Updated on May 31, 2025 by Julie McCool
Enjoy 2025 walk-in and drive-in outdoor movies in Northern Virginia at a fun mix of free and paid venues. Outdoor movies in Northern VA let everyone relax and enjoy a fun flick under the stars. There are few drive-in options this year, though our favorite classic drive-in movie venue is still going strong.
Looking for more fun things to do this summer? Check out our complete guide to the best Outdoor Activities in Northern Virginia for Summer including lots of free Outdoor Concerts.
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Our guide to outdoor movies in Northern Virginia includes venues in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties, and surrounding towns. Follow the links for line-ups and additional info on outdoor movies in Northern Virginia. Always double-check for cancellations during inclement weather.
2025 Drive-in Movies in Northern Virginia
Most years there are only 2 drive-in outdoor movie series, including one fun classic.
Family Drive-in Theater, Stephens City
Friday – Sunday nights (summer season Wednesday-Sunday)
A bit further away but worth the drive, Family Drive-in Theater is a classic big screen experience named one of the 10 Best Drive-ins in America. Tickets are $11 per person for ages 3 – 12.
Plan your visit with our guide to the Best Things to Do in Winchester.
Starlight Cinema, Sully Historic Site, Centreville
Saturdays in August, 7:00 PM
Adding a little drive-in fun to outdoor movies in Northern Virginia, Starlight Cinema returns with an August full of family movies. Watch from your car or under the stars in the outdoor seating area.
Starlight Cinema gates open at 6:00, so head over early for pre-movie entertainment and activities. Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic, or purchase food on site. Canceled if rain. Free.
2025 Walk-in Outdoor Movies in Northern VA
Follow the links for schedule details and ticket info.
Cinema del Ray, Mount Vernon Rec Center, Alexandria
Select days May-Sep 7:00
The fun begins at 7:00 and the family-friendly screenings start at dusk on the fields of the Mount Vernon Rec Center. No dogs allowed so leave your furry friend at home Free.
Rosslyn Cinema (Outdoor Movie Festival), Central Place Plaza, Arlington
Select Thursdays, 6:00 – 9:30 pm
Rosslyn hosts a great line-up of outdoor movies in Northern Virginia, plus a pre-movie Pub in the Park. Arrive at 6:00 for games at this kid-friendly and dog-friendly event, then enjoy movies at dusk. Free.
Columbia Pike Movie Nights, Arlington Mill, Arlington
Fridays in July and August, 8:00 – 10:00
Family-friendly movies return to Columbia Pike in 2025. Bring a blanket or chairs; leashed dogs are welcome. Free.
Columbia Pike Movie Nights, Penrose Square, Arlington
Saturdays in July and August, 8:00 – 10:00
Bring a blanket or chairs to enjoy G – PG-13 at Penrose Square in Arlington. Leashed dogs are welcome. Free.
Summerbration, Loudoun Station, Ashburn
Sundays, June – August, 6:30-9:00
Loudoun Station is back with fun, family-friendly movies under the stars. Some movies are accompanied by special guests and events. Free.
Cinema in the Community, Chantilly Library, Fairfax
May 17, June 28, other dates TBA 2:00-4:00
This free library movie series has moved indoors, but the showings are still free.
Films in the Park, Mosaic District, Fairfax
Thursdays: Jun 12 – Aug 12, 6:00-9:00
Enjoy your favorite movies on the big screen Thursday evenings, all summer long, at Mosaic District's Strawberry Park. The season was extended last year so we may see Mosaic announce more free movies later in the summer.
Crescent Cinema Movie Nights, Gainesville
Sunday: TBA, Movies begin at dusk.
Arrive after 7:00 to find your spot on the green at the Marketplace at Madison Crescent in Gainesville. Movies begin at dusk and you can pick up food and drinks, including movie night specials, at the center's restaurants.
Summer on the Green, Lovettsville
Saturdays: Jun 14 – Aug 16, 8:00
Lovettsville Summer on the Green kicked off on May 25th with more shows monthly. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and a picnic to enjoy before the movie. Movies begin at 8:00. Check the link for weather cancellations. Free.
Movies Under the Stars, Reston Row Plaza
Saturdays: May 31 – Aug 30, 6:30-9:00
Enjoy a night of summer fun with Movies and Events Under the Stars, an outdoor movie series in a new location at Reston Row Plaza. The great line-up of family-friendly movies sometimes includes special guests. Free.
Movie Night, South Riding Town Green
Tuesdays: select nights Jun 24 – Aug 19, Sunset
Bring your blanket and chairs at sunset for fun movies on the big screen. Movies will start at sunset or as soon as it is dark enough. Free.
Starr Hill Movie Nights, The Perch Tysons
Sundays: TBA 6:00
The Perch hosts free family-friendly movies on select Sunday nights in the Starr Hill Biergarten. Movies on the big screen kick off at 6:00. Free.
Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts, Vienna
Jul 17, 26, Aug 2, Sep 5, 8:00
Mixed into the line-up of live summer entertainment, Wolf Trap National Park offers occasional nights of movies on the big screen accompanied by live music. In 2025, WolfTrap will screen Star Wars, Disney, Harry Potter, and Back to the Future in Concert accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra. Follow the link for tickets and other details.
Bonus: Movies on the Potomac, National Harbor
May 11 – Sep 28, Thursday at 7:00 and Sundays at 6:00
Just across the river from Virginia, National Harbor has two fun outdoor movie series. Thursday Date Night Movies are a perfect chance to snuggle up and catch a movie under the stars. On Sundays at 6:00 bring the kids to Sunday Family Movies at 6:00. Plan your visit with our getaway guide to National Harbor.
Find more summer fun with our guides to Outdoor Concerts, Waterparks and Pools, and Boating in Northern VA.
