Arts & Culture

Where to Watch Outdoor Movies Around Baltimore This Summer

No matter where you are in Maryland, there is always an open-air venue nearby.

If you find your kids, or yourself, stuck inside in front of your little screens, we have a solution for you—get outside in front of a big screen. No matter where you are in Maryland this summer, there is always an outdoor movie nearby. Here, we round up places to catch fresh-air flicks in the coming weeks: 

BALTIMORE CITY

AVAM’s Flicks from the Hill: On Thursdays throughout July, the American Visionary Art Museum is once again hosting its annual outdoor movie series at its Hughes Family Outdoor Theater. Join in on opening night, July 6, for a West Side Story sing-a-long, then catch the Dreamworks animated classic, Shrek, as well as To Sir With Love and the original Hairspray throughout the month. Viewers also get free museum admission from 5-9 p.m., so be sure to do a walkthrough before setting up your spot on the Federal Hill park hill facing the museum. Every Thursday in July. Free.

Rhythm & Reels: This summer, the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks is rotating around the city’s many public spaces to bring the community films of all kinds. You can catch flicks like Lightyear at Patterson Park on July 21, as well as Casablanca at Druid Hill Park’s conservatory area on August 18. The summer celebration will culminate with a viewing of Wakanda Forever at Riverside Park on October 6. Come early for free popcorn while it lasts. Locations and times vary. June to October. Free. 

Outdoor Movie Nights at Baltimore Peninsula: South Baltimore’s waterfront locale is kicking off its inaugural outdoor movie series (every second Friday of the month) with a showing of Everything Everywhere All at Once on Friday, June 9 at 6 p.m. Organized in partnership with Bar Movement and Charm City Table‘s Simone Phillips, the event will feature eats for sale by visiting vendors The Sporty Dog and Cheesecake Cafe. Pack a blanket or lawn chair and head to the big screen adjacent to Rye Street Tavern. 301 E. Cromwell St. 6 p.m. Free. 

Fells Point Films on the Pier: This unique film locale returned from a two-year hiatus last summer, and, although the lineup hasn’t been released as of yet, we’re hoping for another fun season. Located right off Thames Street, and adjacent to the Sagamore Pendry Hotel, you can enjoy great movies with an even greater view of the Inner Harbor. Park right down the street or take a water taxi, which will pull right up to the viewing area on the pier, but remember to bring a lawnchair. Check back for updates on the full lineup, which was still in the works as of press time. Free. 

Grand Rotunda First Friday Family Flicks: As its name signifies, the Rotunda in Hampden is showing a lineup of films for the entire family on the first Fridays of June, July, and August. Bring the kiddos to the center of the mixed-use development to enjoy films like Rescued by Ruby. 711 W. 40th St. Movies start at sunset. Free. 

—Baltimore City Recreation and Parks via Facebook

BALTIMORE COUNTY

Bengies Drive-In: With double features almost every Sunday and triple features most Fridays and Saturdays, this famous film fixture—known for having one of the largest outdoor screens in the country—offers quantity and quality. Concession stands and sweet treats await every date night and family outing. A minimum of two people must be in the car. 3417 Eastern Blvd. Middle River. Times vary. Weekend showings: $12.50 per person, $7.00 ages 4-10. 

CARROLL COUNTY

Outdoor Summer Movies in Westminster: Starting June 27 until Aug. 8, join the Carroll County Arts Council for Outdoor Summer Family Movies. Films roll every Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. at Carroll Community College. Bring your own chairs, blankets and snacks to enjoy a fantastic night out. Watch movies like Lyle, Lyle Crocodile on June 27, Coco on July 18, and Mary Poppins on July 25. 1601 Washington Road. Westminster. Free

HARFORD COUNTY

Summer Movie Nights in Bel Air: Consider yourself lucky, because the Bel Air Downtown Alliance is showing summer movies at Shamrock Park. Every third Friday from June to August, watch picks like Puss in Boots, The Grinch, and DC League of Super-Pets. The movies start at sunset, and food trucks will be present for all of your concession needs. Every third Friday starting June 16. Shamrock Park- Lee Street. 5-8 p.m. Free

—Bel Air Downtown Alliance via Facebook

HOWARD COUNTY

Movie Nights at the Wine Bin: This Ellicott City liquor store has a lot more to offer than its namesake bottles of vino. Along with its craft beers, cocktail kits, and charcuterie selection, the shop provides a great variety of outdoor movies on Saturday nights. This summer, the Wine Bin staff is replaying recent blockbusters like The Fablemans and Top Gun: Maverick, along with classics like Sleepless in Seattle, City Slickers, and The King’s Speech. Times vary. Free.

Merriweather Movie Night: Although Merriweather is known for its spectacular concerts, it’s a great film venue, too. Guests are invited to enjoy viewings of Frozen on Wednesday, June 21, Black Panther on Tuesday, July 18, and Clueless on Wednesday, August 23. Movie-goers are welcome to post up under the pavilion or lay out on the lawn under the stars. Just don’t forget a blanket or chair to buffer the grass. Free with required registration on Eventbrite. 

Lakefront Live: The Columbia Association is back with another year of Lakefront Live, a series of music, food, and, of course, outdoor movies overlooking Lake Kittamaqundi. The well-rounded lineup this season includes flicks like Soul, The Goonies, Encanto, and The Woman King. The BYOC (bring your own chair) movie showings are typically on Mondays and Fridays. Also of note: These movies are disability-friendly with every filmed being closed captioned all summer long. Mondays and Fridays. 8:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Free.

—Columbia Association via Facebook