Local Scoop

Your Guide to Free Outdoor Movies This Summer in Philly

Published on June 5, 2014

Ok so the reality is there are no drive-in movie theaters in Philly. For whatever reason they just do not exist. So the next best thing is screening movies outside on blankets and lawn chairs. Doesn’t sound too shabby right? Unless that is if your a real stickler for Adobe surround sound and all that good jazz. But if you can appreciate the simplicity and ambiance that an outdoor movie screening has then keep reading.

Philly has two noteworthy sites where you can screen movies this summer. One is in a intimate park in south Philly while the other is on a larger scale in Penns Landing. These screenings are great for movie buffs, casual dates, or family outings. Whatever your reason for wanting to go, it is sure to be an enjoyable night. That is if it’s doesn’t rain of course.

Movie Night at the Park

Hawthorne Park| 12th & Catherine | Every Final Friday of Each Month until August | 8:30 pm

As part of the city’s “Love your Park” campaign Hawthorn Park with the help of local sponsors will be screening free movies on every final Friday of each month until August. This family friendly event is a perfect opportunity for parents to get their kids out of the house and off the internet and spend some quality time. Although they will be showing “kids movies,” adult couples who haven’t grown up yet can also enjoy this outing as a fun and casual date. Maybe even make it a picnic? (that suggestion was for free the next I will charge). No matter what your situation is, this cool event is free and it creates memories.

Here is the Line-Up:

June 27th- Frozen

July 25th – Lego the Movie

Screening Under The Stars

Great Plaza at Penns Landing | Every Thursday July-August | 8 pm

This is possibly the closest thing to an actual drive-in as you will get. Penns Landing will be screening blockbuster hits and cult classic movies every Thursday from July – August (except July 31st). Another great outing for families but an even better outing for the grown ups as the movies aren’t all kiddie flicks. The best Part is that it’s free! So take your significant other to a very budget friendly date and create lasting memories. How often do you get to screen awesome movies on a huge screen along the river? So pass up those pricey indoor theaters and take advantage of the warm summer nights next time you want to go out and catch a flick this summer.

Here is the Line-Up:

July 3rd – The Goonies