Just the Ticket: Circa’s Guide to Outdoor Movie Season

Pack a picnic, grab a blanket – outdoor movie season is here! Ever since the first drive-in movie theatre opened in New Jersey in 1933, movies under the stars have been a favorite summer sensation. Today, outdoor movies are more popular than ever, with parks, rooftops, and even a cemetery popping up screens, some just a short distance from Circa. Many venues offer food trucks and concession stands, or you can bring your own moveable feast. Check websites for movie schedules, tickets, and other details.

Rooftop Cinema DTLA outdoor movies near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Rooftop Cinema Club LEVEL DTLA 888 S Olive St. 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90014

What started in 2011 as a single rooftop in London has expanded globally, with a hand-picked program featuring everything from cult films, to classics, and newer releases. The cinema is located on LEVEL’s 4th floor terrace. 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. Rooftop Cinema Club provides you with a comfy lawn chair (and optional blankets for purchase). When the film begins, you’ll be able to live completely in the movie moments with personal headphones and an amazing view of the big screen.

Street Food Cinema outdoor movies near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Street Food Cinema Various locations, including LA State Historic Park & Grand Hope Park

Street Food Cinema, LA’s largest outdoor cinema and music series, is back for its 14th 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.

Cinespia outdoor movies near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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. 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. You are welcome to pack your own picnic with food, beer and wine, but no hard liquor is permitted. They also sell food onsite. A DJ will be spinning music as the sun sets, and again after the movie. Sorry – only ESA and service dogs on leashes are welcome at the screenings. 


The Hollywood Roosevelt outdoor movies near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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. 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 Ford outdoor movies near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

The Natural World of Studio Ghibli The Ford 2580 Cahuenga Blvd E. Los Angeles, CA 90068

The Natural World of Studio Ghibli is a film screening series that invites audiences to enjoy classic and recent films by the legendary animation studios that explore our relationship with nature and the spiritual aspect of the natural world. Set against the natural wooded hillside backdrop of The Ford, the films feature Miyazaki’s fantastical worlds, memorable characters, and iconic scores by Joe Hisaishi. Experience unforgettable Studio Ghibli films shown in Japanese with English subtitles.

The Rooftop Montalbán outdoor movies near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

The Rooftop Montalbán 1615 N Vine St. Los Angeles 90028

Rooftop Movies at The Montalbán are in full swing for the 2025 season. Outfitted with a bar, concession stand, and kitchen, The Rooftop provides a spectacular open-air movie theater experience. Each cinematic evening under the stars commences when doors open at 6PM, with the feature film starting 10 minutes after sunset. Guests enter through the main entrance located on Vine. Tickets must be purchased in advance. 

Melrose Rooftop Theatre outdoor movies near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Melrose Rooftop Theatre 603 N La Cienega Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069 

Melrose Rooftop Theatre (MRT) returns Fall 2025 with screenings starting in October, rotating through an extensive movie catalog consisting of cult classics and new releases alike. Located on the rooftop of E.P. & L.P., the cinema utilizes wireless technology, with each guest receiving individual headsets and a personal beanbag chair to maximize the complete cinematic experience. Can’t wait until October? MRT is rolling into summer with the return of the Melrose Rooftop Roller Rink. This 21+ open-air skate experience brings retro vibes, skyline views, and signature cocktails to the rooftop. 

Dodger Stadium outdoor movies near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Movie Night on the Field Dodger Stadium 1000 Vin Scully Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Celebrate the dog days of summer at Dodger Stadium with movie screenings on the DodgerVision videoboards. Enjoy a variety of pre-show activities including special photo opportunities, pitching in the bullpens, behind-the-scenes tours of the Pressbox, specialty concessions, and much more! Select concessions will be open throughout the event, with movie-style food and beverage items available for purchase. Food is permitted from outside the stadium provided it is in a clear bag no larger than 12″X12″X6″ and not in glass bottles, cans, coolers, glass containers or thermoses. Unbroken, factory-sealed plastic bottles of non-alcoholic beverages of 1 liter or less are permitted.


Hollywood VOLUME outdoor movies near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Poolside Movie Nights Desert 5 Spot The Hollywood VOLUME 6516 Selma Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90028

Enjoy a rooftop cinema experience like no other. This summer, CINEHAUS is taking over the effortlessly cool Desert 5 Spot, transforming the space into an open-air movie house with sweeping Hollywood views, craft cocktails, snacks, and live music to keep the vibe going after the credits roll. Born in the heart of LA, CINEHAUS  is a film series built for people who love revisiting their favorite movies or finally catching iconic classics the way they were meant to be seen. Whether it’s a cult favorite you’ve seen a hundred times or a film you’ve always wanted to experience with a crowd under the stars, CINEHAUS turns every screening into something special.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Street Food Cinema

Photo #2  Rooftop Cinema Club 

Photo #3: Street Food Cinema

Photo #4: Cinespia

Photo #5: The Hollywood Roosevelt

Photo #6: The Ford

Photo #7: The Montalbán Theatre

Photo #8: Melrose Rooftop Theatre

Photo #9: Dodger Stadium

Photo #10: Hollywood VOLUME

Circa Rings in the New Year for Auld Lang Syne

Making plans for New Year’s Eve?  We’ve rounded up LA’s most spectacular celebrations, from elegant chef-driven dinners, to stylish entertainment, and epic events, many not far from Circa. Experience the glamour of the Roaring Twenties at The Biltmore’s LA Noir NYE, elevate your evening at 71Above, or spend a musical New Year’s Eve with DJ D-Nice & Friends at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Then count down to 2025 at Gloria Molina Grand Park’s NYELA and thrill to the park’s signature 3D light show projected onto LA City Hall. So pop the cork, grab your noise makers, and ring in the New Year!

Mastro's Ocean Club New Year’s Eve near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Mastro’s Ocean Club DTLA 1200 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Mastro’s elegant Downtown L.A. location, conveniently located on the ground floor of Circa, will be open on New Year’s Eve from 3:30PM to midnight, serving their full dinner menu including their famous American and Japanese Wagyu, delectable seafood and sushi selections, soups, salads, potatoes served a variety of ways, and their award-winning wine and cocktail program.

Midnight Masquerade at Level 8 New Year’s Eve near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Midnight Masquerade at Level 8 1254 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Level up your New Year’s Eve at Level 8, a first of its kind multidimensional showcase of culinary exploration, extravagant entertainment, and immersive discovery. Circa residents will receive a discount on food & beverage at this lavish celebration. Redeem your discount by showing your Circa app as proof of residency. This incredible free-flowing event will be held across all 8 wonderfully intriguing venues, and will feature food & drinks showcasing a taste of each concept, as well as live entertainment by their most popular performers. Tickets include 4 hour open bar & hors d’oeuvres, midnight countdown, and champagne toast.

71Above restaurant New Year’s Eve near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

71 Above 633 W 5th St. Los Angeles 90071

Elevate your New Year’s Eve celebration at the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi. Executive Chef Javier Lopez and Pastry Chef Samantha Armstrong are preparing a Four-Course Dinner with optional Wine Pairing. The eclectic menu features Chawanmushi (Black Truffle, Winter Squash), Japanese Sea Bream Crudo, Grilled Octopus, Spinach Bigoli Pasta, and A5+ Japanese Wagyu. For dessert, choose from Milk Tea Granita, Kabocha Squash Pie, Gianduja Fig Moose, or Cheese Plate.

Le Petit Paris restaurant New Year’s Eve near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Le Petit Paris 418 S Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

A true French brasserie bringing dishes from the South of France to DTLA’s Historic Core, Le Petit Paris is offering two seatings on New Year’s Eve. The first seating, from 4:30PM to 6:30PM, includes a prix fixe menu. The second seating, starting at 8:30PM, features a prix fixe menu, cabaret performances, party favors, dance party with DJ, live music, countdown to 2025, and their iconic balloon drop.

Redbird restaurant New Year’s Eve near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

NYE Dinner at Redbird 114 E Second St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with dinner at Redbird, located in the historic rectory of the former Vibiana cathedral. Chef Neal Fraser and his team will be serving a three-course prix fixe dinner with optional wine pairing. Menu options include Iced Oysters, Chicken Liver Mousse, Vegan Wild Mushroom Risotto, Liberty Farms Duck Breast, and Filet of Beef. Cap off your meal with a choice of Champagne Trifle or Golden Milk Chocolate Bar.

Forever Midnight New Year’s Eve near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Forever Midnight LA Convention Center 1201 South Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Running from 4 PM to 4 AM, this 12-hour festival promises to be one of LA’s premier events, featuring a mix of international dance music legends and rising stars from the local underground scene. Attendees can expect an unforgettable night of music and culture as they welcome 2025, with a lineup that creatively blends global and local sounds.

LA Noir NYE at The Biltmore New Year’s Eve near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

LA Noir NYE at The Biltmore 506 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071

Celebrate New Year’s  Eve at this historic icon, where the artists of the Labyrinth Masquerade Ball create a celebration in this lavish setting. Crystal Stage presents a night of performances, dancing, live music from the Biltmore Big Band, and a multimedia midnight countdown. Just outside, the Champagne bar offers glasses and bottles of sparkly. The Radio Lounge features open seating and a private VIP Bar with tables with retro-style live radio plays and musical guests until midnight. 

Dita von Teese New Year’s Eve near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Dita Von Teese NYE Gala Show The Orpheum Theatre 842 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Spend a sparkly New Year’s Eve at the Orpheum as contemporary pin-up icon Dita Von Teese hosts this year-end burlesque showcase. Dubbed the Glamonatrix Gala, the local New Year’s Eve tradition puts a present-day spin on 1940s variety show with a mix of comedy and dance.

EVE at Universal Studios Hollywood New Year’s Eve near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

EVE at Universal Studios Hollywood 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

Be part of Hollywood’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood’s EVE event on Dec. 31, where you can party the night away until 2AM. Fill your day with heart-pounding rides, shows and attractions, and then keep the thrills going into the night. Have fun and celebrate with multiple party areas featuring music, dancing, photo ops, drinks available for purchase, and a midnight countdown celebration with fireworks. 

D-Nice at Walt Disney Concert Hall New Year’s Eve near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

New Year’s Eve with D-Nice & Friends Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Legendary artist DJ D-Nice ushers in 2025! His spirit of uplift and positivity brought millions together for Club Quarantine, both online and in one of the highlights of the 2021 Bowl season. Following appearances at the 94th Academy Awards and New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, as well as concerts at Carnegie Hall and the Apollo Theater, he sets it off for a party worthy of the biggest night of the year. Cheers to the new year in the Winter Wonderland New Year’s Eve lounge with a complimentary glass of champagne, photo booth, and music in the air.

Gloria Molina Grand Park New Year’s Eve near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Gloria Molina Grand Park’s NYELA Countdown to 2025 200 N Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Ring in the New Year in DTLA at the biggest free New Year’s Eve Celebration on the West Coast! Revel with thousands of Angelenos at Gloria Molina Grand Park’s NYELA Countdown to 2025. Enjoy live music, over 30 of L.A.’s best food trucks, and a spectacular countdown show to welcome 2025.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Gloria Molina Grand Park

Photo #2: Mastro’s Ocean Club DTLA

Photo #3: Level 8

Photo #4: 71Above

Photo #5: Le Petit Paris

Photo #6: Redbird LA

Photo #7: Forever Midnight

Photo #8: The Biltmore

Photo #9: The Orpheum Theatre / Live Nation

Photo #10: Universal Studios Hollywood

Photo #11: LA Phil

Photo #12: Gloria Molina Grand Park

Circa’s Toast to a Spectacular New Year’s Eve

Making plans for New Year’s Eve?  We’ve rounded up LA’s most spectacular celebrations, from elegant chef-driven dinners, to stylish entertainment, and epic events, many not far from Circa. Experience the glamour of the Roaring Twenties at Biltmore’s LA Noir NYE,  make merry from 34 floors above at La Lo La Rooftop, or spend a musical New Year’s Eve with Pink Martini at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Then count down to 2024 at Grand Park’s NYELA and thrill to the park’s signature 3D light show projected onto LA City Hall. So pop the cork, grab your noise makers, and toast the New Year!

Mastro's Ocean Club New Years Eve at Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Mastro’s Ocean Club DTLA 1200 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Mastro’s elegant Downtown L.A. location, conveniently located on the ground floor of Circa, will be open on New Year’s Eve from 4pm to midnight, serving a full dinner menu including their famous American and Japanese Wagyu, delectable seafood and sushi selections, soups, salads, potatoes served a variety of ways, and their award-winning wine and cocktail program.

Le Petit Paris New Years Eve near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Le Petit Paris 418 S Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

A true French brasserie bringing dishes from the South of France to DTLA’s Historic Core, Le Petit Paris is offering two seatings on New Year’s Eve. The first seating, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, includes a prix fixe menu. The second seating, starting at 8:30pm, features a prix fixe menu, cabaret performances, party favors, dance party with DJ, live music, balloon drop, and countdown.

LA Cha Cha Chá New Years Eve near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

LA Cha Cha Chá 812 E 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

The sister location of Terraza Cha Cha Chá in Mexico City, LA Cha Cha Chá is throwing a (well-heated) rooftop fiesta with a live DJ, tarot card readings, and passed appetizers such as tacos dorados, tamales, and tres leches cake bites. Each ticket price includes one complimentary drink—a margarita or sparkling wine. Ring in the New Year while enjoying the gorgeous views of DTLA.

Redbird restaurant New Years Eve near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

NYE Dinner at Redbird 114 E Second St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with dinner at Redbird, located in the historic rectory of the former Vibiana cathedral. Chef Neal Fraser and his team will be serving a three-course prix fixe dinner with optional wine pairing by Wine Director Matt Fosket. Menu options include Iced Oysters, Artichoke Soup, Potato Churro, Pumpkin Curry, Raviolo, Liberty Farms Duck, and Beef Tenderloin. Cap off your meal with a choice of Pineapple Upside Down or Cream Puff with milk chocolate cremeux, and mint ice cream.

Pink Martini New Years Eve at Walt Disney Concert Hall near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

New Year’s Eve with Pink Martini Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Pink Martini, featuring China Forbes, returns for another quintessentially eclectic New Year’s program that mixes Brazilian samba, party sounds of 1930s Cuban dance music, and a dash of Parisian café cool. There’s no classier way to ring in 2024!

LA Noir NYE at The Biltmore New Years Eve near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

LA Noir NYE at The Biltmore 506 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071

A century of celebration continues at the Biltmore. Step back into the 1920s, when this elegant DTLA hotel was built, and kick off 2024 with Biltmore LA Noir New Year’s Eve. The party includes over 40 performers, swing music, dancers, photo ops, and themed cocktails. You can even take a tour of one of the hotel’s century-old speakeasy tunnels. Period-inspired or formal attire is encouraged, imagination is celebrated.

La Lo La Rooftop New Years Eve near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

La Lo La Rooftop AC Hotel 1260 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Celebrate New Year’s Eve from 34 floors above at La Lo La Rooftop, an ethereal, sophisticated oasis located at the recently debuted AC Hotel Downtown LA. The expansive wraparound rooftop, which spans almost 4,000 square feet, provides an intimate setting for a night of revelry. Guests are invited to enjoy specialty cocktails, Spanish-style tapas, and a live DJ, along with complimentary party favors and a midnight champagne toast.

Level 8 New Years Eve near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Level 8 Moxy and AC Hotels 1254 S Figuera St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Level up your New Year at Level 8, a first of its kind multidimensional showcase of culinary exploration, extravagant entertainment, and immersive discovery. Enjoy an unforgettable night at eight venues, featuring live music & entertainment, special guest DJs, luchadores, and more. Tickets include 4 hour open bar & hors d’oeuvres, midnight countdown, and champagne toast.

EVE at Universal Studios Hollywood New Years Eve near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

EVE at Universal Studios Hollywood 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

Be part of Hollywood’s biggest New Year’s EVE celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood’s EVE event on Dec. 31, where you can party until 2AM. Fill your day with heart-pounding rides, shows and attractions, and then keep the thrills going into the night. Have fun and celebrate with multiple party areas featuring music, dancing, photo ops, drinks available for purchase, and a midnight countdown celebration with fireworks.


Prohibition at Union Station New Years Eve near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Prohibition at Union Station 800 N Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

For its 10th year, Prohibition NYE will return to the iconic Union Station to bring back the excitement and glamour of the Roaring Twenties. Experience theatrical burlesque, live jazz ensembles, a headlining DJ set by renowned duo Chromeo, and a premium open bar featuring champagne and specialty cocktails. Don’t miss Prohibition NYE’s signature 60 foot, midnight ball-drop celebration!

Gloria Molina Grand Park’s NYELA Countdown New Years Eve near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Gloria Molina Grand Park’s NYELA Countdown to 2024 200 N Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

The West Coast’s largest free New Year’s Eve event is back! Revelers will welcome 2024 with the park’s signature 3D countdown art show projected onto L.A.’s iconic City Hall, and La Doña and La Verdad Band will be topping off this highly-anticipated New Year’s Eve celebration. Bring your appetite for delicious foods from 30 of LA’s favorite food trucks. Alcohol is not permitted and will not be sold at Gloria Molina Grand Park.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Gloria Molina Grand Park

Photo #2: Mastro’s Ocean Club

Photo #3: Le Petit Paris

Photo #4: LA Cha Cha Chá

Photo #5: Redbird

Photo #6: LA Phil

Photo #7: The Biltmore

Photo #8: La Lo La Rooftop

Photo #9: Level 8

Photo #10: Universal Studios Hollywood

Photo #11: Prohibition at Union Station

Photo #12: Gloria Molina Grand Park