Outdoor Movie Nights: Where to Watch Under the Stars

There is something wonderfully nostalgic and comforting about watching a movie outside. Does it bring back memories of piling in the back of the car (often in your pajamas, often in a station wagon) with the fam to see drive-in movies as a kid? Even though drive-in theatres are not as common anymore, you can still get that warm cozy summer feeling with a number of pop-up outdoor cinemas in full swing now. Grab your softest blanket, pack up a picnic basket, bring your low-to-the-ground folding chair (so your neighbours can see over your head) and bug spray just in case – it’s show time.

Evo Summer Cinema at Vancouver’s Stanley Park shows movies on a 40-foot screen. Take a beat and imagine that size. In very civilized fashion, the VIP package offers guaranteed seating and a zero-proof bar too. Movies are shown every Tuesday night, and you can bask in the scent of the forest and the sea, under the stars, while you ask yourself, “why don’t I do this more often?”

Cultus Lake Movie Night in the Park is free of charge, family-oriented and takes place on the Main Beach four times this summer. Situated on the “grassy area near the gazebo” guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks, and lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. A movie by the lake feels like summer camp and you may not want to go home. 

Cedarbrook Outdoor Movie Night in Chilliwack has scheduled fun flicks four times over the summer months. Entrance is free, and snacks are available for purchase including (yes please) frosty treats from Kona Ice Cream Truck. BYOB (as in bring your own blanket) to sit on or wrap up in as the night air cools you down.

Starlight Drive-In located in Enderby, North Okanagan has double-feature family nights with a special rate deal. Best of Kelowna awarded them gold for Best Tourist Attraction Outside City Limits too. Something old-timey about this drive-in and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Free Summer Movies in Whistler Olympic Plaza are scheduled every Wednesday and Saturday until the end of August. Settle in with popcorn and a spectacular view of the mountains as the sun slowly sinks. Films range from the classics to new releases, and if you visit Whistler this summer, do include this in your plans. 

Rocky Valley Resort on Texada Island has a private outdoor theatre that can seat twenty people in a rustic-gorgeous setting under the stars. Cuddle under blankets away from the light pollution of the big city and remember this experience always.

Downtown Vancouver Summer Movie Nights is fun in the city with not only the movies shown, but prizes for best costumes, DJ’s, trivia contests and it’s all free. Located on the Vancouver Art Gallery’s North Plaza films are shown on a 16-foot inflatable screen every Thursday night. Come early to settle, take it all in, and remind yourself why downtown is just so great in the summer.

Deckchair Cinema is hosted by The Polygon art gallery in North Vancouver. Cates Deck at The Shipyards comes alive and treats audiences every Thursday with music and entertainment leading up to show time at dusk. A concession stand features drinks from local breweries, and admission is by donation and then includes access to the Gallery’s other summer exhibitions. Expect artsy-cool films like Stop Making Sense and Death Becomes Her – this is hosted by an art gallery after all.

Movies Under the Stars in Surrey take place in Holland Park and are aimed to kid-friendly audiences. Every Saturday, entertainment starts at 6 pm including games, singers, crafts, and prize draws. Families will love this safe, happy environment while you make memories for your littles.