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Outdoor movie round-up: 10 places to view flicks for free in Metro Vancouver this summer

Looking for awesome places to watch outdoor movies for free this summer? We’ve got you covered. Have a look at our comprehensive list of places to view movies under the stars, and don’t forget to bring your blanket or a lawn chair.
outdoor movies
Waterfront Cinema at Canada Place is just one of several locations around the Lower Mainland showing free outdoor movies this summer. Photo Outdoor Movies BC/Facebook

Looking for awesome places to watch outdoor movies for free this summer?

We’ve got you covered. Have a look at our comprehensive list of places to view movies under the stars, and don’t forget to bring your blanket or a lawn chair.

Waterfront Cinema Canada Place

Waterfront Cinema Canada Place offers family-friendly blockbuster movies by the water and under the stars all summer long in Vancouver. The series started July 11, guests may enjoy a litany of features including Captain Marvel, Crazy Rich Asians, Shazam and many more. Movies begin at dusk.

When:  Every Thursday at dusk from July 11 to Aug. 29

Where: North Point, Canada Place

Summer Cinema Stanley Park

The Evo Summer Cinema Series returns to Second Beach in Stanley Park this summer for another season of movies under the stars. They offer free space on the Grand Lawn at Ceperley Meadow for up to 5,000 people every night, and you don’t need a reservation. The series started on July 4, and guests may enjoy a variety of films through the summer including Shrek, Sleepless in Seattle, Moulin Rouge and Jurassic Park.

When: Every Tuesday at dusk from July 4 to Aug. 27

Where: Second beach in Stanley Park

Summer Movie Nights

In addition to free outdoor movies, Summer Movie Nights will play host to LED light-up swings, a gigantic Jenga set and different food trucks at every screening, all hosted from the North Plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery. There will also be special activations per screening, like photo booths, red carpets and some super fun surprise activities,

When: July 3 to Aug. 21 starting between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. (depending on sunset)

Where: North Plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery – 750 Hornby St.

Family Movie Nights in the Plaza

Hundreds of families will congregate in North Vancouver’s Civic Plaza to enjoy a number of family-friendly favourites such as A Wrinkle in Time, Lego Movie 2 and Despicable Me 3. Before the movie begins guests may partake in a number of activities that include piano sing-alongs, face painting and entertainment. The Library Teen Advisory Council runs a concession with popcorn, chips and drinks.

When: July 19 to Sept. 6 at sunset

Where: Civic Plaza – Civic Place Mews, North Vancouver

Sunset Cinema Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza

Sunset Cinema takes place on Wednesdays throughout the summer at the outdoor plaza at 630 Hamilton St. and features a selection of popular flicks including: Crazy Rich Asians, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Dumbo. Dogs are welcome. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and pillows. Arrive early to reserve a spot.

When: July 17 to Aug. 21 starting at sunset

Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 650 Hamilton Street, šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn Plaza.

Harmony Arts Festival

Guests may watch a selection of movies in West Vancouver’s John Lawson Park starting at 9 p.m. each night. Some of the films include The Truman Show, Black Panther, Free Solo and more. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

When: Aug. 2 to 10; films start at 9 p.m.

Where: John Lawson Park – 17th Street, West Vancouver

New Westminster Outdoor Summer Series

All of the New Westminster offerings will be projected on a giant, 16-foot inflatable movie screen and admission is free. Now, residents can enjoy the first adult-only movie experience in the New Westminster Pier Park on July 26. Extended hours will be available at Eats Concession from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. with food and liquor sales. They will be showing Bohemian Rhapsody.

When:  July 5 to Aug. 19

Where: Port Royal Park, Sapperton Park, Moody Park, Westminster Pier Park

Family Movie Nights in Burnaby

Movies take place in Burnaby’s Civic Square and offer a range of features including Mary Poppins Returns, Madagascar 3 and The Wizard of Oz (1939). Bring a blanket, find a spot on the lawn and enjoy an outdoor movie at 8:30 p.m. (rain or shine).

When: Aug. 8 to 29

Where: Located beside Bob Prittie Library, Metrotown Branch at Kingsborough & MacKay

The Dinner & Drive-In Movie Series at Lansdowne Centre

Lansdowne Centre’s free, annual drive-in movies have returned for the summer. Every Wednesday in July and August, film enthusiasts can pull up to Lansdowne Centre by dusk to watch an old classic or a new release on a massive, four-storey screen. Walk-ins with lawn chairs are also welcome, with the Lansdowne Canada Line station close by.

When: July 3 to Aug. 28

Where: Lansdowne Centre – 5300 No 3 Road, Richmond

Movies at Holland Park

Presented by the Surrey Downtown BIA, guests can enjoy movies under the stars all August long at Surrey’s Holland Park. Summer selections include Space Jam, How to Train your Dragon: The Hidden World, Lego Movie 2 and Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse. Each evening showcases local performers, arts and crafts, games and other fun activities for everyone to enjoy all at no cost. Activities begin each night at 5 p.m., with the movies getting underway at dusk.

When: Aug. 3 to 24

Where: Holland Park | 13428 Old Yale Road, Surrey

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