Long summer days call for ocean swims and bronzing on the sandy shores. But, when the sun begins to sink into the horizon, turning the evening skies into a spectacular spectrum of orange and pink, that calls for an al fresco movie session. Luckily for Angelenos, there are a plethora of movie nights with dazzling lineups with exciting food and entertainment. Here are seven outdoor cinemas you need to know about around L.A.:
1. Street Food Cinema
Street Food Cinema is celebrating its 11th year of creating movie magic for music-loving foodies by bringing together the best in pop culture films, gourmet street food, and progressive new music. Even if you’ve seen these movies before, you’ve never experienced them in an iconic L.A. setting with a curation of the city’s best in entertainment. And, yes, you get to picnic too this year. Find out more here and schedule below.
2. The Cannabis And Movies Club
It’s 420 every Sunday with The Cannabis And Movies Club. Head to the historic Montalban Theater rooftop for an evening of music and fun activities. Of course, there’ll be delicious food options that will satisfy all your munchies too. Find all the details of this exciting new sky-high cinema here.
3. Melrose Rooftop Theatre
The ultra-hip rooftop bar and restaurant E.P. & L.P. boast some of the best views in West Hollywood, so when you add an outdoor cinema with a gorgeous L.A. sunset as a backdrop, you know you’re in for a treat. Melrose Rooftop Theatre will be lighting up the adjacent L.P. open-air space with all your favorite cult classics and recent releases. Find out more here.
4. The Rooftop Cinema Club
The pop-up outdoor movie mavens have returned to three incredible rooftops in L.A. You can take in epic sunset views while playing games, settle into a deck chair, put on your noise-canceling wireless headphones and let the magic begin. You’ll have tasty concessions available to purchase on-site with multiple parking options. Find out more about their outdoor cinemas here.
5. Tropicana Movie Nights At The Roosevelt Hotel
It doesn’t get more glamourous than laying on a deck chair with a cocktail in hand next to the sparkling David Hockney-painted pool at this historic Hollywood landmark. There’ll be just three films showing at this luxurious outdoor movie night and they’re just as much of a throwback as this lavish, old-world setting. In July, you can catch Jaws, Dirty Dancing and Grease. Find all the ticket options and details here.
6. Cinespia
This outdoor movie series is a full-blown cinematic celebration that always involves an iconic location, talks with directors and tons of fun. The usual affair begins with pre-show DJs, a picnic at a landmark location, and a themed photobooth. Be sure to flaunt your best 2000s attire or flash that off-white, tastefully thick business card for the camera—but, please, leave the chainsaw at home. Find out more here.
7. Moonlight Movies On The Beach (FREE)
This free Long Beach outdoor cinema is back with tons of exciting films—loads of kettle corn. There’ll be a mix of cult classics, family flicks and new releases screened on various beaches from June 21 through August 18. Bring your beach chairs or blankets and come just before sunset at around 8 .p.m. That way, you’ll have ample time to bag a good spot and browse the delicious food vendors. Of course, you’re welcome to take your own food. Just be sure to leave the booze behind. Find the full schedule here.