Where to Watch Movies Outdoors This Summer

This summer, outdoor movie nights are returning to the city, bringing screenings to parks, plazas, waterfront spaces, and more throughout the season. Plus, many of these outdoor movie nights are free, making them an easy way to enjoy a summer evening outdoors.

Evo Summer Cinema at Stanley Park

On Tuesday nights, head to Second Beach in Stanley Park for Evo Summer Cinema. Inside Ceperley Meadows, this outdoor movie experience will be playing films on a projector with free seating along the grass, so be sure to bring a blanket and arrive early to snag a good spot. For a more comfortable setup, you can also upgrade to outdoor lounge chairs in the tentree VIP Zone.

While this summer’s movie lineup has not been confirmed yet, Evo Summer Cinema is known for screening crowd-pleasing favourites. Last year’s lineup included movies like Legally Blonde, The Princess Bride, and other timeless flicks.

Before the movie starts, make some time to explore Stanley Park. The park is home to forested trails, beaches, and the iconic seawall, which you can walk or bike before getting cozy for movie night.

Summer Movie Nights at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square

For a downtown outdoor movie night, head to šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square outside the Vancouver Art Gallery, where movie nights are happening on Thursdays. Before the screening, enjoy performances, food, games, and other activities for a little something extra before the movie begins.

Films are shown on a 33-foot inflatable screen, and guests can bring a lawn chair or blanket to settle inside the plaza. Since screenings begin at sundown, there’s plenty of time to explore downtown beforehand. Walk along Robson Street for shopping, cafés, and casual bites, or head to nearby Yaletown if you want to turn the evening into dinner and a movie.

Sunset Cinema in North Vancouver

More movie nights are happening across the water at Sunset Cinema, where outdoor movies are taking place in parks and public spaces across North Vancouver all summer long. Movies are shown on a 24-foot projection screen, with Wednesday night screenings at The Shipyards and Friday night screenings at locations like Ray Perrault Park, Heywood Park, and Civic Plaza after sundown.

Arrive early for some pre-movie fun, including jumbo games before the film begins. The lineup features family-friendly picks and popular favourites like Inside Out 2, Paddington 2, The Devil Wears Prada, Shrek, Twilight, and Wicked.

While you’re at the Shipyards, be sure to stop at The Shipyards Night Market every Friday for a night of food trucks, local vendors, and live music. Coming from downtown? The SeaBus connects you to Lower Lonsdale, making it an easy trip across the water even without a car.

Deckchair Cinema at the Polygon Gallery

Deckchair Cinema is back this summer with outdoor movie nights on Cates Deck, just outside The Polygon Gallery at The Shipyards. Running every Thursday evening, the waterfront series brings movies to the shore with a sports-themed lineup featuring Offside, Shaolin Soccer, Best in Show, Speed Racer, Creed, A League of Their Own, and RAD. Guests can also enjoy music, concessions, popcorn, and live entertainment before the films begin.

Movie on The Mountain (Grouse Mountain)

For a unique movie night high above the city, keep an eye on Grouse Mountain’s summer event calendar. Movie on The Mountain takes place at the top of Grouse Mountain, where you can take in sweeping views of the city before the show begins.

While this summer’s dates have not been announced yet, past screenings have taken place around sunset, making it one of the most scenic outdoor movie experiences near Vancouver. Plan to arrive early, take the Skyride up, and enjoy the mountaintop setting before settling in to your favourite film.

Summer Cinema in Burnaby

Just outside Vancouver, Burnaby’s Summer Cinema series is happening every Friday night at Civic Square and Saturday nights at Confederation Park, rain or shine. The line up includes an exciting list of new releases, like A Minecraft movie, Superman, and Zootopia 2, plus oldies like The Wizard of Oz.

Bring your own blanket and chairs, pack some snacks, and settle in for a picnic-style movie night under the Vancouver summer sky.

Outdoor movie nights are a fun summer tradition in Vancouver and an easy activity for all ages. So if you’re planning a casual night with friends, a date, or looking for family-friendly things to do, these screenings are a relaxed way to enjoy the city after sunset.