Spring ushers in a few classic changes. Flowers bloom, ducklings paddle around the Reflecting Pool, and we dive into the joy of patio season and doing more outside. It also means after the sun sets and the heat breaks, you can watch movies alfresco from Rockville to Alexandria, and points in between. 

Adams Morgan Movie Nights 2023

Sad movies are best enjoyed from the privacy of your couch. Leave the tissues at home and come to Adams Morgan on Tuesdays this summer for a comedy-inspired film series. You’ll want to get to Marie Reed Elementary School early, both to snag yourself a seat and to catch the local comedians who will open each event with some standup. Adams Morgan Movie Nights will present This is Spinal Tap (May 23), Coming to America (May 30), The Birdcage (June 6), Raising Arizona (June 13), Bridesmaids (June 20), and Shrek (June 27). Bring a blanket and grab yourself some food from a local restaurant — a bunch are offering special deals for movie-goers. (Tuesdays, May 23-June 27 at 8 p.m.; 2201 18th St. NW; FREE)

CAN I KICK IT? 

DowntownDC’s Summer Flicks series CAN I KICK IT? is back for its sixth year. Every Thursday from June 1 through July 13, you can dance to guest DJs in Franklin Park, get your hands on free swag, and grab dinner while you wait for the sun to set and the movie to start. During screenings of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (June 1), Mission: Impossible (June 8), The Goonies (June 15), The Hunger Games (June 22), Everything Everywhere All at Once (June 29), Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (July 6), and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (July 13), DJ 2-Tone Jones will put a unique spin on the experience by live scoring each film. There will also be special activities for kids on June 22 and July 6. (Thursdays, June 1-July 13 at 7:30 p.m. with screenings at sunset; 1332 I St NW; FREE)

Cinema Del Ray

Catch a family-friendly flick this summer at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields in Alexandria. After canceling opening night due to rain and soggy grass, Cinema Del Ray is ready to kick off its monthly series on Saturday, May 20 with Puss In Boots: The Last Wish. Please leave any actual cats (or dogs) at home. There will be popcorn, candy, and soda available for purchase, and attendees are encouraged to bring reusable bottles to fill up at the water fountain. Check out the series’ Facebook page for announcements. (May 20, June 17, September 16, and October 21 at dusk; 2701 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria; FREE)

Cinematery

The Congressional Cemetery is opening its gates for date night amongst the dead. Held on the first Friday of every month this summer, Cinematery will fittingly feature films by Director Tim Burton. Spread out a blanket with family, friends, or that special someone while you enjoy a screening under the stars (and above the skeletons). The series will include Alice in Wonderland (June 2), The Nightmare Before Christmas (July 7), Batman (August 4), and Dark Shadows (September 1). You can bring your own snacks and beverages, including alcoholic libations, which will also be available for purchase. Reservations and a minimum donation of $10 are required. Save your spot here. (First Fridays at sunset; 1801 E St. SE; $10 minimum donation per ticket)

CiNoMatic 

There are some bad guys you can’t help rooting for, at least a little bit, and they are the theme of this year’s CiNoMatic movie series in NoMa. Enjoy free, outdoor screenings of movies featuring “Villains We Love” at Alethia Tanner Park through June 7. Films include Black Panther (May 10), Hook (May 17), Men in Black (May 24), Cruella (May 31), and The Devil Wears Prada (June 7). You can bring a picnic, or pick up dinner and drinks from food trucks and local restaurants. Seating is first-come, first-served, and leashed dogs are welcome to join. (Wednesdays, May 10-June 7 at sunset; 227 Harry Thomas Way NE; FREE)

Columbia Pike Movie Nights 

You can spend your weekends this July and August watching free films under the stars in Arlington. Columbia Pike Movie Nights will start at sunset, and will be shown in English with Spanish subtitles. Bring the whole family, leashed pets included, to Arlington Mill Community Center on Friday nights and Penrose Square on Saturdays. The series begins with Spirit Untamed (July 7) and Cave Rescue (July 8) and wraps with The Goonies (Aug. 25) and Jurassic World: Dominion (Aug. 26). There’s a wide mix of titles in between, so take a look at the schedule and mark your calendar for your top picks. Free parking is available at both locations. (Fridays and Saturdays at sunset; 909 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington and 2501 9th Road South, Arlington; FREE)

Drive-In at Union Market

Snacks complete the movie-going experience, but the price of concessions aren’t the only reason your friends hit CVS on their way to the theater. Goobers and cheap nachos are tasty, but they aren’t all that special. At the 11th Annual Drive-In at Union Market, however, the food options are more varied than the lineup of films. Enjoy empanadas, dosas, Lebanese kebabs, sushi, tacos, and much more while taking in a movie from the comfort of your car. Rain or shine, you can catch Coco (May 19), King Richard (June 2), Clueless (June 16), Top Gun Maverick (July 7), or Hairspray (July 21). The movies start after sunset, and those without wheels can bring chairs and blankets to picnic in front of the market. Buy your tickets here. (Every first and third Friday through July 21; 1309 5th St. NE; $20 per car)

Extraordinary Cinema

Every Friday from May 26 through September 1, The Kennedy Center will host a free, outdoor film screening on the REACH video wall. The lineup includes classics like Jaws (July 7), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Aug. 11), and A League of Their Own (Aug. 18),as well as new releases like The Swimmers (June 23). (Fridays, May 26-September 1 around 8 p.m.; 2700 F St. NW; FREE)

Family Movie Night at Tysons Corner Center

Heihei is not the brightest chicken in the coop, but unlike the clumsy rooster from Moana, you plan your adventures wisely. A free night out with the family is a pretty savvy move, especially when both entertainment and snacks are covered. Make the voyage to The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center for screenings of Moana and other films, complete with complimentary popcorn and soft drinks (while supplies last). Get comfy by bringing your own folding chairs and blanket. More free screenings at The Plaza this summer will include E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Boss Baby: Family Business, and Matilda. (May 26 at 7 p.m.; 1961 Chain Bridge Rd, Tysons; FREE)

Films at the Stone

The movies selected for Films at the Stone tell stories about fighting for what’s right. This summer, you can see Minions: The Rise of Gru (June 16), Avatar: The Way of the Water (July 21), and The Woman King (Aug. 25) at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. The screenings will be held on the lawn just south of the Memorial’s bookstore. Attendees are welcome to bring blankets, snacks, and low-profile lawn chairs. (Friday, June 16, July 21, and Aug. 25 at 8 p.m.; 1964 Independence Ave. SW; FREE)

Movies in the Parks

Rockville parks will transform into temporary outdoor movie theaters on Wednesday nights this August. Showtime is at dusk for The Boss Baby (Aug. 2), The Secret Life of Pets (Aug. 9), Cool Runnings (Aug. 16), and Raya and The Last Dragon (Aug. 23). Each movie will be shown in a different park, so be sure to double check the address before you head out with your lawn chairs and picnic baskets. (Wednesdays in August at dusk; Various locations; FREE)

Movies on the Pitch

Take a seat on the grass or in the stands at Audi Field and unwind with a series of new movies, including DC League of Super-Pets (May 18), Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (June 22), Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (July 6), Minions: The Rise of Gru (Aug. 24), and Jurassic World Dominion (Sept. 7). No outside food or drink is allowed, but there will be concessions for sale during Movies on the Pitch. (Thursday, May 18-Sept. 7 at 7 p.m.; 100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington; FREE)

Movies on the Potomac

Hollywood comes to National Harbor again this summer with Movies on the Potomac, an outdoor free film series. There are “date night” screenings on Thursdays at 7 p.m. and a “family night” option on Sundays at 6 p.m. The schedule includes time-tested favorites and new releases like Downton Abbey: A New Era (May 25), Black Panther, Wakanda Forever (June 15), and A Man Called Otto (September 7). Before this Thursday’s showing of the Whitney Houston biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody, you can tease your hair, toss on your leg warmers, and party like it’s the 80’s at V-NO. Register here.(Thursdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m. through Sept. 28; 150 National Plaza National Harbor; FREE)

Petworth

If the word “rat” conjures images of aggressive rodents scampering in and out of the bushes in your neighborhood, it might be time to reintroduce yourself to the loveable, fictional, culinary critter named Remy. Join your neighbors for a free screening of Ratatouille at Petworth Recreation Center. It might not permanently change your opinion on the squealing little scavengers, but for about two hours, you can imagine a world where they have sparkling personalities and can cook up an outstanding soup. (Friday, May 12 at 6 p.m.; 801 Taylor St. NW; FREE)

Rosslyn Cinema

The people have spoken. After voting in a March Madness-style bracket, fans of the Rosslyn Cinema series have their final four. Head over to Gateway Park the first four Fridays in June for free screenings of Jumanji (June 2), Shrek (June 9), Moana (June 16), and The Parent Trap (June 23). The movie starts after sundown, but you can find your spot on the lawn early and enjoy beer and wine from the pop-up bar. There will also be food trucks on-site, and attendees are welcome to bring food from home or elsewhere. The series will feature kid-friendly activities, so keep an eye on the website for program updates. (Fridays, June 2-23 at dusk; 1300 Langston Blvd; FREE)

Wolf Trap

Movie nights at Wolf Trap aren’t free, but they do sound pretty cool. You can buy your tickets to see The Planets (July 7), Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (July 8), or Jurassic Park (July 22) at the Filene Center. All three films will be screened in high definition and will feature live accompaniment by the National Symphony Orchestra. (July 7-8 and 22 at 8 p.m.; 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna; $25-106)