Updated on June 15, 2026 by Julie McCool
Enjoy 2026 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 is one drive-in option this year, as our favorite classic drive-in movie venue is closed.
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.
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.
2026 Drive-in Movies in Northern Virginia
This year we have only found 1 drive-in outdoor movie series in the Northern Virginia area.
Family Drive-in Theater, Stephens City
Update: Sadly, the Family Drive-in Theater has closed permanently.
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.
2026 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
In previous years, Rosslyn hosted 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 and Penrose Square, Arlington
Saturdays in July and August, 8:00 – 10:00
Check the schedule for movie location and bring a blanket or chairs. 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 at the Library, Multiple Locations
June 24, July 22, and others
Several Fairfax County libraries host free movies in 2026. Follow the link for details.
Films in the Park, Mosaic District, Fairfax
Thursdays: Jun 18 – Aug 20, 6:00-9:00
Enjoy your favorite movies on the big screen Thursday evenings, all summer long, at Mosaic District’s Strawberry Park.
Summer on the Green, Lovettsville
Saturdays: Jun 12 – Aug 14, 8:00
Lovettsville Summer on the Green kicks off June 12th 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: June 6 – Aug 29, 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.
Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts, Vienna
Jul 9, 11, Aug 27, 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 2026, WolfTrap will screen Star Wars, Disney, Harry Potter, and Hook in Concert accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra. Follow the link for tickets and other details.
Bonus: Movies on the Potomac, National Harbor
May 3 – Sep 27, 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.
I am kind of looking forward to attending 2020 showings of movies. The one question I have is are the movies being shown with open captioning. Me and my partner Never get to see movies at theaters because the Captioning device is provided at movie theaters other than open captioning do not work satisfactorily.
I was not able to find any information about close-captioning on the websites listing outdoor movies. I’d suggest sending a Facebook message to any of the sites that you are considering so they can clarify what they provide. Hope you are able to enjoy some of the outdoor movies in 2020, Ron.
It would be great if this event were happening in downtown Leesburg. Sadly, it’s in Leesburg, Florida.
Food Truck and Flick Night, Leesburg
Saturdays: Jun 16, Jul 14, Aug 11, 5:00, Movie at dusk
Enjoy dinner from a line-up of Gourmet Food Trucks on Main Street in downtown Leesburg, with live music beginning at 6:00 pm. The trucks and movie fans gather every 2nd Saturday during summer months. At dusk, grab your blanket and chairs and watch a blockbuster movie on a 24-foot outdoor screen. Free.
Doh! Thank you so much for catching this error and letting me know. I deleted the event from the article. I appreciate the feedback!