Everything moves outdoors during the summer, and film screenings are no exception. Combining the high-quality sound and picture of an indoor movie theater with superb settings under the stars, Europe’s open-air cinemas are a favorite summer pastime.
Whether it’s in a park, high on a rooftop, or in the shadow of an architectural landmark, there’s an outdoor movie theater or open-air film festival for everyone this summer in Europe. Here are 11 of the most spectacular:
Cineteca di Bologna, Bologna
Around 51 films are projected each summer under the open sky on a huge screen in the city’s grandiose Piazza Maggiore, making it one of Europe’s most spectacular outdoor movie venues. Cineteca di Bologna’s collection includes everything from documentaries, fictions, and silent movies to carefully restored black-and-white classics and valuable recent productions.
The event is called Sotto le Stelle del Cinema and is part of Il Cinema Ritrovato, a long-established open-air film festival.
Sala Montjuic, Barcelona
Barcelonians welcome the summer with picnics, concerts, and some of the best movies of all time at Sala Montjuic, an open-air film festival held each year within the ancient walls of Montjuic Castle. Movies are shown on a large screen in the fortress’ gardens and are often accompanied by live music concerts.
If packing your picnic seems too complicated, you can always grab an organic burger or a homemade cake from the snack bar on site.
Cinéma en Plein Air de la Villette, Paris
Always a highlight of Paris’ cultural summer calendar, Cinéma en Plein Air turns the lush, manicured lawns of the Parc de la Villette into a wonderful outdoor movie theater.
With a different theme each year, the festival features a program of world-class French and international films, as well as interesting, lesser-known releases – all screened at dusk in their original language. This is, no doubt, one of the best free attractions in Paris.
The open-air cinema at La Villette will not take place in 2024.
Amante Movie Night, Ibiza
Rolling waves, dramatically illuminated rocks, and a cool, salty breeze set the scene at Amante, Ibiza’s open-air cinema by the sea. The atmospheric venue makes a unique backdrop for films under the starry Mediterranean sky. Taking place in a fairylike beachside setting near Santa Eularia, Amante Movie Night comes with fresh popcorn, world-class wine, and blissfully cozy full-length bean bags, ideal for kicking your feet up and relaxing.
Film Festival Locarno
Each August, the world-famous Locarno Film Festival transforms the city’s marvelous Piazza Grande into Europe’s largest open-air cinema, with seats for 8,000 guests.
The enormous screen and state-of-the-art sound, along with the unique choice of films and elegant architecture, make this esteemed Swiss film festival a truly one-of-a-kind cinematic experience.
Film Festival at Rathausplatz, Vienna
Summer in Vienna comes with daily outdoor screenings at Rathausplatz. Throughout the month of July, the annual Filmfestival on Rathausplatz invites music lovers to watch a range of music films in the City Hall Square. There’s everything from opera to jazz to pop/rock, and admission is free.
Rooftop Film Club, London
Fancy a movie under the stars on London’s most scenic rooftops? Well, Rooftop Film Club offers outdoor film screenings complemented by beautiful skyline views at five different elevated venues across the capital, including the Bussey Building at Peckham Rye and the Roof East in Stratford.
No matter the location, movies on offer range from cult and classic to new releases, and are complemented by excellent food & drink.
CineVara, Bucharest
In Bucharest, CineVara welcomes nostalgics and lovers of rare films with a unique open-air cinema experience. Taking place every Thursday from July 25 to October 3, this year’s edition explores the human body as depicted in Central and Eastern European socialist cinema.
All screenings are silent, and each comes complete with vintage short films about work safety, health, and everyday life – reminiscent of Bucharest’s outdoor socialist-era film viewings, where newsreels, educational shorts, and documentaries preceded feature films.
Fellini Beach Cinema, Budapest
During the summer months, Fellini Római Kultúrbisztró organizes outdoor cinema screenings on the banks of the Danube every Wednesday. Visitors can lounge on deck chairs or sit on the sand while watching a diverse selection of films, ranging from classic movies to contemporary international cinema. The venue also features a bar serving refreshing drinks and snacks, making it a perfect place for an evening out.
Pluk de Nacht, Amsterdam
Held every summer in Amsterdam, Pluk de Nacht (Seize the Night) is the biggest open-air film festival in the Netherlands. It enjoys an idyllic waterside location at Stenen Hoofd pier, and the programme is always a surprising mix of experimental shorts, documentaries, and unreleased indie films.
Admission is free, and beach chairs and blankets are provided. A bar and food trucks are also on the premises.
Cine Kamari, Santorini
Established in 1987, Cine Kamari aims to preserve the Greeks’ strong theater tradition by offering locals and travelers alike the opportunity to watch movies under the stars in a fairytale-like garden.
The Guardian and Travel Channel consider this charming open-air cinema one of the best in the world. It is located just outside Kamari town on the island of Santorini and has its own bar selling snacks, cocktails, and local wine. The cinema also hosts various cultural events, including concerts, theatre plays, and art exhibitions.