Updated on May 7, 2024 by Julie McCool
Enjoy 2024 walk-in and drive-in outdoor movies in Northern Virginia at a fun mix of free and paid venues. Outdoor movies in Northern VA let everyone relax and enjoy a fun flick under the stars.
Happily, free series for outdoor movies are back in 2024, with mostly walk-in venues. There are few drive-in options this year, though our favorite classic drive-in movie venue is still going strong.
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. We will make a small commission from these links if you order something, at no additional cost to you.
Looking for more fun things to do this summer? Check out our complete guide to the best Outdoor Activities in Northern Virginia for Summer including lots of free Outdoor Concerts.
Our guide to outdoor movies in Northern Virginia includes venues in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties, and surrounding towns. Follow the links for line-ups and additional info on outdoor movies in Northern Virginia. Always double-check for cancellations during inclement weather.
2024 Drive-in Movies in Northern Virginia
So far in 2024, only 2 drive-in outdoor movie series have been announced, including one fun classic, so most venues are walk-in this year.
Family Drive-in Theater, Stephens City
Wednesday – Sunday nights (Fall season Friday-Sunday), Late March – ?
A bit further away but worth the drive, Family Drive-in Theater is a classic big screen experience named one of the 10 Best Drive-ins in America. In 2024, you can purchase tickets in advance online or at the gate. Tickets are $12/$7 for driver + adults/child ages 3 – 12.
Plan your visit with our guide to the Best Things to Do in Winchester.
Starlight Cinema, Trinity Centre Parking, Centreville
Saturdays in August, 7:00 PM
Adding a little drive-in fun to outdoor movies in Northern Virginia, Starlight Cinema returns with an August full of family movies. Watch from your car or under the stars in the outdoor seating area.
Starlight Cinema gates open at 6:00, so head over early for pre-movie entertainment and activities. Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic, or purchase food on site. Canceled if rain. Free.
2024 Walk-in Outdoor Movies in Northern VA
Most of our favorite locations for outdoor movies are returning in 2024. Follow the links for schedule details and ticket info.
Cinema del Ray, Mount Vernon Rec Center, Alexandria
May 18, other dates TBA 7:00
The fun begins at 7:00 and the family-friendly screenings start at dusk on the fields of the Mount Vernon Rec Center. No dogs allowed so leave your furry friend at home Free.
Rosslyn Cinema (Outdoor Movie Festival), Gateway Park, Arlington
Fridays in June, 5:00 – 11:00 pm
Rosslyn's Gateway Park hosts a great line-up of outdoor movies in Northern Virginia, plus a pre-movie Pub in the Park. Arrive at 5:00 for games at this kid-friendly and dog-friendly event, then enjoy movies at dusk. Free.
Columbia Pike Movie Nights, Arlington Mill, Arlington
Fridays in July and August, 8:00 – 10:00
Family-friendly movies return to Columbia Pike in 2024. Bring a blanket or chairs; leashed dogs are welcome. Free.
Columbia Pike Movie Nights, Penrose Square, Arlington
Saturdays in July and August, 8:00 – 10:00
Bring a blanket or chairs to enjoy G – PG-13 at Penrose Square in Arlington. Leashed dogs are welcome. Free.
Summerbration, Loudoun Station, Ashburn
Sundays, Jun 2 – Sep 1, 6:30 – 9:00
Loudoun Station is back with fun, family-friendly movies under the stars. Some movies are accompanied by special guests and events. Free.
Cinema in the Community, Chantilly Library, Fairfax
Jun 5, other dates TBA 7:00 – 10:00
This free library movie series has moved indoors, but the showings are still free. The Fairfax Library Foundation will host a movie in July at the George Mason Library. Other showing dates are TBA.
Films in the Park, Mosaic District, Fairfax
Thursdays: Jun 20 – Aug 15, 6:00 – 9:00
Enjoy your favorite movies on the big screen Thursday evenings, all summer long, at Mosaic District's Strawberry Park. The season was extended last year so we may see Mosaic announce more free movies later in the summer.
Cartoons and Coffee, Mosaic District, Fairfax
Saturdays: TBA, 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Bring the kids for a morning of classic cartoons while you relax with your coffee in Mosaic District's Strawberry Park. In 2023, cartoons were shown on Saturday mornings until early September.
Crescent Cinema Movie Nights, Gainesville
Sunday: May 26, Sep 1, Movies begin at dusk.
Arrive after 7:00 to find your spot on the green at the Marketplace at Madison Crescent in Gainesville. Movies begin at dusk and you can pick up food and drinks, including movie night specials, at the center's restaurants.
Summer on the Green, Lovettsville
Saturdays: TBA 8:00
Lovettsville Summer on the Green has not announced 2024 Saturday movies on the Town Green yet but we hope they'll return. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and a picnic to enjoy before the movie. Movies begin at 8:00. Check the link for weather cancellations. Free.
Movies Under the Stars, Reston Station *New
Saturdays: Jun 1 – Aug 31, 6:30 – 9:00
Enjoy a night of summer fun with Movies and Events Under the Stars, an outdoor movie series at the Reston Station Metro. The great line-up of family-friendly movies sometimes includes special guests. Free.
Movies in the Park, Reston
Fridays: May 18, Jun 8, Jul 11, Aug 7 8:00
Head to one of the Reston soccer fields, parks, and pools for a family-friendly movie under the stars. Locations and start times vary and tickets are required. Follow the link for details. $6/10 RA member/non-member.
Movie Night, South Riding
Tuesdays: Jun 11, 25, Jul 2, 16, 39, – Aug 13, Sunset
Walk-in South Riding family-friendly outdoor movies return in 2024! Bring your blanket and chairs at sunset for fun movies on the big screen. Location alternates between the Town Green and the SRC Stage. Movies will start at sunset or as soon as it is dark enough. Free.
Family Movie Nights, Tysons Corner Center
Fridays: TBA 7:00
Gather on The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center for family-friendly movies under the stars. Bring your blanket and chairs for fun movies on an outdoor screen. Free.
Starr Hill Movie Nights, The Perch Tysons
Sundays: Jun 2, other dates TBA 6:00
The Perch hosts free family-friendly movies on select Sunday nights in the Starr Hill Biergarten. Movies on the big screen kick off at 6:00. Free.
Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts, Vienna
Jul 3, 24, 26, 8:00
Mixed into the line-up of live summer entertainment, Wolf Trap National Park offers occasional nights of movies on the big screen accompanied by live music. In 2024, WolfTrap will screen Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Ghostbusters in Concert accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra. Follow the link for tickets and other details.
Bonus: Movies on the Potomac, National Harbor
May 2 – Sep 29, Thursday at 7:00 and Sundays at 6:00,
Just across the river from Virginia, National Harbor has two fun outdoor movie series in 2024. Thursday Date Night Movies are a perfect chance to snuggle up and catch a movie under the stars. On Sundays at 6:00 bring the kids to Sunday Family Movies at 6:00. Plan your visit with our getaway guide to National Harbor.
Find more summer fun with our guides to Outdoor Concerts, Waterparks and Pools, and Boating in Northern VA.
