From heritage sites to rooftop bars, here’s where to find the best open-air cinemas in London this summer
When the weather’s good it’s a shame to be sat inside a dark cinema rather than laid out on the grass with some bevvies to hand, so it’s a good thing that outdoor cinemas are pitching up in London again this summer for another season of al fresco film screenings. From breezy rooftops to historic backdrops, these are the places to be watching films this season. Popcorn at the ready…and while you’re chewing it would be a shame not to take advantage of the best Irish online casinos for even more dopamine.
Rooftop Film Club – Screens are heading back to the top of buildings this summer as Rooftop Film Club has returned for another season. This year, Roof East in Stratford and Peckham’s Bussey Building will be showing films like La La Land, Challengers, Pulp Fiction, Ratatouille, The Wolf of Wall Street and more. Plus, there’ll be some extra special events featuring some of the biggest releases of the past year, including screenings of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire – guests can choose to get chauffeured to the cinema in a replica Ecto-1 car – and Saltburn, complete with limited-edition ‘Bathtub’ cocktails. Get tickets here.
Barbican – The Barbican’s outdoor cinema series is returning with another excellent programme of films from some of cinema’s most celebrated directors, as well as two concert movies from music legends Björk and Prince. Taking place in the centre’s remarkable Sculpture Court, the screenings will include the likes of The Grand Budapest Hotel, An American in Paris, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Marie Antoinette, Pakeezah, Wild Strawberries and more. Tickets go on sale on Thurs 23rd May – get yours here.
Adventure Cinema – The UK’s biggest touring outdoor cinema is back until September, hitting 70 venues up and down the country with London stops at Osterly Park, Charlton House & Garden and Ham House & Garden. The screenings include Back to the Future, Dirty Dancing and The Greatest Showman. Get tickets here.
Screen on the Canal – If you love lounging around beside London’s canals this is the outdoor cinema for you. Brought to King’s Cross by Everyman, the Screen on the Canal will be showing movies from June to August, with the likes of Barbie, Grease, The Princess Bride, Moulin Rouge, Juno, Dreamgirls and Casablanca on the programme. Best of all? All screenings are FREE – just make sure to get there early for a good seat.
Summer by the River Festival – Head to London Bridge City on Tuesdays for FREE outdoor screenings at The Scoop as part of 2024’s Summer by the River Festival. There’ll be screenings of Barbie, Mean Girls (2024), The Lost Boys and more, plus live music, street food and pop-up bars. No need to book tickets, just show up and tune in.
Canary Wharf Film Club – Head to Canada Square Park for Canary Wharf’s summer Film Club, which will be on throughout June, July and August. This year, they’re putting on their largest programme yet, with months of movies that span all kinds of genres. Expect the likes of Fantastic Mr Fox, Coco, Romeo+Juliet, But I’m a Cheerleader, Clueless and more. All of the screenings are free, just bring along your own picnic blanket and snacks to tune in.
Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens – FREE, open-air screenings will be on every week at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens every week this July, with the screenings set to include Encanto, Barbie, Men in Black and Moulin Rouge. Get tickets here.
Everyman in the Garden at The Grove – Journey just north of the city to five-star hotel The Grove, which has bought back its Everyman outdoor cinema for another summer. Pick a spot on one of the beanbags, grab a cocktail and kick back to watch the likes of Barbie, The Colour Purple, Priscilla, Wonka, The Greatest Showman, Dune: Part Two and Pretty Woman. Screenings are running until 8th September and you can get tickets here.
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