Feel like staying in and watching a movie but have FOMO for the warm weather? Good thing outdoor screenings are a thing. Pack a blanket, some snacks, maybe a bottle of wine, and watch movies outside in a number of parks and outdoor locales around the city this summer. Many are free, some require tickets, but they are all under the stars on warm summer nights.
Here are 10 spots to watch outdoor movies this summer:
CHRISTIE PITS FILM FESTIVAL
Coming up on its fifth year, Christie Pits Film Festival series is a combination of popular films and Canadian shorts. This year’s theme is “Great Villains.” Currently on the docket: The Birds, Mean Girls, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, There Will Be Blood and more. Films will be playing every Sunday starting July 5th at sunset, all screenings are pay-what-you-can and BYOBlanket.
OPEN ROOF FESTIVAL
Returning for its sixth year, the Open Roof Festival showcases the biggest international and homegrown stars of music and film; featuring huge films like Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck, Ex Machina, Pretend We’re Kissing, and many more. Starting June 17th, the festival will be returning to the courtyard of 99 Sudbury this year with artisanal food stands and live music before each screening, and will close with Diamond Tongues starring Leah Fay of July Talk. Get the full music line up here, and the movie schedule here. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here.
SAIL-IN CINEMA
For three August summer nights, the Toronto Port Authority puts on the world’s first two-sided floating movie experience. Come drop an anchor or pull up a chair on Sugar Beach. Stay tuned for their movie lineup.
MOVIES IN THE PARK
Returning for their fifth year, the steep hill at Riverdale Park East provides the perfect outdoor movie screening setting. Movies begin at dusk and tend to be PG-rated. Stay tuned for their 2015 schedule.
DOG BOWL MOVIE NIGHT
During the warmer seasons you can catch free films in the Dog Bowl in Trinity Bellwoods Park. They have yet to release their 2015 schedule but are taking suggestions in the Facebook group.
TIFF IN THE PARK
Since 2015 marks the 40th anniversary of TIFF, they’re showing 40 free movies throughout the summer. The festivities are kicking off with free outdoor screenings under the stars at David Pecaut Square, starting with Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom on July 8th. Also on the bill are The King’s Speech, The Artist, and Annie Hall. Check out the full lineup here.
POLSON PIER DRIVE-IN
We’ll give you permission to change your radio dial this one time. With a 400 car capacity, the drive-in at the docks is a classic Toronto summer outing. Adults are $15, kids are $5, but your best bet is on “Carload Sundays” – $25 per car. Starting as early as this weekend, check out brand new releases like Jurassic World, Pitch Perfect 2, and Mad Max: Fury Road.
CITY CINEMA
Pile into Yonge-Dundas Square’s City Cinema Tuesday nights from June 24 – September 2 to watch cult classics. There’s some seating available, but it’s best to bring your own chair. This summer you can catch 8 Mile, Be Kind, Rewind, A Star Is Born and more. Movies start at dusk. Check out the full lineup here.
HARBOURFRONT CENTRE
Get your comedy fix at the Harbourfront Centre’s free flicks this summer. Make your way to the WestJet Stage each Wednesday in from July 8 to September 2 – movies start at dusk. This summer catch Raising Arizona, Stories We Tell, and Boy.
COURTYARD MOVIES @ ST. PETER’S
On select Fridays you can watch movies on the field at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church in the Annex. Expect a good mix of classics and recent releases that haven’t even come out on DVD yet, as well snacks for as cheap as $1. The movies run rain or shine (moving inside to the church’s Auditorium if need be). So far, the lineup features Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade.
