For film fans, outdoor movies represent the best of all worlds! Watching your favorite flicks on a big screen under the stars, along with plenty of delicious food and drinks, is the winning ticket for summer. Popular venues, rooftops, and parks are popping up screens, showing everything from landmark films to modern hits, and cult classics. Many locations offer food trucks and concession stands, or you can bring your own moveable feast. And thanks to LA’s great weather, the outdoor movie season runs well into fall. So round up your friends and enjoy endless evenings of entertainment with Circa’s cinema essentials. Check websites for movie schedules and other details.
Street Food Cinema Various locations LA State Historic Park, Grand Hope Park, The Autry Museum
Street Food Cinema, LA’s largest outdoor cinema and music series, is back for its 13th outdoor season. More than just a movie screening, the series showcases local food trucks and live bands, and includes interactive audience games, concessions, themed photo ops, local vendors, and special guest appearances. Most locations also feature a full bar and offer a dog-friendly atmosphere.
Rooftop Cinema Club 888 S Olive St. 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90014
What started in 2011 as a single rooftop in London has expanded globally, including seven cities in the US. Their hand-picked program features everything from cult films, to classics, and newer releases. The cinema is located on the 4th floor terrace of the Level Hotel. Arrive early to take in the breathtaking vista, and play games with the city as your backdrop. Select your seats, grab a drink, and snack on classic cinema concessions. When the film begins, you’ll be able to live completely in those movie moments with personal headphones and an amazing view of the big screen.
Cinespia Hollywood Forever Cemetery 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90038
Movie screenings are held outdoors on Fairbanks Lawn, an open grassy field inside Hollywood Forever Cemetery. A DJ will be spinning music as the sun sets, and again after the movie. Bring blankets, pillows or low chairs that have a seat that rests on the ground with a low back. A small tarp underneath your blanket is recommended since the ground can get damp. Restrooms are available on-site. You are welcome to pack your own picnic with food, beer and wine, but no hard liquor is permitted. They also sell food onsite. Sorry – only ESA and service dogs on leashes are welcome at the screenings.
Tropicana Movie Nights The Hollywood Roosevelt 7000 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028
The iconic Hockney hand-painted pool under the neon sign at The Hollywood Roosevelt provides a unique screening experience for their famous Tropicana Movie Nights. Doors open at 7 PM, giving you plenty of time to secure the perfect spot, enjoy refreshing drinks, and take a dip in the legendary pool. Tropicana Movie Nights is the perfect way to enjoy classic films in a spectacular setting. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and dive into the magic of Hollywood!
The Natural World of Studio Ghibli The Ford 2580 Cahuenga Blvd E. Los Angeles, CA 90068
The Ford is screening a trio of nature-inspired Hayao Miyazaki films at its open-air theater, including Princess Mononoke, the Oscar-winning Spirited Away, and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. The Natural World of Studio Ghibli celebrates the legendary animation studios’ thematic explorations of natural environments, our relationship with nature, and the spiritual aspect of the natural world. Miyazaki’s films invite audiences into fantastical worlds, filled with memorable characters, heartfelt storytelling, and iconic scores by Joe Hisaishi that have earned Academy Awards and fans worldwide. Experience classic Studio Ghibli films screened in Japanese with English subtitles set in the natural outdoor beauty of The Ford.
The Montalbán Theatre 1615 N Vine St. Los Angeles, CA 90028
Rooftop Movies at The Montalbán is in full swing for the 2024 season. The Montalbán’s rooftop OASIS, outfitted with a bar, concession stand, and kitchen, provides a spectacular open-air movie theater experience. Each cinematic evening commences when doors open at 6PM, with the feature film starting 10 minutes after sunset (8PM). Guests enter through the main entrance located on Vine. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Melrose Rooftop Theatre 603 N La Cienega Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069
Melrose Rooftop Theatre (MRT) is a unique outdoor cinema experience in the heart of West Hollywood’s fashion and design precinct. The theatre is located on the rooftop of E.P. & L.P. with entry at 603 N. La Cienega Blvd. MRT rotates through an extensive movie catalog consisting of cult classics and new releases alike. The cinema utilizes wireless technology with each guest receiving individual headsets and a personal beanbag chair to maximize the complete cinematic experience. They offer a variety of ticketing options that allow you to turn movie night into a full evening experience. All ticket holders have access to the full menu of food, beverages, popcorn and candy, that can be ordered from and delivered directly to your beanbag seat.
Dive-In Movies The Garland 4222 Vineland Ave. North Hollywood, CA 91602
Catch a classic flick by the pool at The Garland, a lush urban oasis located just minutes from Universal Studios Hollywood. Mixing a vintage SoCal vibe with 21st century chic, the hotel was originally opened by actress Beverly Garland, best known for her role as Fred MacMurray’s wife on the final three seasons of My Three Sons. Situated at the heart of this legendary property, the pool offers a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of LA, along with Dive-In Movies, where cinephiles of all ages can enjoy outdoor movies starting at sundown from Wednesday to Sunday.
Rubidoux Drive-In 3770 Opal St. Riverside, CA 92509
The Rubidoux, with its original 1948 screen tower still standing tall, is one of the last classic drive-in theaters remaining in Southern California. Though it retains much of its original character, time has transformed this gem into a thoroughly modern outdoor theater. The incorporation of FM transmitters and Technalight digital projection ensures the best possible picture and sound available. The box office and snack bar have gotten a new treatment as well, and are now reminiscent of the theatre’s original postwar Route 66 heritage.
Photo Credits:
Photo #1: Street Food Cinema
Photo #2 Street Food Cinema
Photo #3: Rooftop Cinema Club DTLA
Photo #4: Cinespia
Photo #5: The Hollywood Roosevelt
Photo #6: The Ford
Photo #7: The Montalbán Theatre
Photo #8: Melrose Rooftop Theatre
Photo #8: Rubidoux Drive-In
Photo #9: The Garland
Photo #10: Rubidoux Drive-In
