Summer Movie Nights, Photo: Downtown Vancouver BIA
Summertime also means the return of Vancouver’s annual tradition of watching blockbuster movies and timeless classic films under the stars outside in different beautiful parks or scenic waterfront locations across the city.
Once again, there are plenty of free screenings planned throughout the summer. Don’t miss your chance to bring friends or the whole family for an unforgettable experience coming together to watch your favourite movie outdoors in the fresh air.
Remember to bring your own seats, blankets, snacks, and drinks.
Summer Cinema
Photo: West End BIA
Join in on the fun of Evo Summer Cinema, Canada’s largest outdoor movie series, at Second Beach in Stanley Park on Tuesday nights at sunset from July 4 to August 22. Experience your favourite movies on their 40-foot screen at sunset under the night sky.
- Bring It On – July 4 @ 9:20m
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie – July 11 @ 9:16pm
- 10 Things I Hate About You – July 18 @ 9:16pm
- Jaws – July 25 @ 9:02pm
- The Wedding Singer – Aug. 1 @ 8:52pm
- The Birdcage – Aug. 8 @ 8:41pm
- Shrek – Aug. 15 @ 8:29pm
- Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl – Aug. 22 @ 8:16pm
While you’re heading to the West End, stop by English Bay for some beautiful beach views (perhaps on Cactus Club‘s patio) or explore Stanley Park (and grab a snack or beer at Stanley Park Brewing).
Sunset Cinema
Photo: Lower Lonsdale BIA
Enjoy Sunset Cinema at the Shipyards Commons, a covered outdoor space at Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver, every Wednesday from July 31 to August 28 with a huge inflatable screen and a rotating selection of food trucks.
- Barbie – July 31
- The Princess Bride – Aug. 7
- Top Gun: Maverick – Aug. 14
- Finding Nemo – Aug. 21
- Pitch Perfect – Aug. 28
While you’re in The Shipyards District, a great area for families to find fun activities, explore the Lonsdale Quay Market or grab dinner at restaurants like Anatoli Souvlaki, Nicli Antica Pizza, and Tap & Barrel.
Deck Chair Cinema
Photo: The Shipyards District BIA
Continuing on the North Shore, Deck Chair Cinema specializes in classic movie screenings and is back for its third year. Assemble at North Vancouver’s Cates Deck in front of the Polygon Gallery every Thursday at sunset for al fresco showings between June 27 and August 29. There will also be live music and entertainment leading up to the movie’s start time.
- Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains – June 27
- The Harder They Come – July 4
- Stop Making Sense – July 11
- Night Raiders – July 18
- Scott Pilgrim vs. the World – July 25
- Death Becomes Her – Aug. 1
- Close Up – Aug. 8
- Supercop – Aug. 15
- Phantom of the Paradise – Aug. 22
- The Warriors – Aug. 29
Summer Movie Nights
Photo: Matt Taylor/Downtown Vancouver BIA
Summer Movie Nights take place in the heart of Downtown Vancouver every summer at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza) on Thursday evenings from July 4 to August 15.
Performances and activities like face painting, drag performances, live music, and more begin at 5pm before the open-air movie screenings start at sundown. Food trucks and snack vendors will also be on-site every week.
This summer’s programming is still to be announced. For clues on what movies will be playing, visit @summermovienightsvan on Instagram.
Downtown is central to Pacific Centre, Robson Street, the Granville Entertainment District, and many more places to spend a crisp summer day before enjoying a movie outdoors. You can also check out the Vancouver Art Gallery‘s latest exhibitions right outside where the screenings take place.