Is There Anything Better Than an Outdoor Movie on a Warm Summer Night?
Summer in SoCal means wanting to spend as much time outside as possible. Thanks to LA’s plethora of outdoor cinemas, you can enjoy the summer breeze and starry skies all while watching your favorite films. From rooftop showings with city views to horror movies on the lawn at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, these creative concepts have put a modern twist on what it means to experience the big screen. Grab some popcorn and get ready to watch your favorite stars under the stars at these seven outdoor LA cinemas!
Rooftop Cinema Club
Enjoy sweeping city views while watching your favorite films with Rooftop Cinema Club. There are three different viewing locations: two in downtown Los Angeles and one in El Segundo. Since each showing takes place on a picturesque rooftop, it’s best to show up early (around sunset) for pre-movie drinks and bites. Watch the sky change colors as you sip on a margarita and mingle before cozying up in your adjustable deck chair and enjoying the show. Each guest is provided with high-quality wireless headphones so that the audio is crystal clear as you watch iconic flicks like “Clueless,” “The Notebook” and “Scream.”
Cinespia
Cinespia will be showing iconic cult classics at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery until the end of August. From Pretty Woman to Poltergeist, bring your favorite beverages and bites and set up the ultimate picnic under the stars. Cinespia is one of the most beloved outdoor cinema experiences in Los Angeles, so you’ll definitely want to reserve your tickets as far in advance as possible. Cinespia also hosts showings at the Los Angeles State Historic Park and The Greek Theater at different times throughout the year, but the summer screenings at Hollywood Forever are the most popular.
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Street Food Cinema
Street Food Cinema hosts LA’s biggest outdoor movie series. Screenings take place at several different parks and locations across LA, making it easy for locals from all different neighborhoods to catch a flick. Enjoy Disney classics like “Aladdin” at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia or “The Princess Bride” at Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades. Though you can buy tickets at the door, we recommend purchasing in advance to secure your spot. The series typically runs from the end of April to the end of October, and if you purchase a season pass, you can end up saving a pretty huge chunk of change—more money for popcorn!
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Melrose Rooftop Theater
The Melrose Rooftop Theater is the ultimate place for dinner, drinks and a movie during a summer night in WeHo. This stylish cinema is located on top of the West Hollywood hotspot E.P. & L.P. and is only open to patrons who are 21+. The plush bean bags are 10 times more comfy than your standard theater chair, and you can even have popcorn and wine delivered straight to your seat. The dinner and movie packages also include pre-movie bites at Bombo, where you can enjoy smoked guacamole, tacos and zesty margaritas. In addition to new releases, Melrose Rooftop Theater also rotates some timeless classics like “Pride and Prejudice,” “Wedding Crashers” and “Die Hard” into the mix.
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Tropicana Movie Night at The Hollywood Roosevelt
What could be better than watching “La La Land” poolside? Tropicana Movie Night at The Hollywood Roosevelt transports guests to the Golden Age of media so that you can live like the stars as you watch them on the big screen. The hand-painted pool and iconic neon set the mood for a chic night at the cinema. Tropicana Movie Night is set to run until the end of September with each month following a different theme. For example, July’s Classic American Action theme will feature favorites like “Top Gun” and “The Italian Job.” Plus, you can have everything from espresso martinis to steak frites delivered right to your table.
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Boat Cinema
Looking for a one-of-a-kind movie-watching experience in LA? As the name suggests, Boat Cinema allows LA locals to watch a flick on the big screen from their own private boat. Showings take place at Castaic Lake, which is just a short half-hour drive from DTLA. Though you can grab a spot on the beach, it’s best to reserve a mini electric boat in advance so you can enjoy this unique experience to its fullest. Need a soda or pizza refill? No problem. Simply order from the Canoe Concession for boat-side service without having to leave the water. You can also pack your own food and drink or have a pre-ordered picnic arranged on your boat prior to arrival.
Poolside Cinema at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
Located in the heart of Santa Monica, the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows Poolside Cinema is the ultimate place for some family-friendly fun. The sunset screenings occur every Sunday (along with select Saturdays), starting at around 7:30 p.m. The upcoming schedule includes everything from Pixar’s “Up” to “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” before ending with “The Incredibles” on Labor Day weekend. Tickets cost $45 for adults and $30 for children 12 and under. Popcorn is included along with your choice of a cocktail or food special. If you’re a hotel guest, however, you can reserve seats for free, making the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows one of the best places for a summer staycation.
Allie Lebos graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2017 with a BA in Communication. While in school she was a staff writer at The Daily Nexus for nearly two years. Since graduating she has written for The Palisades Magazine, as well as Hidden Hills Magazine. Currently living in Santa Monica, Allie loves to indulge in good food, hot yoga, and daily walks along the beach; writing articles on travel, special events, as well as features on local businesses and individuals.
