Catch a summer movie at these outdoor spots in Southern California – Press Enterprise

Warm summer nights, a blanket on the grass, and your favorite movie flickering on the big screen — there’s no better way to spend an evening in Southern California.

From rooftop pools in Hollywood to historic cemeteries and oceanside parks, outdoor movie nights are popping up all across the region. Whether you’re in the mood for a cult classic, a family-friendly adventure, or a cinematic experience with live orchestral accompaniment, there’s something for every kind of movie lover this season.

Here are some of the best spots to catch a film under the stars this summer season.

Roof Top Cinema Club DTLA

Roof Top Cinema Club in Downtown Los Angeles specializes in curating an outdoor space for movies of all kinds. The outdoor cinema silences the city’s busy sounds with wireless headphones for the films. It offers classic popcorn and concession snacks, along with a bar and lounge featuring video games to pass the time if you arrive a little early. Movies screening at the Roof Top Cinema Club in August include “Jenifer’s Body” (Aug. 1), “La La Land” (Aug. 2), “Dirty Dancing” (Aug. 9) and more.

When: Year-round.

Where: 888 S Olive St., 4th Floor, Los Angeles.

Information: rooftopcinemaclub.com.

Street Food Cinema

If you’re looking for dinner and a movie, all in one, you’re in luck. Street Food Cinema brings together film enthusiasts and foodies with outdoor parties featuring screenings of various movie genres. The event is often paired with a buffet of food trucks and, on some nights, local live entertainment before the screenings, which are held in venues across Los Angeles into October. The movie schedule alternates from week to week, so check it ahead of time to ensure you don’t miss anything good. Some of the films screening in August include “Pretty Woman” (Aug. 2), “10 Things I Hate About You” (Aug. 9), “Almost Famous” (Aug. 16), and more.

When: Spring, summer and fall.

Where: Check the website for the most up-to-date locations and events.

Information: streetfoodcinema.com.

The Montalbán Theatre

The Montalbán Theatre, located just outside the intersection of Hollywood and Vine, also screens films on its rooftop. The theater features a bar, a concession stand, and a kitchen that serves light finger foods. Doors for each screening open at 6 p.m., and each featured film starts 10 minutes after sunset or 8 p.m. Some of the films being shown in August include “Scarface” (Aug. 1), “Beverly Hills Cop” (Aug. 3), “The Grand Budapest Hotel” (Aug. 8), “Barbie” (Aug. 15) and more.

When: Through August.

Where: 1615 N. Vine St., Los Angeles.

Information: themontalban.com.

Cinespia

For a classic Los Angeles movie night experience, Cinespia continues its popular summer screenings at the historic Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Guests can bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy films projected under the stars, often accompanied by themed photo booths, pre-show DJ sets, and a vibrant crowd. August highlights include “Point Break” on Aug. 3, the vampire cult classic “The Lost Boys” on Aug. 10, the fashion spoof “Zoolander” on Aug. 17, and Hitchcock’s thriller “Psycho” on Aug. 24. These events tend to sell out, so it’s best to grab tickets in advance.

When: Saturdays in August.

Where: Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles.

Information: cinespia.org

OC Parks Sunset Cinema

OC Parks’ Sunset Cinema series brings a mix of family favorites and blockbuster hits to a dozen regional parks across Orange County, all for free. Every Friday through Aug. 30, guests can enjoy outdoor screenings under the stars, complete with pre-show entertainment like DJ-led games and character meet-and-greets starting at 6 p.m. Food trucks and a beer and wine garden are on-site, but you’re also welcome to pack your own picnic and blanket. August screenings include “Minions: The Rise of Gru” at Irvine Regional Park on Aug. 2, “The Princess and the Frog” at Yorba Regional Park on Aug. 9, “Top Gun: Maverick” at Craig Regional Park on Aug. 16, and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach on Aug. 23. Admission and parking are free.

When: Fridays through Aug. 30; pre-show at 6 p.m., movies at sundown.

Where: Various regional parks across Orange County.

Information: ocparks.com.

Queen Mary Movie Night & Night Market

Pair a classic film with a bustling night market at the Queen Mary’s Movie Night & Night Market series, running through August. Held in the Queen Mary’s parking lot, the event includes access to the ship, a marketplace with food vendors, pop-up shops, live music, and a beer garden. Once the sun sets, guests can kick back and enjoy an outdoor movie with the Long Beach skyline as a backdrop. The final installment of the summer features “Ratatouille” on Aug. 6.

When: Aug. 6 (movies begin around 8:30-9 p.m.).

Where: Queen Mary Parking Lot (Area 6), 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach.

Information: queenmary.com.

Tropicana Movie Night at The Hollywood Roosevelt

For a splashy twist on movie night, the Hollywood Roosevelt’s Tropicana Movie Night offers screenings poolside at the historic David Hockney–designed pool. Every Thursday evening, guests can lounge on pool beds, order bites from a full menu, and even take a dip during the film. August highlights include “Dirty Dancing” on Aug. 7, “Stand by Me” on Aug. 14, “Jerry Maguire” on Aug. 21, and “Bridesmaids” on Aug. 28. Advance tickets are required via Eventbrite, and seating is first-come, first-served.

When: Thursdays in August (doors at 7 p.m., movie at 8:30 p.m.).

Where: The Hollywood Roosevelt, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles.

Information: thehollywoodroosevelt.com.

Hollywood Bowl

There’s nothing quite like watching a blockbuster under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl — especially when a live orchestra accompanies it. The Bowl’s summer movie nights are a fan favorite, combining film nostalgia with the power of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. This season features “Jurassic Park” on Aug. 8-9, with John Williams’ unforgettable scores performed live. Then from Aug. 22-24, Maestro of the Movies returns, offering a tribute to Williams’ greatest hits, from “Star Wars” to “E.T.” For those who love to sing along, “The Sound of Music” caps off the season on Sept. 20 — a festive tradition that invites the whole crowd to join in.

When: Aug. 8-9, Aug. 22-24, and Sept. 20.

Where: 2301 Highland Ave., Los Angeles.

Information: hollywoodbowl.com.