Mosquito repellent, picnic blanket, and food truck season has arrived. Your favorite D.C.-area outdoor movie series are back, and they’re showing “Encanto” at least 10 times (that we can count). We’ve rounded up the best places to catch an outdoor flick this summer, so grab your pals and lawn chairs — and try your best to stop humming “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.”
Adams Morgan Movie Nights
On Tuesday evenings at Marie Reed Elementary School’s soccer field, this year’s annual Adams Morgan Movie Nights series is themed “The Road Less Traveled.” The series kicks off with two classics — “The Princess Bride” on May 24 and “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” on May 31. The beloved King Arthur satire is followed by “Queen of the Capital” on June 7, which follows the work of D.C. drag queen and activist Muffy Blake Stephyns. “Keanu” plays on June 14, and “Encanto” rounds out the series on June 21. Pick up a takeout special from local favorites like Amsterdam Falafelshop, Johnny Pistolas, and The Diner. (Tuesdays at 8 p.m.; May 24 through June 21; 2201 18th St. NW; FREE)
Bark Social Movie Night
It doesn’t get better than dogs and dinosaurs. Bring your pups to Bethesda’s Bark Social on May 26 to watch Sam Neill and Laura Dern battle it out against velociraptors in “Jurassic Park.” “Pupsicles” will be provided for your pets and popcorn will be provided for you. (7:30 p.m. on May 26; 935 Prose St. North Bethesda; FREE)
CiNoMatic
Attention, millennials: This year, the NoMa BID is drumming up old memories with their “Wednesday Night Nostalgia” movie series, which features family-friendly classics from the late ‘80s and ‘90s. Between now and June 8, head to Alethia Tanner Park at sunset to catch “Cool Runnings” (May 18), “The Sandlot” (May 25), “Space Jam” (June 1), and “The Princess Bride” (June 8). Grab a bite to eat from a local food truck and settle in for a trip down memory lane. (Wednesdays at sunset; through June 8; 227 Harry Thomas Way NE; FREE)
Congressional Cinematery
This movie series may take place in a cemetery but don’t worry—the scariest movie offered is “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.” The theme for this summer’s installment is space. “E.T.” kicks things off on June 3, followed by “Galaxy Quest” (July 1), “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” (August 5), and “Spaceballs” (September 2). Lay your picnic blanket in between some tombstones, bring some snacks, and enjoy this underrated D.C. landmark. (First Friday of every month at sunset; June 3 through September 2; 1801 E St. SE $10+)

The Drive-In at Union Market
Wouldn’t every movie theater be better if Union Market ran concessions? At this annual drive-in movie series, they do. Every month this summer, roll up to Union Market to catch a beloved blockbuster—think “In the Heights” (June 10), “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (July 8), and “Black Panther” (October 14). Snag a bite from vendors like DC Dosa, Lucky Buns, and Puddin’. No car? No problem. Walk up audiences are welcome to watch the movies picnic-style from Neal Place, where you can also order drinks from Suburbia and other suppliers. (Second Friday of every month; now through October 14; 1309 5th St. NE; $20 for cars; FREE from Neal Place)
Fairfax County Starlight Cinema
Spend a night under the stars with the whole family at Starlight Cinema, organized by Fairfax County. Every Saturday in August, a family-friendly movie will be screened at the Fairfax Trinity Centre. Escape to the Italian Riviera with “Luca,” which opens the series on August 6. “Encanto” follows on August 13, then “Sing 2” (August 20) and “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” (August 27). The screen is set up in a parking lot, so be sure to bring something comfortable to sit on. (Saturdays at 7 p.m.; August 6 through 27; 5875 Trinity Pkwy, Centreville; FREE)
Family Movie Nights at Tysons Corner: Enjoy your outdoor movie with a side of fresh popcorn at Tysons Corner. This summer you can enjoy family-friendly movies at Tysons on the last Friday of every month. The series kicks off on May 27 with Encanto. The Karate Kid, (June 24), Cruella (July 29), and Honey I Shrunk the Kids (August 19) are also on the lineup. The series concludes with Raya and the Last Dragon on September 30. Complimentary popcorn and sodas will be provided while supplies last. (Last Friday of every month at 7 p.m.; May 27 -September 30, 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons)
Films at the Stone
Near the Martin Luther King Jr. monument, Films at the Stone brings you movies about justice, equality, and love — a testament to King’s legacy. On June 16, just before Father’s Day, catch “Fatherhood,” the 2021 dramedy where funny guy Kevin Hart takes on a more serious role as a dad left to raise his daughter alone after the sudden death of his wife. The Oscar-winning “Encanto” screens on July 21, and a yet-to-be-announced third movie plays on August 25. Blankets, chairs, and snacks are encouraged. (Monthly on Thursdays at 8 p.m; June 16 through August 25; 1964 Independence Ave. SW; FREE)
Films on the Green DC
This film series sponsored by the French Embassy, Villa Albertine and TV5Monde shows French films in outdoors spaces around the city all summer. Locations include the embassy’s Maison Francaise, but also Anacostia Park, the National Mall and the National Building Museum, among others. Registration is required for those at the embassy, as well as at Hillwood Estate and Gardens, while the others are general admission. (Fridays through July 13, variou locations, FREE)
Georgetown Sunset Cinema
Enjoy your movies with a view at Georgetown Sunset Cinema, which rounds out the summer with weekly movies in August and September on the waterfront. This year’s theme is fan favorites, starting with “The Goonies” on August 2. It continues with “Encanto” (August 9), “Bridesmaids” (August 16), “Black Panther” (August 23), “Summer of Soul” (August 30), and “Knives Out” (September 6). Bring a blanket, a takeout meal from your favorite Georgetown eatery, and enjoy this classic movie series, which is back after a two-year hiatus. (Weekly on Tuesdays at sunset; August 2 through September 6; 3303 Water St. NW; FREE)
GLDN+Cinema
Haven’t seen “Belfast” yet? The Golden Triangle BID is giving you another chance to catch the Oscar-winning film on June 9, as part of their annual outdoor movie series. But if black and white British-Irish coming-of-age movies aren’t your thing, you can also head to Farragut Square to catch “Encanto” (June 2), “Bill and Ted Face the Music” (June 16) or “Soul” (June 23) instead. The event comes back in September, with a lineup that includes “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (September 8), “The Mummy” (September 15), “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” (September 22), and “Respect” (September 29). (Thursdays at sunset; June 2 through 23, and September 8 through 29; 912 17th St. NW; FREE)

Movies on the Potomac
A whopping 44 movies will be screened this spring and summer at the National Harbor’s Movies on the Potomac. Sundays are for family movies and “date night” movies screen on Thursdays. Every month is dedicated to a different theme. May is animal movies, so catch “Jaws” (May 19) and “The Lion King” (May 29). June brings travel movies like “The Parent Trap” (June 5), “Crazy Rich Asians” (June 23), and “Under the Tuscan Sun” (June 30), and July has all your favorite food movies—think “Julie & Julia” (July 7), “Ratatouille” (July 10), and “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (July 24). August is all about sing-alongs, like “Yesterday” (August 4) and “Singin’ in the Rain” (August 11). The series comes to a close in September with a lineup of America-themed films, such as “A League of Their Own” (September 22) and “Minari” (September 29). (Thursdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m.; Now through September 22; 165 Waterfront St., National Harbor; FREE)
Mosaic District’s Films in the Park
Mosaic District’s Films in the Park has something for everyone at Fairfax’s Strawberry Park every Thursday this summer. Sing along to “Mamma Mia” (June 16), “In The Heights” (July 14), or “Encanto” (August 11). Celebrate Pride Month with “In & Out” (June 23) or “The Birdcage” (June 30). Cuddle up with your Hinge date at “Dating & New York” (July 21), or ditch you date for your dog to watch “Clifford The Big Red Dog” (July 7) or “Dog” (July 28). (Thursdays at 7 p.m; June 9 through August 25; Strawberry Ln. Fairfax; FREE)
Pride in the Park
Pride month is almost here and Montgomery County is celebrating with an outdoor screening of queer short films at Jessup Blair Park on June 24. The lineup of films (and food trucks!) has not been announced yet, but check back for updates. (7:30 p.m. on June 24; 900 Jesup Blair Dr. Silver Spring; FREE)
Rockville’s Movies in the Park
Bring the whole family to Rockville’s green spaces this summer for their annual Movies in the Park event. The series kicks off August 3 at Courthouse Park with “The Parent Trap”— Lindsay Lohan version, of course. “The Boss Baby” comes next at Montrose Park (August 10), followed by “The Secret Life of Pets” at Potomac Woods Park (August 17). “Shrek” ends the series at Calvin Park on August 24. Chairs, blankets, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages are encouraged. (Wednesdays at dusk; August 10 through 24; Various parks in Rockville; FREE)
Rosslyn Cinema
The votes are in—four movies made the cut for the Rosslyn’s summer film series, after a March Madness-style bracket the Rosslyn BID invited the public to weigh in on. “Encanto” won the family corner of the bracket and kicks off the series on June 3. “Mamma Mia” (June 10) took the crown in the rom-com battle and “Space Jam” (June 17) won the sports category. “National Treasure” closes the series out on June 24, after voters deemed it the best DMV-based movie option. Watch the winners at Gateway Park, where you’ll also find beer, wine, and food trucks. (Fridays at sunset; June 10 through June 24; 1300 Lee Hwy., Arlington; FREE)
South Riding Movie Nights
Tuesday night movies are coming back to South Riding in June. Alternating between the Town Green and the South Riding Center stage, the South Riding Movie Nights series brings the best of kids’ movies to Virginia. Head out with a picnic blanket to catch “Encanto” (June 21), “Sing 2” (June 28), “Clifford the Big Red Dog” (July 5), “Raya and the Last Dragon” (July 12), “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” (July 19), “Lilo & Stitch” (July 26), “Luca” (August 9), and “The Karate Kid” (August 16). (Tuesdays at Sunset; June 21 through August 16; Ulysses St. and Riding Center Dr.; 43050 Center St.; FREE)
Summer Movies on the Lawn
The Library of Congress is running its fifth annual outdoor summer movie series starting July 7 with the original Top Gun. The series, which plays movies from the LOC’s National Film Registry, takes place on the Southeast lawn of the Jefferson Building through August 4 and will also feature Rocky, Mary Poppins, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and Wall-E. (Thursdays at sunset, July 7-August 4, Library of Congress Jefferson Building, 101 Independence Ave. SE. FREE)