Movie theaters and the great outdoors are not mutually exclusive, at least for the summer. Northern Virginia is offering a multitude of movies to watch while enjoying the summer weather.
It’s that time of year again, when the big screen gets let out to enjoy the great outdoors. No buffer seats are necessary when movies can be watched while sitting picnic blankets and lawn chairs instead of cramped movie theater seats. These outdoor theaters make for wonderful family night outs this summer, and are often much cheaper than their indoor counterparts.
No four-legged family members should come along, they wouldn’t be able to follow the plot. Because it is outdoors, not all elements can be controlled, and movies are subject to cancellations due to weather concerns.
Sips and Cinema
The Early Mountain Vineyardsare transforming their lawn into a family-friendly movie theater for Sips and Cinema on the last Thursday of every month starting in May and ending in September. For the Cinema, movies have an 8:30 p.m. showtime with popcorn included for $6. The movies shown have all passed the test of time for family fun.For the Sips, the vineyard has an excellent selection of wines available for purchase.
-The Princess Bride, May 29 -Pirates of the Carribean, June 26 -Shrek, July 31 -Back to the Future, August 28 -The Sandlot, September 25
6109 Wolftown-Hood Road, Madison, 22727
(540) 948 9005, earlymountain.com
May 29 through Sept.25; $6
Mosaic Films in the Park
Every Friday from May to September, the Mosaic District will be showing its “Films in the Park” on the big screen in Strawberry Park outside of the Angelica Film Center & Cafe. Having movies played in the middle of a busy shopping center allow shoppers to catch their favorite scenes in between stores. The big screen is open to all those with eyes to see, and is completely free.
2910 District Ave., Fairfax, 22031
Every Friday; Free
Cinema Del Ray
Every third Saturday of May through August the Mount Vernon Rec Center fields set up an outdoor for theater 10th season of Cinema Del Ray. Focusing on bringing the vibrant community together, Cinema Del Ray will show four G-rated movies over the course of the summer, with the films beginning at dusk.
-Frozen, May 17 -Despicable Me 2, June 21 -Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, July 19 -The Lego Movie, Aug. 16
2017 Belle View Blvd, Alexandria, 22307
7 p.m.; Free
Starlight Cinema
Drive-in theaters are back every Saturday in August with Starlight Cinema. Along with movies, every evening opens with music, food and activities. Gates open a 6 p.m., with the movie beginning as the sun sets. While it’s called a drive-in, patrons are not forced to stay in their cars to enjoy the show. These movies are also free to the public.
-Casablanca, Aug. 2 -Despicable Me 2, Aug. 9
-Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, August 16
-Frozen, Aug. 23
-The Lego Movie, Aug. 30
5875 Trinity Parkway, Centreville, Fairfaxcounty.gov
Aug. 2 through 30, 6 p.m.; Free
