If it's as hot this spring and summer as the meteorologists are saying it will be, the entire city is going to be holed up all day and excited to get out of the house at night. Luckily, there will as always be plenty of films screening in parks and grassy meadows to enjoy on those warm nights. The showings this season run the gamut from family-friendly fare to modern classics to action-packed blockbusters, and we've mapped them all on our latest Curbed guide to outdoor movie screenings. Whether you're looking to take in garden-inspired cocktails and a movie at the Natural History Museum or a Stanley Kubrick suspense flick in Los Feliz, this year's list will have you searching for your largest blanket and digging out the lawn chairs post-haste.
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21 Places to Watch Outdoor Movies in LA This Summer
Grand Park and Street Food Cinema Present Movies in the Park
Throughout August, this is the place for double-feature screenings of PG-13-and-under films relating to "space, science, exploration and adventure," including a Star Trek night and a Spaceballs/Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy team-up. Food trucks will be present. Info's not yet up on the site, but check back closer to August.
Cinespia
Long-running Cinespia at Hollywood Forever Cemetery is the hippest outdoor movie game in town, with a DJ and beloved cult programming. They'll also be hosting one movie (TBA June 25) to mark the kick-off of Sundance's Next Fest.
Street Food Cinema
It's food trucks, music, and 12 newish classics at this summer-long Expo Park series. (There will also be one-off showings at Culver City's Veterans Memorial Park, WeHo's Poinsettia Park, and at the Fairplex in Pomona.)
Street Food Cinema
Street Food Cinema
This branch of Street Food Cinema at Brookside Park near the Rose Bowl is showing four movies, including babies-of-the-eighties faves like Beetlejuice and Labyrinth.
Electric Dusk Drive-In
Having been ousted from the Historic Core by development plans, Electric Dusk moved into an old produce market site in the Fashion District. They show a mix of adult and family friendly stuff throughout the summer.
LA River Bike-In Movie Theater
Only the next screening date (June 28) is confirmed for the LA River Revitalization Corporation's bike-in movie series, but there will be at least two more in different spots along the river this summer. June 28's movie will take place at the Broadway Bridge Viaduct in Chinatown.
Eat|See|Hear
Lots of '80s and '90s favorites at this peripatetic series that moves from Santa Monica to the Autry Museum in Griffith Park and lots of venues in between; there are also local bands and food trucks, so prepare to be entertained.
Movies on the Green
The Valley Cultural Center hosts several kid-friendly movies throughout the season (which runs from July 12 to August 23) at Warner Center Park.
Moonlight Movies on the Beach
More family-friendliness and '80s classics, screened on Granada or Mothers Beach. The season starts on June 21.
LA Film Fest
The LA Film Fest, which runs June 11 through 19, holds some free outdoor screenings at California Plaza's Grand Performances series.
Paramount Drive-In Theater
Not into the classics? The films are first-run and outdoors year-round at this recently re-opened drive-in.
Friday Night Flicks
Everyone's favorite eyesore, Pershing Square, hosts movies throughout the summer—action movies this month (Thor's on May 23), car movies in June, mobster comedies in July, rock 'n' roll flicks in August, and movies about troubled teens in September.
Cinema on the Street
Santa Monica will once again host films on the Third Street Promenade this year. The schedule hasn't been announced yet, but they will be giving out free stuff to the first 75 guests at every showing.
Silver Lake Picture Show
The SLPS hosts hipster-friendly movies and live music at the Sunset Triangle Plaza through September.
Old Pasadena Film Festival
Old Town's One Colorado hosts free screenings of 20 new and old classics on Fridays and Saturdays throughout July. The schedule won't be up until June.
Summer Movie Series
Starting July 11, the Natural History Museum will again be showing movies in its Nature Gardens. Pack a picnic or don't: there will be food trucks and "garden-inspired cocktails." Ooooh!
Dodger Stadium Movie Series
Watch baseball-themed classics in the Stadium on May 31 and August 16 (both Saturdays), post-game. [Image via Wikipedia]
Alcove Movie Nights
Free movies at this Los Feliz cafe's movie night, where films and snacks are probably for adults only. Flicks run through September.
Summer Movie Fest at CSUN
Movies at Cal State Northridge run the gamut from family friendly to more adult-oriented comedies and action films. The first show (Ferris Bueller's Day Off) is June 5. [Image via CSUN Sundial]
Free Marina Movie Nights
Four kid-appropriate films will screen at Burton Chace Park between July 31 and August 23. [Image via Dept. of Beaches & Harbors]
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