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 Cinema Club – Screens are heading back to the top of buildings as Rooftop Cinema Club has returned for another season. This year, Roof East in Stratford (opening 7th May) and Peckham’s Bussey Building is showing a varied programme, with films including Sinners, Pretty Woman, One Battle After Another, Love & Basketball, In the Mood for Love, Pulp Fiction, Wuthering Heights and more. They’ll also be doing dog-friendly screenings, and a range of different film seasons across the summer too. Get your tickets here.
Everyman on the Canal – The canalside screen is returning to King’s Cross from 29th June to 16th August, with a packed programme of free sports screenings, summer entertainment and movies. 2026’s schedule is its biggest yet, with films likes Some Like It Hot, Grease, Dune: Part One, Paddington and The Devil Wears Prada. There’ll be a selection of summery food and drinks on offer too, including frozen margs, sundaes, popcorn and chocolate strawberries.
Barbican – Head to the Barbican’s Sculpture Court between 20th – 30th August for one of the most diverse outdoor film programmes in town, screened in the brutalist courtyard. This year you can catch the likes of Arrival, The Florida Project, American Utopia, Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster, Poetic Justice, Pierrot le Fou and Desperately Seeking Susan. Get tickets here.
Adventure Cinema – The UK’s biggest touring outdoor cinema is back from 7th May until September, hitting 57 venues up and down the country with London stops at Kew Gardens. The screenings include Wicked: For Good, Pride and Prejudice, Dirty Dancing, Jurassic Park, and Encanto Sing-a-Long. Get tickets here.
Canary Wharf Summer Screen – Head to Canada Square Park for a summer of screenings in Canary Wharf. Running from 4th June – 1st September, you’ll be able to catch a range of live sporting events plus a packed programme of films, ranging from family faves to Hollywood blockbusters to musicals. 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 at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens every Tuesday in July, with the screenings set to include Zootropolis, Cool Runnings, Clueless, and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. The films are free but you’ll need to register here.
