Where to watch free outdoor movies in Philly this summer
From rooftop screenings to riverside parks, Philly is packed with free outdoor movie nights this summer. Here’s the full 2025 schedule, from the Schuylkill Banks to Clark Park and beyond.
There’s nothing quite like watching a movie under the stars — especially in Philly.
From lawn chairs on the Schuylkill Banks to picnic blankets at Clark Park, outdoor movie nights are back across the city this summer, with more screenings and more neighborhoods participating than ever before. You’ll find rooftop viewings with skyline backdrops, block party-style events with lawn games and bounce houses, and cultural programming showcasing new voices in film — all for free.
Most events are BYO blanket or chair (and sometimes snacks), but some offer on-site vendors or preshow activities like nature workshops, family crafts, or live music. Pro tip: Arrive early to snag a good spot and catch the sunset.
Here’s where to catch a movie outdoors this summer in Philly:
📍 Grays Ferry Crescent Esplanade or north of Walnut Street Bridge
🕗 Thursdays at sunset | June 12 — Aug. 21
Watch a movie as the sun dips behind the skyline, with the Schuylkill flowing nearby. These riverside screenings are some of the city’s most scenic. Expect free popcorn, soft pretzels, and soda — plus prize raffles from Philadelphia Runner.
🎬 2025 lineup:
Groundhog Day – June 12
Men in Black (1997) – June 19
Before Sunrise – June 26
Paddington in Peru – July 10
WALL-E – July 17
Argo – July 24
The LEGO Batman Movie – July 31
Good Will Hunting – Aug. 7
The Jungle Book – Aug. 14
Top Gun: Maverick – Aug. 21
📍 Clark Park Bowl, 43rd and Chester Ave.
🕗 Fridays in August at sundown
A West Philly summer tradition turns 10 this year with a crowd-pleasing lineup of family favorites and cult classics. This natural bowl-shaped park is the perfect place to spread a blanket and enjoy a movie with neighbors.
🎬 2025 lineup:
The Goonies – Aug. 1
Clueless – Aug. 8
Madagascar – Aug. 15
Creed – Aug. 22; 🎟️ Rain date: August 23
📍 129 S. 30th St., University City
🕖 Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
A 60-foot screen, frozen cocktails, and panoramic skyline views — Sunset Social offers one of Philly’s most stylish outdoor movie settings. Bring a date, a group, or just yourself for blockbusters and crowd favorites, high above the city.
🎬 2025 lineup:
The Fall Guy – May 7
Star Wars: The Force Awakens – May 14
Indiana Jones: The Last Crusade – May 28
Moana 2 – May 21
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour – June 4
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 – June 11
Wicked (2024) – June 18
Inside Out 2 – June 25 (More titles TBA)
📍 Rotating neighborhood parks
🕡 Activities at 6:30 p.m., movies at sunset
These pop-up movie nights double as community block parties — with live music, food samples, art, and bounce houses. Each event is co-hosted with neighborhood partners and local organizations.
🎬 2025 lineup:
Ne Zha – June 21, Chinatown Community Park
Sister Act 2 – June 28, Carroll Park
Lilo & Stitch – July 18, Lighthouse Sports Complex
Inside Out 2 – Aug. 1, Belfield Rec Center
Ralph Breaks the internet – Aug. 8, Universal Daroff Charter
Encanto – Aug. 15, Houston Playground
📍 5400 Lindbergh Blvd.
🕗 Select Fridays at sunset
Nestled in America’s oldest botanical garden, these family-friendly movie nights come with free nature activities and herbal wellness workshops. Arrive early to make your own DIY bug spray, play games, and grab concessions.
🎬 2025 lineup:
Wicked – June 27
Mufasa – July 25
A Minecraft Movie – Aug. 29
📍 Clark Park, West Philly
🕖 Fridays, May 23 — June 13 | Community hangout at 7 p.m., films at 9 p.m.
This curated series features independent and international films with Philly premieres and local shorts. Bring a picnic and settle in for thought-provoking cinema under the stars.
🎬 2025 lineup:
It Must Be Heaven – May 23
River of Grass – May 30
Sally – June 6
Assembly – June 13
📍 Independence National Historical Park
🕠 Pre-show activities at 5:30 p.m., movies at dusk
History buffs and families alike will enjoy this series on the Independence Mall lawn. Expect colonial crafts, ranger talks, and a screen full of American legends and adventures.
🎬 2025 lineup:
Harriet – June 20
Independence Day – July 1
National Treasure – Aug. 22
National Treasure 2 – Sept. 19
📍 1515 N. 33rd St., Strawberry Mansion
🕗 Friday, June 6 at 8 p.m.
This cozy neighborhood event takes place behind the historic John Coltrane House in a newly activated outdoor space managed by Strawberry Mansion CDC. Arrive early for kids’ activities from Smith Playground, plus food for sale from Grayson and Kash Café. Seating is limited, so bring your own blanket or lawn chair.
🎬 2025 lineup:
Sing – June 6
What to bring to outdoor movie nights in Philly
Blanket or lawn chair: Most locations do not provide seating, and some have limited space.
Bug spray: Especially if you’re settling in near trees, water, or grass.
Snacks and drinks: Some sites allow picnics or have concessions on-site (check event details).
Layers or a light jacket: Nights can cool off fast — especially by the river.
Flashlight or phone light: Helpful for navigating after dark in unlit areas.
Cash or card: A few events have food trucks or vendors nearby.
An umbrella or check-the-weather plan: Most events are weather-dependent and will post postponements online.
🎟️ Bonus tip: While most events are free and open to the public, some (like Movies on the Block or The Yard) encourage RSVP or advance registration — it’s worth clicking through just in case.