Enjoy 2023 walk-in and drive-in outdoor movies in Northern Virginia at a fun mix of free and paid venues. Outdoor movies in Northern VA offer the chance to relax and enjoy a fun flick under the stars.
Happily, free series for outdoor movies are back in 2023, with mostly walk-in venues. There are fewer 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.
2023 Drive-in Movies in Northern Virginia
So far in 2023, only 2 drive-in outdoor movie series have been announced, including one fun classic. We hope that some additional pop-up drive-ins will return in 2023, but most of the venues are walk-in this year.
Family Drive-in Theater, Stephens City
Wednesday – Sunday nights (Fall season Friday-Sunday), Late March – ?
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. In 2023, you can purchase tickets in advance online or at the gate. Tickets are $10/$5 for driver + adults/child ages 3 – 12.
Plan your visit with our guide to the Best Things to Do in Winchester.
Starlight Cinema, Trinity Centre Parking, 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.
2023 Walk-in Outdoor Movies in Northern VA
Several of our favorite locations for outdoor movies are returning in 2023. Follow the links for schedule details and ticket info.
Cinema del Ray, Mount Vernon Rec Center, Alexandria
Apr 15, May 20, June 17, other dates TBA 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), Gateway Park, Arlington
Fridays in June, 5:00 – 11:00 pm
Rosslyn's Gateway Park hosts a great line-up of outdoor movies in Northern Virginia, plus a pre-movie Pub in the Park. Arrive at 5:00 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 2023. 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, May 28 – Sep 23, 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, Chantilly
May 13, Jun 17, Jul 15, 7:00 – 10:00
This free library movie series has moved indoors, but the showings are still free. The Fairfax Library Foundation will host 3 fun movies in 2023 at the Chantilly Library Meeting Room.
Films in the Park, Mosaic District, Fairfax
Thursdays: Jun 22 – Aug 17, 7:00 – 9:00
Enjoy your favorite movies on the big screen Thursday evenings, all summer long, at Mosaic District's Strawberry Park.
Cartoons and Coffee, Mosaic District, Fairfax
Saturdays: Jun 17 – Sep 9, 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Bring the kids for a morning of classic cartoons while you relax with your coffee in Mosaic District's Strawberry Park. Every Saturday morning until September 9.
Crescent Cinema Movie Nights, Gainesville
Friday: May 26, Jun 30, Jul 28, 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 10 + 24, Jul 15 + 29, – Aug 1 + 12 8:00
Lovettsville Summer on the Green returns in 2023 with Saturday movies on the Town Green. 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 Station *New
Saturdays: May 27 – Sep 2, 6:30 – 9:00
Enjoy a night of summer fun with Movies and Events Under the Stars, a new outdoor movie series at Reston Station. The great line-up of family-friendly movies sometimes includes special guests. For example, meet some of the residents from Leesburg Animal Park then watch the movie Zookeeper. Free!
Movies in the Park, Reston
Fridays: May 20, Jun 9, 8:00
Head to one of the Reston soccer fields and parks for a family-friendly movie under the stars. Locations and start times vary and tickets are required. Follow the link for details. $6/10 RA member/non-member.
Movie Night, South Riding
Tuesdays: Jun 13 + 27, Jul 11 + 25, – Aug 8 + 22, Sunset
Walk-in South Riding family-friendly outdoor movies are back in 2023! Bring your blanket and chairs at sunset for fun movies on the big screen. Location alternates between the Town Green and the SRC Stage. Movies will start at sunset or as soon as it is dark enough. Free.
Family Movie Nights, Tysons Corner Center
Fridays: May 26, Jun 30, Jul 28, Aug 18 7:00
Gather on The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center for family-friendly movies under the stars. Bring your blanket and chairs for fun movies on an outdoor screen. Free.
Starr Hill Movie Nights, The Perch Tysons
Sundays: May 21 – Aug 6 6:00
In 2023, The Perch is hosting free family-friendly movies every Sunday night 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 22, 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 2023, WolfTrap will screen Jurrasic Park in Concert accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra. Follow the link for tickets and other details.
Bonus: Movies on the Potomac, National Harbor
Thursday: 7:00 and Sundays at 6:00
Just across the river from Virginia, National Harbor has two fun outdoor movie series in 2023. Thursday Date Night Movies (May 4 – Sep 28) 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 (May 7 – Sep 24) at 6:00. Plan an overnight or weekend getaway to National Harbor to extend your fun.
Find more summer fun with our guides to Outdoor Concerts, Waterparks and Pools, and Boating in Northern VA.
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