It’s sundown and I can’t think of anything better than sitting on a picnic blanket or deckchair with someone special, and watching a classic film on the big screen in my favourite park or on a rooftop, high above the burning night streets. Open-air cinema’s are popping up all over the place these days, with some part of annual festivals and others that are open all year round. Ever seen Disney-Pixar’s ‘Finding Nemo’ screened in the shadow of an English stately home? Or how about an indie flick atop a historic, late-19th century factory in Brooklyn?
Intrigued? Well, here are 10 of the best open-air cinemas in the USA.
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Red Rock Amphitheatre – Denver
Formed by two 300-something-foot sandstone monoliths known as Ship Rock and Creation Rock, this natural amphitheatre boasts some of the best acoustics going and is perfect both for outdoor performance and, of course, watching films. It’s annual program, Film On The Rocks, is a sell-out hit, meaning you have to act fast, and features all manner of film genres, with a penchant for cult classics. What makes this open-air wonder even better is that it’s literally in the middle of nowhere, perfect for romance or a little horror.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Santa Monica Boulevard hit international headlines last year when it was billed that crooner Lana Del Rey would be hosting a two special shows amongst the stars of the silent film era. What you may not know is that the same cemetery, LA’s oldest burial grounds, is host to the annual Cinespia Cemetery Screenings. Here, audiences come primed and wined, ready to watch both indie and blockbuster classics. The closing film this year will be Sofia Coppola’s The Virgin Suicides… rather apt don’t you think?
A blast from the past is what audiences get when they descend upon Dallas’ much loved original Galaxy Drive-In that is open every night when in season, even if it opened only a decade ago in 2004. This cinema stays up-to-date with all the latest films and features a whopping six-screens to pull your car up in front of. It’s a huge hit with locals and out of towners alike, being praised for its retro-vibe, cleanliness, classic food options and, apparently, mini fireworks before some films… cute. People literally can’t get enough of this place. Oh and it comes with a games area too to help energetic kids burn off some sugar before the film gets going.
This open air cinema is free to the public on Wednesdays in Williamsburg’s glorious McCarren Park, screening at sundown and boasting live music and food stalls before things get rolling. It’s only in its 8th year but Rolling Stone magazine has already labeled it the coolest venue in the USA, originally launched at the McCarren Park Pool but has since relocated to accommodate the demand. What do they show? Classics and cult favourites. From the likes of cheerleading joy ‘Bring It On’ to Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure to 28 Days Later to Top Gun, they put on a bit of everything. Not to be missed, if only to see the live music too.
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Hull’s Drive In – Lexington
Known as the nation’s first non-profit community-owned drive-in theatre, this place has been in operation for over 50-years, known for its family-friendly business that’s been supported by a loyal and diverse following. In 1999, after some touch decisions were made and the high cost of updated technical equipment meant that the Drive-In shut down. But, in the same year, fans of the Drive-In from all walks of life convened and formed a non-profit group called Hull’s Angels, which went on to fund the reopening of the cinema and later purchase it in order to keep it running as it is today. Anyway, so, lovely story. During season, they screen both current big films and retro movies, with titles like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and Karate Kid.
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RV Resort and 1960s drive-in – Utah
Primarily a RV Resort in the sticks of Utah that also just so happens to be one of the most scenic places in the world to both explore and see the sun set, what’s also big news about this place is its open air cinema that comes with 1960s classic convertibles as seating. Screened three nights a week, audiences can either rent a convertible, bring their own deck chairs, sleeping bags, make fire pits to keep warm and all sorts. But, this is definitely not somewhere that you just pop down to on a regular basis, this is a full blown holiday resort with some of the most spectacular natural beauty on offer, plus the retro RVs are a must see.
Yearly events, series and film festivals not to be missed:
With 13 venues to choose from, ranging from an old factory in Gowanus, Brooklyn, to Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City, you can guarantee that whatever film you end up seeing during New York’s Rooftop Films will be a night to remember. Giving underground films the opportunity to see the light of day from NY’s rooftops, audiences can choose from indie animations, shocking documentaries, experimental film, and the occasional box-office smash, including multiple screenings of the brilliant ‘Bridesmaids’. The list of films being featured is endless and so a spot of research is recommended and taking a chance of something new is advised. A particular favourite of ours is the 19th century American Can Factory in Brooklyn, where the rooftop offers impressive views, stunning architecture and is perhaps the most peaceful venue of the bunch.
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Music and Movies in the Park – Minneapolis
Celebrating 120 years of free events in Minneapolis parks since 1892, Music in the Parks provided residents and families with the chance to get together and enjoy local entertainment together. Now, over 120 years later, the event now includes The Movies in the Park series. It kicked off officially in 2007, and has been a hit since. The movies rotate throughout the parks during seasoned there are more than 60 films to choose from, spread across six different themes. Originally it started off as a silent film festival but has since grown into a full blown event that plays both recent blockbusters through to retro classics and old romances.Wonderful.
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Movies in the parks – Chicago
Never mind choosing which one of the 240+ films you are going to watch, you should be more concerned about finding a space to park your butt. But, seeing as this HUGE event is spread across more than 100 parks, I am sure that there will be a way to find a coveted patch of green on which to plant yourself. Now in its 15th year, Movies in the Parks hosts all manner of genres, from documentaries to classic films, and from indie flicks to box-office busting hits. But, you’ll have to be in the right frame of mind to check out the schedule as the list is endless and the choices are as good as the one before but the next one is perhaps better. Oh the riddles! Whether it’s on the vast green of Clarendon Park or at Belmont Harbour, there is a film and a place for everyone.
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Top Down: Rooftop Cinema – Portland
Another city another rooftop cinema event, and this time in Portland. Top Down: Roof Cinema is now in its 11th year and its main venue resides within the Hotel deLuxe’s panoramic parking structure… yes it sounds rather bleak but trust me, the view really is something special. Here a host of classic, camp and much loved films make up the series’ bill, as well as performances by local bands, with the chance to try out some local foods too. Not as big as some of the others mentioned but perhaps one of the most inconspicuous venues that needs to be seen.