Although summer in many areas of the world means searing temperatures and hair frizzing humidity, in other parts of the world summer brings enjoyable temperatures well into the evening making outdoor activities the perfect way to enjoy longer evenings and good weather.
From London to Rome, and New York to Zurich, and inbetween, we have listed nine outdoor summer cinemas that might align with your summer travel plans.
Boston
Summer Flicks
Location: Prudential Centre, 800 Boylston St, Boston, USA
Summer Flicks returns for a series of free, family friendly movies this summer on the lawns of the Prudential Centre in Boston. Every Saturday for just six weeks, movies like Minions: The Rise of Gru, Princess Diaries and Top Gun: Maverick. Starting at 6pm and finishing by 10.30, this is the perfect Saturday evening activity.
From July 8 to August 26
Discover full listings here.
London
The Luna Cinema
Location: Various locations throughout the United Kingdom
Taking place in various green spaces and parks, this is one of the UK's most popular outdoor summer cinema experiences. The Luna Cinema travels throughout the UK showing movies such as The Devil Wears Prada, Top Gun: Maverick, Elvis and Harry Potter, meaning there is something for everyone to enjoy. From Clapham Common, Chiswick House, Dulwich Park, Kensington Palace and the Ascot Racecourse, there are many dates and locations throughout the summer. Movies are dependents on locations, with showtimes varying also.
From June 22 to September 24
Discover full listings here.
Outdoor Cinema at The Barbican Theatre
Location: The Barbican Theatre, Silk Street, London, United Kingdom
The outdoor cinema at The Barbican Theatre is ideal for anyone seeking offbeat cinema classics and unique concert performances of eras gone-by such as Gene Kelly's Singin' In The Rain, Aretha Franklin's Amazing Grace and Martin Scorses’s The Last Waltz, alongside modern classics like Black Panther. Set between the high-rise buildings of central London, this is a unique outdoor summer cinema experience.
From August 23 to September 3
Discover full listings here.
Rooftop Cinema Club
Location: Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, Peckham and Great Eastern Road, Stratford
The Rooftop Cinema Club has two London locations, and this rooftop outdoor cinema has some seriously good movies showing. From true teen classics like Clueless, 10 Things I Hate About You and Mean Girls to iconic cinema moments such as Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Breakfast Club and Grease and family favourites like Up and Ratatouille - and some brand new movies including the 2023 version of A Little Mermaid.
From June 20 - July 31
Discover full listings here.
New York
Movie Nights at Bryant Park
Location: Bryant Park, New York City, USA
Returning for a 30th season, the free summer movie nights in New York’s Bryant Park are back. The commencement of summer movie nights at Bryant Park only confirms that the summer season in the city has begun. Every Monday night from mid-June though to August 21, New Yorkers and tourists alike gather beneath the twinkling skyline of the Big Apple to watch Paramount + classics like Zoolander, Mean Girls and Star Trek. Bring a blanket, gather a few friends and perch on the lawns, this could be one of the most unique things to do this summer – and best of all, it’s free.
Every Monday from June 12 to August 21
Discover full listings here.
Paris
Cine Villette
Location: La Villette Park, 211 Avenue de Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris, France
The largest open air cinema in Paris, Cine Villette showcases an eclectic array of movies from Tim Burton's Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children, Some Like It Hot and Les Miserables. Bask in the Parisian park as you enjoy movies with friends.
From July 19 to August 20
Discover full listings here.
Toronto
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
Location: Three locations in Toronto; Fort York in June and Corktown Common and Bell Manor Park for July and August
This outdoor film festival has something for everyone, from classic movies to cult classics and recent releases. BYO blanket and chairs, grab some snacks from the on-site vendors and sit back to enjoy the screening of your choice. Every film is available to view for free, although donations are much appreciated.
From June 22 to August 19
Discover full listings here.
Zurich
Allianz Cinema
Location: Bellerivestrasse 170, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland
Set on the shores of Lake Zurich, this could be one of the most picturesque locations for a summer outdoor movie. And, the movie schedule is pretty unreal too. Set to show the brand new Barbie movie, we reckon this spot will be very popular. From Oscar winning movies like The Banshees of Inisherin, to recent releases like A Man Called Otto and new cult classics such as The Menu.
From July 20 to August 30
Discover full listings here.
Bloom Freilichtkino
Location: Filmbüro, Badenerstrasse 78, Bern, Zurich, Switzerland
Bloom will host almost 3000 visitors this summer, and this summer the cinema has relocated to Europaplatz in the centre of Zurich. Showing at 8.30pm throughout the ten days, films will be screened in the movie's original language with German subtitles. Movies will take place regardless of the weather, with free plastic rain capes available should the weather take a turn for the worse. Tickets and listings will be released online from July 1.
From August 11 to August 20
Discover more here.
