers, Palisades - The Goonies 30th Anniversary
Sep 19: Central Park, Glendale - The Outsiders
Sep 19: Westchester Park, Los Angeles - Fight Club
Sep 26: Exposition Park, Los Angeles - 80’s Double Feature: Some Kind of Wonderful & Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Sep 26: Mariott Golf Course, Manhattan Beach - Ghostbusters
Oct 3: Victory Park, Pasadena - Hocus Pocus
Oct 10: Exposition Park, Los Angeles - Scarface
Oct 17: Victory Park, Pasadena - Double Feature: Back to the Future I & II
Oct 24: Westchester Park, Westchester - The Lost Boys
Oct 24: Will Rogers, Palisades - Nightmare on Elm Street
Oct 31: Exposition Park, Los Angeles - Shaun of the Dead

Electric Dusk Drive-In screening (Photo via Electric Dusk Drive-In Facebook)
ELECTRIC DUSK DRIVE-IN

If you want to get your nostalgia on by watching old favorites like Rear Window and Indiana Jones on the big screen outdoors, you can double that feeling by checking it out straight from your car—1950s style—at Electric Dusk Drive-In. For those of you who'd prefer stretching out your legs, they also offer seats in their Astroturf section where you can lay out on a blanket.

Electric Dusk Drive-In keeps it old school and have carhops take your food orders. You can get all-American goodies like hamburgers and hot dogs; they even have a veggie burger option for the non-carnivores. The screenings here are also pet-friendly.

Electric Dusk Drive-In is located at the City Market of L.A. at 1000 San Julian St. downtown. If you purchase your car tickets in advance online (which they highly recommend as shows do sell out), they are $13 per person. Astroturf Lawn Seating costs $9 per person. They also offer a $55 VIP car pass for up to four people, which includes snacks and drinks. However, there are only four VIP car passes available for each event. Showtimes vary for the different screenings (from 8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.), so make sure to check out their website for more information.

Here is their screenings schedule:

March 28: Mean Girls
April 11: The Goonies
April 25: Blazing Saddles
May 9: Fight Club
May 23: Rear Window
June 13: 9 to 5
June 20: The Big Lebowski
July 11: E.T.
July 18: Clue
August 1: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

Outdoor screenings at Alcove Cafe | Big Bar (Photo courtesy of Alcove Cafe | Big Bar)
ALCOVE DINNER AND A MOVIE

Alcove Cafe | Big Bar is bringing back their summer outdoor movie series that just so happen to include some of our other favorite things in life: food and booze. In their garden patio, you can check out free showings of movies like Speed and Edward Scissorhands on a 17-foot screen every third Monday of the month, starting in May. They're also making special dinner items and cocktails inspired by the films, so you can get an all-out immersive experience.

Folks can get seated at 6 p.m. and screenings start around 8 p.m. You won't have to make a reservation to attend. Alcove Cafe | Big Bar is located at 1929 Hillhurst Ave. in Los Feliz, (323) 644-0100.

Here is the screenings schedule:

May 18: Speed
June 15: Devil Wears Prada
July 20: Rocky
August 17: Mean Girls
September 21: Edward Scissorhands

Cinespia (Photo via Facebook)
Cinespia

Cinespia has been a longtime favorite for summer outdoor movie screenings in L.A. No where but in L.A. can you get to watch films right at a graveyard—the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. It's a little morbid, but film buffs can basically hang out and view movies near the grave sites (but not actually on the grave sites) of some of the biggest Hollywood stars. The best part is that you can bring a picnic basket with beer and wine while you lay out your blanket on the grassy field. And it attracts fun movie fans who sometimes dress up as their beloved characters from the films being shown. They always have a great lineup of cult classics. So far, they have flicks like Mulholland Dr. and Dazed and Confused on their list, and they'll be announcing more films later. Make sure to buy your tickets early online as they do sell out pretty quickly and get in line early for a good (and unobstructed) spot.

The times when gates open and movies start vary, so please check Cinespia's website for more details. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online here. Hollywood Forever Cemetery is located at 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood.

Here's the schedule:

May 9: Animal House
May 16: Mulholland Dr.
May 23: Close Encounters of the Third Kind
May 24: Dazed and Confused
May 30: Vertigo
June 6: Harold And Maude
June 13: Do the Right Thing
June 20: Wizard of Oz
June 27: Showgirls
July 3: The Goonies (fireworks show to follow)
July 4: Top Gun (fireworks show to follow)
July 11: Hard Days Night
July 18: Grindhouse
July 25: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
August 1: Apocalypse Now
August 8: It Happened One Night
August 15: Can't Hardly Wait and Scream (for 4th Annual Movies All Night)
August 22: Pee Wee's Big Adventure
August 29: The Virgin Suicides
September 5: Psycho
September 6: Ferris Bueller's Day Off
September 12: Fight Club
September 19: Carrie

Eat|See|Hear (Photo via Facebook)
Eat|See|Hear

Eat|See|Hear is back for its fourth year in a row, this time screening movies like Back to the Future and Zoolander on a 52-foot-wide inflatable movie screen from May 9 to September 12. They’ll be showing their films at different locations throughout the city, including Santa Monica, Los Feliz and Pasadena.

What’s fun about Eat|See|Hear is that they have food trucks and live musical performances to keep you sated and entertained until the films start. Their events are also pooch-friendly and they hand out free doggie biscuits at their door.

They’re also bringing back their “Christmas in July” event on July 25, screening Love Actually, and decking out the venue with holiday decorations. There will be about a dozen Santas in attendance to get your jolly spirit up.

Eat|See|Hear runs from May 9 to September 12. Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 at the door. "Fashionably late" tickets, which are in a reserved area, are available online for $20. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., bands perform at 7 p.m., movies begins at 8:30 p.m. Find out more info about the events on its website here.

Here is the screenings schedule:

May 9: Santa Monica High School (Memorial Greek Amphitheatre) - Pitch Perfect
May 16: Santa Monica High School (Memorial Greek Amphitheatre) - Beverly Hills Cop
May 23: Autry National Center, Los Feliz - Almost Famous
May 30: Santa Monica High School (Memorial Greek Amphitheatre) - Zoolander
June 6: Autry National Center, Los Feliz - Breakfast at Tiffany’s
June 13: Autry National Center, Los Feliz - The Grand Budapest Hotel
June 20: Santa Monica High School (Memorial Greek Amphitheatre) - Edward Scissorhands
June 27: Santa Monica High School (Memorial Greek Amphitheatre) - Annie Hall
July 4: Santa Monica High School (Memorial Greek Amphitheatre) - Jaws
July 11: Centennial Square at Pasadena City Hall - Back to the Future
July 18: Autry National Center, Los Feliz - Three Amigos
July 25: Santa Monica High School (Memorial Greek Amphitheatre) - Love Actually
August 1: Autry National Center, Los Feliz - Wet Hot American Summer (also screening special preview of new Netflix series 'Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp,' with creator David Wain and other surprise cast members in attendance)
August 8: Centennial Square at Pasadena City Hall - Clueless
August 15: Autry National Center, Los Feliz - Breakfast Club
August 22: La Cienega Tennis Center, Beverly Hills - Karate Kid
August 29: Autry National Center, Los Feliz - Reservoir Dogs
September 5: Autry National Center, Los Feliz - Fight Club
September 12: Centennial Square at Pasadena City Hall - Princess Bride

Cal State Northridge's Summer Movie Fest

There are film screenings out in the Valley, too! Over at Cal State Northridge's Oviatt Library Lawn, the school plans to screen movies every Thursday night from June to August. They'll have some newer movies like Guardians of the Galaxy to old favorites like Toy Story and Jurassic Park.

The screenings don't cost anything, but you'll have to either have a CSUN parking permit or pay $6 for general parking at student lots. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, and if you take your pup along with you, just make sure it's on a leash. Movies start at dusk. It's located at 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, (818) 677-2477. More info here.

Here is the screenings schedule:

June 4: Clueless
June 11: The Princess Bride
June 18: The Lego Movie
June 25: The Avengers
July 2: Remember the Titans
July 9: Jurassic Park
July 16: Big Hero 6
July 23: Mary Poppins
July 30: Toy Story
August 6: Jaws
August 13: Guardians of the Galaxy
August 20: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
August 27: 22 Jump Street

North Hollywood International Film Festival Free Outdoor Summer Movie Series:

There isn't a shortage of outdoor movie screenings in the Valley, as North Hollywood will be having a free series taking place at different parks and plazas throughout the neighborhood. They'll have films like The Beatles: A Hard Days Night and Guardians of the Galaxy. Also, they have a promotion for their first screening on May 16. If you head over to Vicious Dogs, just two doors down from NoHo Plaza and say "film festival," you can buy one hot dog and get the second for half off.

Showtimes vary depending on the films and locations. For more information, visit their website here.

Here is the schedule:

May 16: The Beatles: A Hard Days Night - NoHo Plaza
June 13: The Princess Bride - North Hollywood Park
July 3: Rocky - North Hollywood Park
July 25: Babe - Jamie Beth Slavin Park
Aug. 22: Guardians of the Galaxy - North Hollywood Park
Sept. 19: Spy Kids - Victory/Vineland Recreation Center

Moonlight Movies on the Beach (Photo via Alfredo's Beach Club)
Moonlight Movies on the Beach:

One of the perks about living in SoCal is that you can watch outdoor movie screenings on sandy beaches. It's the ultimate summer thing to do—and Alfredo's on the Beach in Long Beach is hosting their screenings for free. Did we mention that parking is free, too? While you're there, drinks, popcorn and snacks will be available for purchase so you won't have to worry about your stomach rumbling while you watch movies like The Sandlot and Up. And of course, they'll be projecting Jaws at some point this summer—very meta.

Moonlight Movies on the Beach will hold screenings at Granada Beach in Long Beach. Movies start at dusk around 8 p.m. For more info on the screenings, visit their website here.

Here is the schedule:

June 22: The Karate Kid
June 23: Jurassic Park
June 24: The Lego Movie
June 25: Goonies
June 26: Pirates of the Caribbean
June 30: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
July 2: Despicable Me
July 7: Back to the Future
July 9: Coraline
July 14: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
July 16: E.T.
July 21: Big Hero 6
July 23: Labyrinth
July 28: Wizard of Oz
July 30: The Sandlot
Aug. 4: 101 Dalmations
Aug. 6: Maleficent
Aug. 11: Frozen Sing-A-Long
Aug. 13: Jaws
Aug. 18: Guardians of the Galaxy
Aug. 20: Surf's Up
Aug. 25: Up
Aug. 27: Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Dodger Stadium Movies

Hey, if you can watch a baseball game at Dodger Stadium, why not check out a movie screening there while you're at it? Last year, the stadium showed baseball-themed flicks, but this year they're going for more family-friendly movies. This time around they have two screenings for The Lego Movie and Back to the Future.

If you buy game-day tickets, you'll get to enjoy the post-game screenings on June 20 and August 15. Ticket prices vary depending on which seats you select, so check the website for more information. Dodger Stadium is located at 1000 Elysian Park Ave in Elysian Park. For more information on the schedule and tickets, visit the Dodgers website here.

Here is the schedule:

June 20: The Lego Movie
Aug. 15: Back to the Future

Bow & Truss outdoor patio film screening (Photo via Facebook)
Bow & TrussOver at North Hollywood's pan-Latin restaurant Bow & Truss, they'll be screening throwback movies every Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. out in their patio. Tickets cost $15 and that comes with a movie-themed snack. All you have to do is email movienight@bowandtruss.com to reserve a spot. Tell them the date and movie you're interested in, the first and last name for your reservation, the number of people in your party, your phone number and the best time the call you. Bow & Truss is located at 11122 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, 818-985-8787.

Here is the schedule:

June 9: Beetlejuice
June 30: Jurassic Park
July 14: Hook
July 28: Dirty Dancing
August 11: Labyrinth
August 25: Back to the Future
September 8: Dumb & Dumber
September 22: When Harry Met Sally
October 6: Poltergeist
October 20: Scream

Mr. C Beverly Hills' Poolside Cinema Series

L.A. has its warm weather perks, like being able to watch outdoor movie screenings by a swanky Beverly Hills pool. Mr. C Beverly Hills will be hosting these screenings every other Tuesday at 7 p.m. While you're chilling on their lounge chairs and day beds, you can order food and cocktails from their Cipriani cuisine pool menu. Seats are first come, first serve.

Mr. C Beverly Hills is located at 1224 Beverwil Dr., Beverly Hills, (877) 334-5623.

Here is the schedule:

June 23: The Devil Wears Prada
July 7: Casablanca
July 21: Catch Me If You Can
August 4: Pretty Woman
August 18: Midnight in Paris
September. 1: The Italian Job

Malibu Country Mart

If you're out in Malibu, you can check out some free outdoor movie screenings on the lawn in the Malibu Country Mart shopping center. Feel free to bring some beach blankets and picnic baskets to these three screenings in June and July that start around 7:45 p.m. If you'd rather grab some food from the nearby restaurants, Taverna Tony’s, Mr. Chow-Malibu and Tra di Noi will be open so you can order food to take to the screenings. Malibu Country Mart is located at 3835 Cross Creek Rd, Malibu, (310) 456-7300.

Here is the schedule.

June 13: The Karate Kid
June 27: E.T.
July 11: Ghostbusters

Street Style Cinema At The Grove

It seems pretty fitting that the Grove would be home to outdoor movie screenings with a fashion twist since it is a shopping mecca. Fashion and style website, Who What Wear, is hosting free screenings at the Park at the Grove Thursdays throughout June. Expect some female-led casts in the movies they're screening, like Mean Girls and Clueless. There will also be DJs, food and themed cocktails, and photobooths. Who What Wear is also asking folks to get all gussied up because you could end up on their website for a feature they're doing on street style.

All you have to do is RSVP on this website here. It's first-come, first-serve for the screenings. Check-in starts at 6:30 p.m. and the movie begins at 8 p.m. The Grove is located at 189 The Grove Dr., Fairfax District.

Here's the schedule:

June 11: Mean Girls
June 18: Clueless
June 25: Blue Crush

Silver Lake Picture Show (Photo via Facebook)
Silver Lake Picture Show

Silver Lake folks get their own little community outdoor movie screenings this summer right at Sunset Triangle Plaza. Not only do they play old favorites like Amelie and Pee Wee's Big Adventure, they also support the local arts by screening a local filmmaker's short film and have a local band play before each screening. It's all free, too, so that definitely won't put a dent in your pocket.

The festivities kick off at 7 p.m. and go until 10 p.m. or 11 p.m, depending on the movies. The Sunset Triangle Plaza is located at 1523 Griffith Park Blvd., Silver Lake. For more info, visit the Silver Lake Picture Show website here.

Here is the schedule:

June 25: Pee Wee's Big Adventure
July 9: Amelie
July 23: Spaceballs
Aug. 6: The Matrix
Aug. 20: Motorcycle Diaries
Sept. 3: Homeward Bound
Sept. 17: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Marina Movie Nights

Marina Del Rey's Burton Chace Park is bringing back their free, family-friendly outdoor movie screenings this summer. Bring out a picnic basket and sit under the stars for movies like Casablanca and The Lego Movie.

All the screenings are on Saturdays and start at 8 p.m. Burton Chace Park is located at 13650 Mindanao Way in Marina Del Rey, (310) 305-9596. More info can be found here.

Here is the movie schedule:

July 18: The Sound of Music
Aug. 1: The Lego Movie
Aug. 15: Back to the Future Part II
Aug. 29: Casablanca

The pool at the Mondrian hotel (Photo via Facebook)
The Mondrian's Monday Night Dive In Theater

Getting the change to watch a movie screening by the pool at a swanky hotel sounds very L.A.—and we're into it. Every Monday at 8 p.m. until October 26, Skybar at Mondrian is hosting outdoor movie screenings, showing old favorites like The Shining and When Harry Met Sally. In terms of food and drinks, you can still order off of their nighttime menu during the screenings, as well as get a chance to nosh on their $5 gourmet popcorn with flavors like Spicy Buffalo, Kettle Corn, Truffle, and Morphine & Chocolate.

Mondrian hotel is located at 8440 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (323) 650-8999. While you can bring swimsuits and blankets to this shindig, you can't bring in outside food or drinks. For more info, visit their Facebook event page here.

Here is the movie schedule:

June 29: Princess Bride
July 6: A League of Their Own
July 13: Ace Ventura Pet Detective
July 20:The Sweetest Thing
July 27: Hook
August 3: Never Ending Story
August 10: the Goonies
August 17th: Indiana Jones and the Temple Of Doom
August 24th: The Birdcage
September 7th: Who Framed Roger Babbitt
September 14th: Clueless
September 21st: Back to the Future pt 2
September 28th: When Harry Met Sally
October 5: Batman
October 12: Dick Tracy
October 19: Ghostbusters
October 26: The Shining

Westfield Mall Screenings

If you're already getting your shopping on at the mall, you could take a break and watch a free outdoor movie screening while you're at it. Over at the Westfield malls in Culver City and Sherman Oaks, they'll be hosting free screenings at both locations every Friday starting July 10 through August 7. They've got activities to go along with their family-friendly movies. For their screening of Jurassic Park, they'll have a puppy petting zoo where the dogs are dressed in dinosaur costumes, and there will be a balloon sculptor for their Up showing.

Each venue will have their own special events, like how the Culver City location will have a picnic area, raffles, movie trivia and music. Sherman Oak's Westfield Fashion Square will have a red carpet where folks can get the chance to take some snapshots.

Seating opens at 6 p.m. and movies being at 8 p.m. Westfield Culver City is located at 6000 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, and the screenings will be shown at The Promenade. Westfield Fashion Square is located at 14006 Riverside Dr., Sherman Oaks, and the screenings will be held on the Rooftop Parking Deck next to the Dining Terrace entrance.

Here is the screenings schedule:

Westfield Culver City:

July 10: Lego Movie
July 17: Cinderella (Cinderella scheduled to appear)
July 24: Big Hero 6
July 31: Jurassic Park (Will have a puppy petting zoo with puppies in dinosaur costumes)
August 7: Up (Will have a balloon sculptor)

Westfield Fashion Square:

July 10: Hairspray (2007)
July 17: Rio 2
July 24: Big Hero 6
July 31: Back To The Future
August 7: Toy Story

Old Pasadena Film Festival

Old Town Pasadena has been home to outdoor movie screenings at different locations throughout the city for free this summer. There are still a few you can catch before it ends, including one at Central Park, where there will be DJs, food trucks before the screening. All you'll have to do is show up with a blanket or chair. As for the other screenings, they'll have chairs ready for you.

For more info on the screenings, visit their website here.

Here is the schedule:

July 31: Tea with Mussolini @ 8 p.m. (Distant Lands at 20 S. Raymond Ave.)
July 31: Sixteen Candles @ 8:30 p.m. (One Colorado at 41 Hugus Alley, DJ will be spinning 80s music)
August 1: Barbarella @ 8:30 p.m. (Central Park at 275 S. Raymond Ave., Music and food kicks off at 7 p.m. with costume contest with $250 prize)