7 free outdoor movie screenings you should attend in Toronto this summer

May 12 2016, 11:43 pm

Grab your blankets, snacks, and bikes (& boats), and get ready for outdoor movie season, Toronto! Across the city, screens are going up for the annual free movie viewing experience. The summer series fall under different days, and in different locations, but we got you covered.

No need to FOMO these screenings, all are free and ready for your enjoyment.

Christie Pits Film Festival

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Christie Pits Film Festival/Georgia Cowan

Where: Christie Pits Park, 779 Crawford Ave West.
When: Beginning June 18
First screening of the summer goes down on June 18, when the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show hosts an off-site showing of Nosferatu, with Del Bel, live at Queensway Park. Locally organized, the Christie Pits Film Festival has attracted thousands to its free weekly series of outdoor films. Sundays throughout the summer, the screenings will include a mix of old and new. Although all screenings are free of charge, there is a suggested donation of $10.

Sail-In Cinema

Toronto Port Authority presents Sail-In Cinema from PortsToronto on Vimeo.

Where: Sugar Beach, 25 Dockside Drive
When: August 18-20
“One great lake. One giant screen.” That’s the tagline of Toronto’s largest outdoor theatre event, Sail-In Cinema. The two-sided floating movie experience is a must see for Torontonians, on land or at sea! This is the only outdoor theatre that caters to boaters and leg commuters alike. And yes, it’s totally free.

City Cinema

City Cinema Placeholder

City Cinema

Where: Yonge-Dundas Square
When: June 28, July 5, July 12, and July 19
Our beloved Yonge-Dundas Square transforms into a cinema each week around sunset. For these screenings, some seating will be provided, but you can also bring your own chair. Head down early, as spaces get snagged quite quick!

Courtyard Movies at St. Peter’s

Where: 830 Bathurst Street
When: TBD/Two movies in July and two in August
If you were looking for a reason to hang in the Annex this summer, look no further. Free movies and cheap popcorn will be available during select evenings this summer on the lawn of Saint Peter Catholic Church, and if it rains, the screenings are held indoors.

Free Flicks

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Harbourfront Centre Aerial/Mark Bradshaw

Where: Harbourfront Centre
When :  Wednesdays June 22 – August 31
Humpdays in the city are always a little sweeter with Free Flicks. This summer, the popular Harbourfront series returns from June 22 until the end of August, and features inspiring and fun films. The free event takes place at 9 p.m.

Under The Stars – Regent Park Film Festival

Where: 585 Dundas Street East
When: Every Wednesday from June 13 – August 24 from 9-11 pm
The annual outdoor summer screening series takes place on Wednesday evenings. The screenings are free, and snacks will be available for sale with proceeds going towards the Regent Park Film Festival. The Festival is currently looking volunteers, if interested apply by June 10.

Bonus:
For free pop-up screenings this summer, check out Free Outdoor Movie Events in Ontario.

Bonus x2:

Open Roof Festival

Where: 99 Sudbury Parking lot
When: Tuesdays starting June 21 until August 24
Although it isn’t free, the Open Roof Festival is a non-profit providing Toronto summer events under the sun and the stars. Check out one of the 10 screenings this summer with proceeds supporting Canada’s independent film and music communities. Our recommendation: The Lobster on July 5.

DH Toronto StaffDH Toronto Staff

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