Most of the movies are free and offer a great opportunity for couples and families to enjoy some time together under the stars. Schedules are announced throughout the summer season and include both family-friendly fare and movies geared for adults.

Watching movies on a large screen outdoors has become a popular summer activity. There are several outdoor movie events in the Washington, D.C. area including those on the waterfront and in town squares.

01 of 13 Capitol Riverfront Outdoor Movies Enjoy a variety of free films on the Potomac waterfront at Canal Park. This scenic riverfront destination located near the Washington Navy Yard and Nationals Park, is a great place to hang out with family and friends on a summer evening to watch a movie under the stars. Bring blankets, low chairs, and a picnic and arrive early to participate in games such as trivia and hula hoops. Movies begin at sundown. Dates: June through August, 2019

June through August, 2019 Locat​ion: ​Canal Park, 2nd and "Eye" Streets, SE Washington, D.C.

02 of 13 Rosslyn Outdoor Film Festival Gateway Park is the perfect setting for a movie under the stars. You'll see a whole range of movies—classics, recent blockbusters, and family-friendly favorites beginning at dusk on summer Fridays. Come early—the fun and games begin at 5 p.m. with cornhole, giant jenga contests, and ping-pong. Bring your blankets, kids, and dogs for a fun evening and before or after the movies, visit the nearby Continental Pool Lounge or Continental Beer Garden to enjoy special Rosslyn Cinema cocktails and meal deals (you get 10% off if you mention Rosslyn Cinema). Dates: Fridays, June–July, 2019.

Fridays, June–July, 2019. Location: Gateway Park, Rosslyn, Virginia.

03 of 13 National Harbor Movies on the Potomac Watch a variety of movies along the Potomac waterfront including family-friendly movies (Sundays) and "Date-Night" films (Thursdays). National Harbor, Maryland is a waterfront development on the Potomac River which has hotels, restaurants, promenades, and a full schedule of events during summer. Bring your chair and settle in for a summer movie. Films on Thursdays begin at 7 p.m. and movies on Saturdays begin at 4:45 p.m. Dates: June–August, 2019

June–August, 2019 Location: Waterfront Street, National Harbor, Maryland.

04 of 13 NoMa Summer Screen The NoMa (north of Massachusetts Avenue) Business Improvement District hosts a free summer-long outdoor film festival (some family-friendly and some adult-oriented films) in Northeast Washington, D.C. The events, held on a large grassy square, are ideal for gathering with neighbors and family so bring a blanket, a low lawn chair, and a picnic. Each film screening, scheduled for sundown, is preceded by live DJs, special guests, barbecue, and surprises. Dates: 12 Wednesday evenings through the summer.

12 Wednesday evenings through the summer. Location: NoMa Junction, 1005 First Street, NE Washington, D.C.

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05 of 13 Drive-in Movies at Union Market Enjoy a drive-in movie experience in the heart of the nation's capital. Arrive early and grab dinner or some great snacks at this unique urban marketplace. The event is $15 per car (tickets are available online) or free for those walking or biking in on a first-come, first-served basis. To hear the movie, you can either tune in to your car radio or listen over the loudspeakers. Dates: First Friday of each month, May through early-October 2019

First Friday of each month, May through early-October 2019 Location: Union Market 305 5th Street, NE Washington D.C.

06 of 13 Golden Cinema Series The free outdoor movie series, Golden Cinema, takes place in Farragut Square, an urban park in the heart of the District. Movies are shown each Friday at sunset (around 8:30 p.m.) and follow the Farragut Fridays event series, which includes such events as picnics in Farragut Park, lawn games, and table tennis competitions. Dates: Fridays, June 7–August 2, 2019.

Fridays, June 7–August 2, 2019. Location: Farragut Square NW Washington D.C.

07 of 13 Bethesda Outdoor Movies In the Woodmont Triangle neighborhood, in Downtown Bethesda, Maryland, enjoy four nights of outdoor movies in July. It's fun to have dinner at one of the neighborhood eateries before the show starts at 9 p.m. Chairs are limited at this free event so consider bringing your own chair or a blanket to sit on. Dates: Wednesday, July 24—Saturday, July 27, 2019

Wednesday, July 24—Saturday, July 27, 2019 Location: Bethesda's Woodmont Triangle, Corner of Norfolk and Auburn Avenues

08 of 13 Columbia's Lakefront Summer Festival Movies As part of the multi-event Summer Festival, you can set your place up on the Green and watch a movie starting at 8:30 p.m. You can bring something to picnic on but no glass containers or alcoholic beverages are permitted. Other Summer Festival events include live music and dancing. Dates: On selected dates Mondays and Fridays from June 17, 2019 through September 7, 2019

On selected dates Mondays and Fridays from June 17, 2019 through September 7, 2019 Location: Columbia Town Center, 10320 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, Maryland.

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09 of 13 Georgetown Sunset Cinema Series Georgetown's Annual Sunset Cinema summer outdoor movie series starts at sunset (8:30–8:45 p.m.). Arrive early to picnic and to get your seat with a view of the water in this historic neighborhood. Dates: Tuesday nights, July 9 – August, 6, 2019

Tuesday nights, July 9 – August, 6, 2019 Location: Georgetown Waterfront Park, Washington D.C.

10 of 13 Films at the Stone - Martin Luther King Memorial Watch inspiring films with the Martin Luther King Memorial and the beautiful Tidal Basin as a backdrop. Films at the Stone are the only outdoor movies shown at a memorial on the National Mall. Dates: Selected dates in June, July, and August, 2019

Selected dates in June, July, and August, 2019 Location: Martin Luther King Memorial, 1964 Independence Ave SW, Washington D.C.

11 of 13 Alexandria Outdoor Film Festival You can catch an outdoor movie in historic Alexandria, Virginia. Kid-friendly movies are shown on the recreation center grounds during the Cinema Del Ray event. Fuel up at the concession stands as the fun starts at 7 p.m. followed by the movie at dusk. Dates: Third Saturday of May, June, July and August, 2019

Third Saturday of May, June, July and August, 2019 Location: Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave, Alexandria, Virginia

12 of 13 Mosaic District Films in the Park, Fairfax The Mosaic District Films in the Park are held from 7–9 p.m. at Strawberry Park in Fairfax, Virginia. Bring a blanket and sit on the lawn. The line up starts on June 30, 2019 with Free Willy and runs through September 1, 2019 with a showing of Hook. Dates: Every week on Sunday until September 1, 2019

Every week on Sunday until September 1, 2019 Location: Strawberry Park at Mosaic District, Fairfax, Virginia

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