Picnic with friends, pass the wine, and lean back as you enjoy a movie under the stars: it’s summertime in L.A., and we’re a population keen on transforming indoor activities into outdoor experiences. The season-long celebration of food, music, and movies is presented in open-air venues from parks to cemeteries (yes, we said cemeteries) throughout the city for an evening the entire family is sure to remember. Whether your taste in cinema leans more towards Almost Famous than Some Like It Hot, there is something for everyone. Here are our select choices for a night out at the movies sans theater:
Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Blvd.
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Guests lay out their picnic spreads and DJs spin as the sun sets down and Hollywood heavy hitters like Marilyn Monroe, James Stewart, Martin Sheen, and Uma Thurman light up the screen on Fairbanks Lawn.
$8-15 for tickets
Street Food CinemaExposition Park, Downtown
Every Saturday from May 25 – August 17 with more dates to be announced.
With live music, movies, special guest hosts and food truck galore, Street Food Cinema brings all the entertainment to one place for an all-around perfect way to spend a warm summer evening.
$10 General Admission; $15 reserved seating; $5 children u6-12; Free for children 5 and under.
The Academy Hollywood Campus, 1341 Vine Street in Hollywood
Friday, June 14 – Saturday, August 24
Returning for its second year, Oscars Outdoors is presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and devotes every Friday night to classics and contemporary favorites aimed at adult audiences (American Graffiti, Grease, Blazing Saddles) and every Saturday night to family-friendly fare (Peter Pan, King Kong, Big).
$5 for the public; free for children 10 years and younger; $3 for Academy members and students with ID. Screenings begin at sunset.
Venue alternates between East Side and West Side
Every Saturday from May 11 through September 14
Featuring films on the largest inflatable movie screen in Los Angeles, this series attracts a younger audience by offering some of the city’s most talked about food trucks (Lobsta Truck, Border Grill Truck, Coolhaus) along with performances by up and coming local bands.
All tickets are $10 in advance plus a small service fee; children 12 & under are $8 and kids under 5 are free. Movies start 30 minutes after sundown and pets are welcome!
Warner Center Park, Woodland Hills
Saturday nights starting at dusk.
Kicking off their summer series this year is the broadway musical Annie on Saturday, July 13th, followed by a handful of contemporary animated flicks all season long that are sure to keep the little ones entertained.
Free admission although be prepared to pay $5 per car for parking.
