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Al Fresco Cinema: LA’s Best Outdoor Movie Experiences

Best places to watch movies under the stars in LA

· 3 min read

Imagine sitting under the stars, surrounded by a sea of fellow moviegoers, as the projector flickers to life and the sound of the film fills the warm evening air. Combining two of LA’s favourite things, the movies and the outdoors, it's no wonder that outdoor cinemas have become a popular pastime for both locals and visitors alike.

Cinespia

Source: Cinespia
Source: Cinespia

Cinespia hosts classic films and modern favorites at various locations across L.A, including the Los Angeles State Historic Park, The Greek Theatre, and the world famous Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Their most popular events are undoubtedly the ones that take place at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, which have been taking place every summer since 2002. Here, you can watch films projected onto the side of a mausoleum while lounging on the grass surrounded by the graves of Hollywood legends.

📅 Upcoming Screenings:

  • May 19, Los Angeles State Historic Park: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
  • May 26, Los Angeles State Historic Park: Mrs. Doubtfire
  • May 27, Los Angeles State Historic Park: 10 Things I Hate About You

🌐 For more schedules and ticketing details:https://cinespia.org/

Rooftop Cinema Club

Source: Rooftop Cinema Club
Source: Rooftop Cinema Club

For a more modern twist on outdoor cinema, look no further than Rooftop Cinema Club. This innovative company has transformed rooftops across the city into pop-up movie theaters, complete with comfortable deck chairs and wireless headphones. They show a large range of movies from classics to newly released films, and their full food and bar menu brings the experience to a new level! Enjoy a glass of cocktail or a snack as you take in stunning views of the city skyline while watching your favourite films.

Their lineup of upcoming screenings include favourites like Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, A Star is Born, Top Gun: Maverick, La La Land, and lots more.

🌐 For more schedules and ticketing details: https://rooftopcinemaclub.com/los-angeles/

Street Food Cinema

Source: Street Food Cinema
Source: Street Food Cinema

The outdoor movie experience goes beyond just the movie screening itself. With screenings at various locations like the Los Angeles State Historic Park, Will Rogers State Historic Park, and The Autry Museum, Street Food Cinema pairs classic films with local food trucks, creating a fun and immersive atmosphere for moviegoers. At the Street Food Cinema, you can also expect to see live bands, interactive audience games, photo ops, and possibly even special guest appearances.

This year, their movie lineup include movies like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Mulan 25th Anniversary, and Fight Club.

🌐 For more schedules and ticketing details:https://www.streetfoodcinema.com/schedule

The Montalban Theatre

Source: The Montalban
Source: The Montalban

The Montalban Theatre was originally built in 1927 as a theatre for stage performances, it has since been renovated and repurposed to host a variety of events, from live theater and music to film screenings and special events. Its rooftop space has been transformed into an outdoor cinema experience, offering guests cinematic experiences under the stars at this historic Hollywood venue. In the summer, screening nights will be hosted where visitors can play games, watch a movie while dining.

The 2023 Rooftop Movies season includes films like Selena, La La Land, Mean Girls, and Top Gun.

🌐 For more schedules and ticketing details:https://www.themontalban.com/rooftopmovies

Melrose Rooftop Theatre

Source: Melrose Rooftop Theatre
Source: Melrose Rooftop Theatre

Tucked away in the heart of West Hollywood, Melrose Rooftop Theatre takes the open-air cinema experience to new heights. From the rooftop, you will be treated to sweeping views of the city skyline and the iconic Hollywood sign in the distance. Beyond the stunning scenery, the theater is designed with a state-of-the-art projection systems and individual wireless headsets to deliver premium sound quality to the audience.

Upcoming screenings include movies like Ant Man & The Wasp: Quantumania, Legally Blond, and The Terminator

🌐 For more schedules and ticketing details:https://melroserooftoptheatre.com/

Paramount Drive-in Theatre

Source: Paramount Drive In
Source: Paramount Drive In

If you are looking for something more private, consider going to a drive-in theatre instead, where you will be tucked in the comfort of your own car away from other moviegoers. There are a number of drive-in theatres located just outside of Downtown Los Angeles, and the Paramount Drive-in Theatre is one of the most classic options. Without the fanfare that you might experience at other outdoor cinemas, the Paramount Drive-in Theatre focuses mostly on the classic experience of movie watching. The theatre's vintage sign and retro decor harken back to a simpler era, and the feeling of nostalgia is palpable. But the experience isn't all about nostalgia - the movies that are screened at the Paramount Drive-in Theatre are not replays of classic movies. Rather, you can expect to catch movies that are currently screening in cinemas.

🌐 For more schedules and ticketing details:https://www.paramountdrivein.com/

Eat See Hear

Eat See Hear is a summer-long celebration of movies, food, and music that takes places across the greater Los Angeles. Each event in the series is a sensory delight. You will be treated to movies, music, and lots of food. Each film is projected onto the largest inflatable movie screen on the West Coast with the highest quality HD-projections.

The schedules for 2023 has not been announced. Stay tuned to their official website for more details.