Cinespia Outdoor Cinema
With summer settling in, you’ll probably need a few occasions to show off your warm-weather outfits (maxis, gladiators and the like need their time in the sun, right?), and while we spoiled Angelenos have the beach at our beck and call all year round, summertime brings a few great options for after-dark fun. We’ve brought together our favorite spots to catch a movie — and no, we’re not just talking about your local multiplex. Thanks to great warm nights and plenty of film buffs, SoCal is home to plenty of outdoor opportunities for movie watching. From a historic landmark to a few unexpected spots, there’s something for everyone this summer, just remember to bring a chair, your favorite throw-on-over-everything cardigan and get ready to soak it all it.
The most well-known outdoor movie spot in L.A. is probably Cinespia’s viewings at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The program runs a different movie every Saturday night (with a few bonus movies thrown in during the week) all summer long. And while it might be creepy to some to congregate at a cemetery after sundown, the crowds (and celebs) are sure to keep away any unwelcome spirits. This year, Cinespia is presenting a great range of films, so there’s something for everyone. Tickets are $14, which includes a DJ set before and after the show and parking. For more information and to order tickets, visit www.cinespia.org.
- July 3: Raiders of the Lost Ark
- July 5: Coming to America
- July 12: Goldfinger
- July 19: Blue Velvet
- July 26: Empire Records
Americana at Brand Summer Movies on the Green
The Americana at Brand is also kicking off its Summer Movie Nights series with Summer Movies on the Green, a slightly more upscale way to catch a movie under the open sky. It might not have the tradition and pedigree of the Cinespia cemetery viewings, but a few perks do come along with having the movie series in the heart of a shopping mecca. Namely, catering courtesy one of our favorite L.A. confectioners, Sugarfina, who will provide popcorn and sweets, along with selections from The Melt Bus and Katsuya. Each film starts at 6pm and tickets are $10 (add an extra $5 if you want VIP seating) and include food and drinks. And while you won’t be able to bring a chair, you’re more than welcome to bring in your favorite picnic blankets to keep yourself off of the grass. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.americanaatbrand.com.
- July 8: Frozen
- July 15: Clueless
- July 22: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
- July 29: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
SCFTA Free for all Movie Mondays
Down south in Orange County, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts is bringing back a fan favorite. For the past few summers, the center has hosted its Free for all Movie Mondays, a free event that lets families and friends come together for a movie projected right on the side of Segerstrom Hall. And because it’s at the SCFTA, each summer features a program that includes strictly movie musicals, though there are a few choices that might surprise you. In addition to the movies, the center is continuing its partnership with the Newport Beach Film Festival and will show a selection of the best short animated films from this year’s festival before each movie. Bring your chairs and set up early (5:30pm), because these events are known to get crowded. You can bring your own picnic, but there will be a handful of OC’s favorite food trucks on the premises, too. For more information, visit www.scfta.org.
- July 7: The Little Colonel
- July 14: Spice World
- July 21: Gigi
- July 28: Cabaret
- August 4: Sweet Charity
Images courtesy Cinespia, Americana at Brand and the SCFTA
