Watching a movie under the stars is a quintessential part of summer in Philadelphia and the Countryside.
Here in Greater Philadelphia, residents and visitors alike can catch a wide range of outdoor film screenings in scenic parks, amphitheaters, green rooftops and other unique venues throughout the region.
Gather your family and friends, grab a favorite blanket, pack a picnic — or just a bag of popcorn — and choose from a plethora of hits (most family-friendly and many animated) like Top Gun: Maverick, Minions: The Rise of Gru, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, DC League of Super-Pets, Thor: Love and Thunder and the Questlove-produced Oscar-winner Summer of Soul.
Most screenings begin at dusk, with start times varied depending on sunset times.
Bonus: Almost all of the outdoor movies included in this roundup are completely free, and several offer free snacks.
An important note: Details — including screening dates — can change at any time, especially due to inclement weather. Always check ahead with event organizers and/or on official event sites and social media to confirm event dates and times.
Read on for our guide to the top outdoor movie screenings in Philadelphia in 2023.
Through Friday, June 16, 2023 (select dates)
A special cinema series hosted by diversity-first cinema and film publication cinéSPEAK hits West Philly’s Clark Park Fridays in June, with free weekly outdoor screenings which highlight independent films featuring Black voices from around the world. Events are accompanied by local DJs, food trucks and more. On June 16, look forward to Little Richard: I Am Everything (in partnership with BlackStar). BYO blankets and chairs, and registration is suggested.
Where: Clark Park, 4300-4398 Baltimore Avenue
Through Friday, August 18, 2023 (select dates)
Laurel Hill Cemetery returns with its annual summertime Outdoor Cinema Series movie pop up presented by Friends of Laurel Hill and the Philadelphia Film Society. Movie-goers are encouraged to pack a picnic, bring along blankets or lawn chairs, and spread out for an evening under the stars. Movie tickets are $15 for general admission (with discounts available for seniors, students, kids and members), and advance purchase is encouraged. Fun fact: Charles Vansant, buried in Laurel Hill East, was the first victim of the 1916 Jersey shore shark attacks that inspired the novel Jaws.
Where: Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue
Through Thursday, August 24, 2023 (select dates)
Enjoy movies with city vistas right on the banks of the Schuylkill River during select Thursday Movie Nights this summer. The free screenings are held at two alternating spots along the river.
Where: Schuylkill Banks near the Walnut Street Bridge
VIEW OTHER LOCATIONS (1)
Grays Ferry Crescent south of the Grays Ferry Avenue Bridge, 1300 Schuylkill Avenue
Through September 30, 2023
West Philly’s Sunset Social hosts summer evening Wednesday Movie Nights and weekend family-friendly Saturday Movie Matinees on a giant 60-foot screen perched on the lawn of awe-inspiring rooftop space Cira Green, overlooking University City and the Philly skyline from 12 stories above. Burgers, tenders, sandwiches and ice cream plus beer, wine and frozen and bottled cocktails are available from the rooftop bar café. Dogs are welcome, and the movies — as well as the jaw-dropping views — are free. Check the official site for more to-be-announced films for the second half of summer.
Where: Sunset Social, 129 S. 30th Street
Through Friday, October 20, 2023 (select dates)
Public parks across the city host free summer Movies in Philly’s Parks nights as part of a special program hosted by Park Friends Groups in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Fairmount Park Conservancy. Visit 35 different parks from South Philly to West Philly for all-ages flicks this summer.
Where: Various locations including Harrowgate Park, 3455 Kensington Avenue
Through Friday, October 6, 2023 (select dates)
In addition to the plethora of First Friday festivities in Philadelphia’s Historic District, the Betsy Ross House holds First Friday Movies Under the Stars screenings in the courtyard on the first Friday of every month through September. Admission is $8 per person and includes an after-hours tour of the house. The best part: Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and wine.
Where: Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street
June 24 – August 19, 2023 (select dates)
Presented by the Philadelphia Film Society, Movies on the Block offers free film screenings in neighborhoods around the city, paired with activities, performances, education, giveaways and more. Each event creates space for conversation and engagement through carefully curated themes and films.
Where: Frankford Pause Park, 4673 Paul Street
VIEW OTHER LOCATIONS (4)
Duo Taco and Bowls, 540 Avenue of the States, Chester
The Lighthouse Community Center, 141 W. Somerset Street
The Garden at CHOP Karabots, 4865 Market Street
Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
June 24 – September 14, 2023 (select dates)
One of Philadelphia’s favorite outdoor entertainment venues, the Mann Center for the Performing Arts gets in on the movie-night action with Movies @ The Mann, alfresco film screenings accompanied by live score from The Philadelphia Orchestra (and a special appearance from The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra). Note that advance tickets are required.
Where: Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Avenue
July 5 – August 3, 2022 (select dates)
Lights, camera, beer! This summer, the new-for-2023 Fringe Bar hosts free movie nights at its outdoor biergarten (with RSVP). Bonus: enjoy a bit of trivia before each show with movie-themed Quizzo and, in the event of inclement weather, you can catch all screenings inside the bar.
Where: Haas Biergarten at Fringe Bar, 140 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
On select summer Fridays, the Parkway’s seasonal urban oasis features family-friendly Movie Nights at The Oval. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, chill out in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rocky Steps, and catch a big-screen film for free. The movies start at dusk (around 8:30 p.m.), and food trucks and other vendors will be available during most showings.
Where: The Oval, 2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
July 28 – October 14, 2023 (select dates)
The Community Development Corporation of Mt. Airy hosts monthly Moonlight Movies this summer at neighborhood parks and green spaces across Philly. The free screenings feature family-friendly storytelling sessions with Reading Captains, book giveaways, and pay-as-you-go snack and beverage vendors. July’s screening of Summer of Soul (from Philly native Questlove) also includes musical performances. Movies, showtimes and locations vary month-to-month, so keep an eye on the official website for updates.
Where: Various locations including Lovett Park, 6945 Germantown Avenue
August 4 – 25, 2023 (select dates)
Clark Park in West Philly hosts Friday night Movies in Clark Park sundown screenings this August, where guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs and picnic blankets. Note that movies are shown with open captioning.
Bartram’s Garden, America’s oldest botanical garden and a National Historic Landmark, hosts a one-night-only event this August. Grab your blankets and set out in the garden overlooking the Schuylkill River for a special free Family Movie Night showing of Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever under the stars. Free popcorn, lemonade and water will be available. The movie starts at sunset, but come out early for a community biking event with The Bicycle Coalition on Bartram’s Mile Trail from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and a special Afrobeats dance class from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Bartram's Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard
Through Wednesday, July 26, 2023 (select dates)
Part of a summer of free entertainment, the Greater Plymouth Community Center hosts Performances in the Park evening movie screenings at Plymouth Meeting’s Park Amphitheater (when the venue isn’t bumping with live music). A DJ gets the crowd going at 7:30 p.m. and movies start at dusk. Guests can purchase popcorn, candy, drinks and Kona Ice from vendors.
Where: Greater Plymouth Community Center, 2910 Jolly Road, Plymouth Meeting
Through Saturday, August 12, 2023 (select dates)
Drive-ins are out, blankets and chairs are in at Media Family Movie Night in Delco. A two-story inflatable screen ensures a great viewing experience for all at Barrall Community Park Field, where the screening is free and the snacks are BYO. Movies begin at dusk (around 8 p.m.).
Where: Barrall Community Park, 251 E. State Street, Media
Through Wednesday, August 16, 2023 (select dates)
The community of Whitemarsh Township celebrates summer in a big way with free outdoor Movies in the Parks nights at two of their beautiful parks in Lafayette Hill and nearby Conshohocken. Played on a 40-foot inflatable screen, movies start at dusk (with rain dates the following night). Bring along your own chairs, blankets and all the snacks.
Where: Cedar Grove Park, 100 Cedar Grove Road, Conshohocken
Miles Park, 303 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill
Through Thursday, October 19, 2023 (select dates)
Bring your own chair or blanket for the Thursday-night Movies at the Mercer Museum film series on the lawn at the Mercer Museum in Doylestown. Tickets are $12 for general admission (discounts for members and kids), and you can even advance purchase a box of popcorn with your ticket for just another five bucks. Fun, family-friendly classics await.
Where: Mercer Museum, 84 S. Pine Street, Doylestown
June 15 & July 12, 2023
Quiet little Linton Memorial Park in Newtown Borough, Bucks — more than 100 years old! — is the place to be on summer nights at sundown (around 7 p.m.) when the big screen pops up for free Movies in the Park. Bring your chair, blanket and bug spray for a fun evening under the stars. Note that the rain date for each film is the next day.
Where: Linton Memorial Park, 108 South Lincoln Avenue, Newtown
Through August 4, 2023 (select dates)
Bring your blankets or a low-profile chair to Debarth Amphitheater in Parkside Place Park as Upper Gwynedd Township presents Movies in the Park, with showtimes at dusk. Desserts and treats will be available for purchase from different vendors each week, including Kindness Kookies and Ella’s Gourmet Popcorn. The July film night is part of the Township’s overnight Night Sky Camp Out event.
Where: Debarth Amphitheater, Parkside Place Park, 1 Parkside Place, North Wales
Through October 14, 2023 (select dates)
In addition to a charming main street, the Chester County borough of Oxford boasts a summer full of family events including Third Fridays Movies nights in Oxford Memorial Park. Bring a blanket, chair, bug spray and snacks every third Friday for 8:30 p.m. showings (including previews!).
Where: Oxford Memorial Park, North 2nd Street and East Lancaster Avenue, Oxford
Through August 15, 2023 (select dates)
When dusk falls at Wentz Run Park in Blue Bell, the fun is just beginning. As part of its free summer entertainment schedule, the park hosts Movies @ Wentz Run Park nights at the gazebo. Visitors are encouraged to arrive with enough time to find a good spot, and to bring a chair or blanket and their snacks of choice.
Where: Wentz Run Park, 1000 Anvil Lane, Blue Bell
Through August 21, 2023 (select dates)
The vibe at Eagleview Town Center’s Movie Nights in Exton? Bring “whatever makes you comfortable!” Break out your favorite lawn chair or picnic blanket and stock up on snacks (there are plenty to choose from at the Town Center) for this season’s evening movies. Shows begin at 7 p.m.
Where: Eagleview Town Center, 565 Wellington Square, Exton
July 7 – August 18, 2023 (select dates)
Movies are one of the many fun activities available at multi-purpose White’s Road Park in Lansdale, Montco. This summer’s Movies in the Park screenings begin at dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m.) at the North Penn Rotary Centennial Band Shell, and guests are welcome to bring their blankets and popcorn for a fun Friday night out.
Where: Whites Road Park, 400 Whites Road, Lansdale
July 22 – October 21, 2023 (select dates)
On select Saturday evenings throughout the summer, Peddler’s Village — Bucks County’s all-in-one play, shop and dine destination — hosts free outdoor movies on Street Road Green at the center of a gorgeous park-like shopping plaza. After a day of shopping, fun, eats and rides, stake out a spot at dusk, spread out your blankets and lawn chairs, and enjoy a flick under the stars.
Where: Peddler's Village, 165 Carousel Lane, Lahaska
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks, including tickets to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, or the National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution.
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.
Which will you choose?
What to look forward to in Philly, June through September...