Where to Watch Movies Outdoors This Summer
Enjoy fresh air and starlight while you watch blockbusters and timeless classics at outdoor movie events across Vancouver this summer. Grab a picnic blanket, some snacks, and some friends, then head to iconic locations like Stanley Park, šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square at the Vancouver Art Gallery, and the Shipyards District for a fun night of al fresco cinema.
Evo Summer Cinema at Stanley Park
Head to Ceperley Meadow at Second Beach in Stanley Park on Tuesday nights from July 9th to August 27th to enjoy the Evo Summer Cinema. Each week you can watch films under the stars on the huge 40-foot screen. First-come, first-serve seats are free - just BYO picnic blanket. Or book a comfy Adirondack-style chair in the tentree treetop VIP zone. This summer's line-up of films includes The Princess Bride, The Land Before Time, Legally Blonde, and more classics.
The films don't start until sunset, so you'll have time to go for dinner first at one of the restaurants outside the park on Denman and Davie Streets. Or stop by Stanley Park Brewing for beers. If you want to get the best seats, get your food to go and have a picnic while you wait for the films to start.
Sunset Cinema in North Vancouver
This summer the City of North Vancouver is hosting Sunset Cinema, a series of free open-air movie nights. You can enjoy family-friendly films like Paddington 2, Shrek, and Inside Out 2 along with crowd-pleasers like The Fast and the Furious, Wicked, and Twilight.
Most screenings are at the Shipyard Commons on Wednesday nights, but you can also enjoy films on select Friday nights at Civic Plaza next to North Vancouver City Hall as well as at Ray Perrault Park and Heywood Park. Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket - seats are first-come, first-served. The screening at Civic Plaza will have a concession stand to raise money for teen programs at the library.
Deckchair Cinema at the Polygon Gallery
Deckchair Cinema at the Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver is back for its fourth summer of films under the stars. Beginning July 3, they are hosting movie screenings at sunset each Thursday night. This summer's theme is sci-fi and includes Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, Universal Language, Gravity, and more.
Admission is by donation and includes popcorn and admission to the Polygon Gallery's summer exhibition, Star Witnesses, a cosmic journey through art and history. You can bring your own picnic blanket or low-profile lawn chair. Or reserve VIP picnic table seating by donating in advance. The gallery is located between the Lonsdale Quay and the Shipyards District, so it is easy to grab dinner before your movie.
Summer Movie Nights at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square
You can watch movies outdoors in the heart of downtown Vancouver at Summer Movie Nights. Each Thursday night from July 3 to August 14 šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (formerly the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza) will transform into an alfresco cinema complete with a 33-foot inflatable screen. In addition to favourite films like The Wizard of Oz, Inception, and Little Women, the screenings include live music, performances, and movie-themed activities. Come in costume for a chance to win prizes.
Each movie night is free and seating is first-come, first-served. Bring your own blanket or seat cushion. You can buy dinner and snacks on site from Chickpea food truck, Gary's Kettle Corn, and Oddity Kombucha. Or grab take-out from a nearby restaurant.