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@unionmarketdc - Drive-In Movies at Union market DC

Where to Enjoy an Outdoor & Drive-In Movie In & Around Washington, DC



Check out the best places to experience the cinema outdoors or by driving-in with these mostly free options in the nation’s capital.

While the biggest blockbusters are usually screened in theaters, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the warm weather and partake in an old American pastime: drive-in and outdoor movies. Enjoy some snacks and catch classic flicks you’ve never seen before or re-visit old favorites. Be sure to check out other summer activities across the District.

01

The Drive-In at Union Market

The Drive-In at Union Market is back for its 12th year and ready for action every second Friday of the month from May 10 – Oct. 4. Admission is $20 per car and the lot allows up to 170 cars, but visitors on foot can also enjoy the show from Neal Place, free of charge. Level up your theater concessions with the variety of flavors offered at the Market and enjoy the lineup featuring Grease, Mama Mia, Hook and others.
Times vary | Tickets
Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

02

CiNoMatic

Join the NoMa BID for a movie lineup of "Epic Expeditions" every Wednesday in May at sunset. Showings include National Treasure (May 8) and The Goonies (June 5). Movies are free and open to the public but advanced registration is encouraged.
Wednesdays: Times vary | Register
Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, Washington, DC 20002

03

Adams Morgan Movie Nights

One of DC’s most beloved neighborhoods brings its popular film series back for the summer beginning May 21. In honor of the 2024 Summer Olympics, many screenings will focus on sports movies, including Bring It On (May 21), I, Tonya (May 28) and Space Jam (June 25).
Tuesdays: After sunset (9 p.m.) | Free admission | More info
Marie Reed School, 2201 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

04

Summer Outdoor Film Series at The REACH

The REACH at the Kennedy Center presents an outdoor film series all summer long. The Millennium Stage Outdoor Film screenings presents classic and modern feature films on the REACH video wall every Friday from May 31 – Aug. 30. The lineup includes Dreamgirls (June 7), In the Heights (July 5), Lincoln (Aug. 23) and a special evening of short films presented as a part of the Kennedy Center’s 10,000 Dreams: A Festival of Asian Choreography (June 14).
Fridays: 8:30 p.m. | Free admission | More info
The REACH, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20003

05

Sunset Cinema at The Wharf

Nothing beats watching the sunset on the water, right? Think again. Enjoy fan-favorite flicks like 50 First Dates (June 27) and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (Aug. 15) on the Transit Pier's big screen during Sunset Cinema at The Wharf, in partnership with Pacifico Beer. No tickets are needed – just show up, grab a seat and enjoy bites and sips from Wharf restaurants, including the Cantina Bambina concession window. 
Thursdays: 7:30 p.m. | Free admission
Transit Pier, 970 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024

06

Films at the Stone

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial illuminated at night

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is one of DC’s most recognizable landmarks and its foundation is proud to present free-to-attend movie screenings as the first and only summer film series at a memorial on the National Mall. Bring the family out for Elemental on June 21, Kung Fu Panda 4 on July 19 and The Little Mermaid (2023) on Aug. 16, all beginning at 8 p.m. Make sure to bring your own lawn chair or blanket!
Fridays: 8 p.m. | Free admission
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, 1964 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20003

07

Summer Movies on the Lawn

The Library of Congress presents National Film Registry selected films on its southeast lawn. The lineup includes The Wizard of Oz (July 11), An American in Paris (July 18), Love and Basketball (July 25) and Rocky (Aug. 1). Plus, enjoy a live performance before Lady and the Tramp on Aug. 8.

Thursdays: 8 p.m. | Free admission

Thomas Jefferson Building - Southeast Lawn, 10 First Street SE, Washington, DC 20540

08

DowntownDC Summer Flicks

DowntownDC’s summer movie series delivers an evening of entertainment for movie and music lovers. Experience a mix of box office hits complemented by a live, scene-by-scene score from a lineup of DJs. The series runs every Thursday beginning June 6 (excluding July 4), and concludes on July 18 with a tribute to Prince featuring a mini concert before a screening of Under the Cherry Moon (8:30 p.m. movie time).

Thursdays: 7:30 p.m. | Free admission

Franklin Park, 1332 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20005

09

Movies on the Pitch

Join the Capitol Riverfront BID for outdoor movies at Audi Field, home of D.C. United, on Thursdays throughout this summer. Upgrade the big screen experience and view view recent movies like Barbie (June 6) and The Marvels (June 27) on the stadium's jumbotron.
Thursdays: 7 p.m. | Reserve tickets
100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

10

Movies on the Potomac

Enjoy movies on the plaza next to the Potomac River all summer long at National Harbor. Every Thursday offers date night picks with family-friendly features every Sunday. Showings range from romantic flicks such as Titanic and Love and Basketball, heartfelt classics like Akeelah and the Bee and The Parent Trap, recent standouts like Elvis and Mean Girls (2024) and family favorites including Inside Out 2.

Sundays: 6 p.m. | Thursdays: 7 p.m. | Free admission

National Harbor Plaza, 165 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745

11

The Family Drive-In Theatre in Stephens City

The Family Drive-In Theatre is nothing new to the locals around Stephens City. This two-screen drive-in movie theater, which is pet-friendly, has been around since 1956. The drive-in is currently holding screenings from Friday through Sunday, so make sure you get your ticket ahead of time to enjoy a timeless film. 
Times vary | Tickets
5890 Valley Pike, Stephens City, VA 22655

12

Drive up to Bengies' Big Screen

Bengies, in Middle River, Md., is known for having the biggest movie theater screen in the United States. The Bengies Drive-In Theatre offers double features almost every weekend with non-stop projection. Visitors should check out the policies in place before visiting.
Times vary | Tickets
3417 Eastern Boulevard, Middle River, MD 21220

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