Melbourne's best outdoor cinemas provide a sensory overload that can't be matched by any other evening summertime activity. Taking in the fresh air, admiring the starry sky, and taking in the sights of the city skyline while being immersed in the action on the big screen is a unique and unforgettable experience. The Melbourne pop-up movie theatres are great for a night out with friends, a date, or the whole family.
List Of Outdoor Cinemas
Sunset Cinema
Sunset Cinema is the most magical and acclaimed open-air movie theatre in Melbourne's Central Business District. Get comfortable in a park as the sun goes down, then settle in to watch the latest, most highly regarded movies on a massive screen. You can either splurge on a lawn lounge package that includes a reserved bean lounger, beverage of your choice, and a box of popcorn, or you can bring three friends and get a groupie discount. In addition to the standard movie concessions and dining options, the theatre also sells Grant Burge wines and Young Henrys to help fuel your enjoyment of the film.
Cameo Cinemas
Dandenong Ranges' Cameo Cinemas transforms its backyard into a green and cultural haven for the community every summer. There's a wide range of tastes catered to by this Melbourne pop-up theatre, which screens everything from summer blockbusters to indie and art house fare. Enjoy the changing of the seasons from the comfort of a deck chair or bean bag by sitting back and munching on some Sassafras candies and homemade chocolate tops as you watch in awe as the leaves fall from the trees and the stars come out. To fully appreciate their massive 14-meter widescreen, put on your headphones and prepare to be immersed in the action.
Rooftop Cinema
You can now replace the boring, plain curtains in your home theatre with a picture of Melbourne's glittering skyline. There is a movie theatre on the roof, so that is now a real possibility. There is no doubt that the movies shown at this breathtaking venue are some of the most entertaining ever made. No matter what movie you pick, you can rest assured that it will be shown. Because of your unrivalled position in the middle of the city, you will feel like you are both a part of and elevated (quite literally) above the commotion of the city below. By doing so, you can have the best of both worlds. To get away from the bustle of Melbourne's CBD, visit this rooftop cinema.
Barkly Square Open Air Cinema
Enjoy the variety of a commercial theatre, as well as the starry skies and relaxing atmosphere of Melbourne's best outdoor theatre, at Barkly Square Open Air Cinema. McDougall Lane comes alive with family-friendly, arthouse, or modern films every Saturday night in December and January, with snacks and beverages for sale from nearby shops. Make-A-Wish, VicDeaf, and Melbourne City Mission are just some of the seven organisations that will benefit from the sale of these items.
Openair Cinemas
First, take a stroll along the beautiful shores of St. Kilda, and then settle in at the American Express Openair Cinema. This classic Summer event features an outdoor movie screening, along with live music, drinks at sunset, dinner, and more. Show your date a good time at Melbourne's most popular and best outdoor cinema — and score some major points in the romance department.
Barefoot Cinema
Barefoot Cinema is a pop-up theatre in Melbourne that provides the perfect excuse to visit the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. Lawn games, food trucks, air sacks and picnic blankets, stunning views, and starlit evenings—this is the Summer experience you've been looking for. But this isn't just watching a movie in the great outdoors. It's the perfect way to spend an entire afternoon, whether you're on a date, a group of friends, or a family.
Village Cinemas Coburg Drive-In
The Coburg Drive-In has a massive 33-meter widescreen, perfect for watching the latest blockbusters with a car full of friends. Melbourne's best and most traditional outdoor screenings are available via FM stereo broadcast in your vehicle.
QV Cinema
At QV Cinema, you can see everything from cult classics to the latest blockbusters to themed film screenings. Get ready for a night of nonstop excitement with live performances, special guests, pop-up bars, and doggie fancy dress parties. Don't miss this premier cinema event in the heart of Melbourne's central business district for the city's best outdoor cinema experience.
Lunar Drive-In
Even on Christmas night, you can catch a movie at Australia's largest drive-in theatre, the Lunar Drive-in Theatre Dandenong. Enjoy an Aussie burger from the Lunar Cafe while watching the latest blockbusters on one of four screens for just $30 per carload. With a long history in Melbourne's entertainment scene, the Lunar Drive-In is widely considered to be the city's finest open-air movie theatre.
Cinemas and Theatre Melbourne For Kids
American Express Openair Cinemas
Cinemas in Yarra Park and St. Kilda open early for the season, in early October and November, respectively, and they welcome families with children and pets to their screenings. Indulge in a home-cooked meal as you watch a movie under the stars with your loved ones, while the adults unwind with a drink from the fully stocked bar.
Coburg Drive-In
Bring the kids and a few friends for a night of classic drive-in movie fun at the Village Drive-In, where popular films are shown on screens measuring 33 metres in width and where the sound is picked up by your car's FM stereo system. The diner serves traditional American fare, and customers can either eat in or have food delivered to their cars using the Coburg Drive In app (found in the app store). There's a wide variety of snacks available to complement your evening out, from popcorn to burgers and fries.
Outdoor Cinemas in Melbourne You Need to Visit This Summer
Classic Cinema, Elsternwick
In Victoria, Classic Cinemas has been showing movies for longer than any other theatre. It has ten screens inside and one on its Classic Rooftop. In Melbourne, it is one of the most beautiful rooftop movie-watching locations due to its panoramic views of the bay. On November 11 at 12:07 a.m. (or 0007 in 24 hour time — geddit?) Daniel Craig's final James Bond film, No Time to Die, will kick off the Classic Cinema rooftop movie season. Director's chairs are comfortable and placed at varying heights and distances from one another to promote social isolation; in addition, stricter sanitation standards are in place.
Disney+ Drive-In, Ascot Vale
This summer of 2021 and summer of 2022, the Openair Cinemas will return to the Melbourne Showgrounds to present a second season of the popular Disney+ Drive-in. Whether it's an old favourite or a brand-new release, the Disney+ library is sure to have some fan favourites for the whole family waiting for the new show. Movie goers can bring their own food and drinks (no alcoholic beverages) to enjoy in the comfort of their own vehicles, purchase concessions like popcorn, candy, and soft drinks from an onsite kiosk, or even order hot food through a food delivery service.
Lido Cinema, Hawthorn
Views of the rooftops of Hawthorn can be enjoyed while watching a film at Lido Cinema's outdoor cinema. Lido on the Roof is showing movies under the stars, including the highly anticipated farewell to James Bond from Daniel Craig in No Time to Die. It is owned and operated by the same people responsible for Melbourne's Cameo and Classic rooftop theatres, so the three theatres frequently share similar schedules. The food and drink counter at Lido Cinema has everything you could want for a movie night, including vegan-friendly popcorn, edamame, and craft beers, so there's no need to bring your own.
Pentridge Open-Air Cinema, Coburg
Under the summer sky in a one-of-a-kind location, you can watch the latest international releases and carefully selected classic films. Starting this Thursday, November 11 2021, and running through the following Sunday, February 27 2022, the brand new Pentridge Precinct in Coburg will play host to Pentridge Open-Air Cinema, Melbourne's first and only open-air cinema. When the gates open at 7:30 p.m., you can get some food and drinks at the Palace Pop-Up Bar. You're welcome to bring your own picnic baskets and food (as well as a blanket if it gets chilly) but not any alcoholic beverages. So get there early to stake your claim on a deck chair, grab some of your favourite drinks, and settle in for a lovely evening.
Sun Williamstown Cinema, Williamstown
At Shore Cinema, a pop-up theatre produced by the Sun Theatre and Seaworks, moviegoers are encouraged to bring blankets and pillows and settle in for an evening of relaxing film viewing on the waterfront. What's more, showings begin at dusk, so you can bring snacks and drinks to enjoy while watching the film. The seating choices are a Cape Cod Double (for two), a bean bag, or BYO. Seasons at the Sun Williamstown are notoriously brief, and tickets sell out quickly. For those who don't want to miss out on the screening times of new movies, it's best to keep tabs on social media.
URBNSURF Outdoor Cinema, Tullamarine
Relax in the sunshine all afternoon while enjoying delicious food and drinks from Three Blue Ducks and refreshing beers from Gage Roads Brewing Co. Then As the sun goes down, grab a beanbag and settle in for a movie while the night surf session in the lagoon continues. Beginning this Friday, November 26, and continuing through this Saturday, December 11, there will be an outdoor film festival. From 2:00 PM onwards, guests can purchase food and drink while listening to live music; from 6:00 PM onwards, they can enjoy the soundtrack to their favourite film as the sun sets at 8:30.
Christmas Cinema, Carlton
Argyle Square has gone all out to celebrate the holiday season, making it the ideal location to watch a film with family and friends while enjoying a picnic dinner and snacks from Lygon Street's many restaurants, delis, and gelaterias. There will be some seating options, such as bean bags and deck chairs, but feel free to bring your own blankets, pillows, and food to watch the movie on the big screen. Weekends from December 4 through December 18 at 8:30 p.m. There is no need for advance reservations.
Bathe in Cinema
Join the iconic Bathe In Cinema for the second week in a row as they celebrate the 25th anniversary of the hit TV series FRIENDS by showing fan-favorite episodes. The "The Engagements" episode will air on Tuesday, followed by "The Weddings" on Wednesday, and finally the "Thanksgiving Special" on Thursday.
Elwood Outdoor Cinema
From the end of December through the beginning of January, Bourne Local will host its first-ever Open Air Cinema at Elwood Foreshore. The sunset over Elwood Beach sets the mood for the film, and the event features live music and activities for kids, gourmet food from Melbourne food trucks, and cheeky drinks to round out the experience.
All members of your family—including your four-legged friends—are welcome to enjoy the outdoor movie screening this summer. The gates open at 5:00 p.m., and the movies start at dusk. Because of the lack of reserved seating, it is recommended that attendees arrive early with their own cushions, blankets, or bean bags.
Moonlight Cinema, Royal Botanic Gardens
See a movie under the stars in Melbourne at the Moonlight Cinema, a chain that spans Australia. Up until April 1st, you can catch sneak peeks, new releases, and cult classics during the summer season. Don't leave home without your pillows and blankets. The Royal Botanic Gardens will once again host this exciting event. To watch movies like "Shang-Chi," "Black Widow," and "Cruella," pack a picnic and spread out a rug. A liquor store, snack stand, and food trucks will be available. Superior to that! Pets are welcome!
Starting in December 2021, the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne will host Moonlight Cinema, showing both cult favourites and new releases. You can bring your own grazing box or picnic hamper, or choose from the bar's drinks and food options available from food trucks. Movies begin promptly at sunset, so get there early to claim your turf. The perfect way to enjoy a warm Melbourne night in the summer.
Conclusion
Melbourne's pop-up cinemas are perfect for a night out with pals, a date, or the whole family. When it comes to outdoor movie theatres, nobody does it better than Sunset Cinema. The backyard of the Cameo Cinemas has been renovated into a green and cultural space for the neighbourhood. The best rooftop cinemas in Melbourne are now open. Spend an evening under the stars at Barkly Square Open Air Cinema.
Coburg Drive-In is home to a massive 33-meter widescreen, ideal for group viewings of blockbuster films. Early season openings of cinemas in Yarra Park and St. Kilda can be found in the months of October and November. Most Melbourne locals agree that the Lunar Drive-In is the city's best outdoor movie theatre. This year's rooftop Classic Cinema event will kick off with Daniel Craig's final James Bond film, No Time to Die. When you sign up for Disney+, you'll be able to watch outdoor movies at open-air theatres for a second season.
Theatergoers are welcome to bring in their own snacks and beverages (no alcoholic beverages allowed) to enjoy in the comfort of their own vehicles. Daniel Craig's farewell to James Bond will be shown at the outdoor movie screenings hosted by Lido on the Roof.
Content Summary
- You can take your friends, a date, or the whole family to one of Melbourne's pop-up movie theatres.
- Locations of Open-Air Theaters
- Film House at Dusk
- When it comes to open-air movie theatres in Melbourne's Central Business District, nobody does it better than Sunset Cinema.
- Every year during the summer, the Cameo Cinemas in Dandenong Ranges turns its backyard into a green and cultural haven for the local community.
- This Melbourne pop-up theatre shows a wide variety of films, from Hollywood blockbusters to foreign independent films and even art house productions, so it can satisfy a wide variety of audiences.
- That is now a distinct possibility, as there is a rooftop movie theatre.
- Movies Shown Outdoors in Barkly Square
- Barkly Square Open Air Cinema offers the variety of a commercial theatre in addition to the starry skies and relaxing atmosphere of Melbourne's best outdoor theatre.
- Film theatres in the countryside The Coburg Drive-In Theatre Watch the latest blockbusters with a car full of friends on the enormous 33-meter widescreen at the Coburg Drive-In.
- The movies shown at QV Cinema range from the latest blockbusters to fan favourites and even have occasional themed showings.
- Astronomical Movie Theater
- The Lunar Drive-in Theatre Dandenong is Australia's largest drive-in cinema and is open every day of the year, including Christmas Eve.
- The Lunar Drive-In has been an institution in Melbourne's cultural landscape for decades, and its reputation as the city's best outdoor cinema continues to grow.
- The Openair Cinemas will return to the Melbourne Showgrounds for a second season of the popular Disney+ Drive-in in the summers of 2021 and 2022.
- It took place at the Lido Theater in Hawthorn.
- Moviegoers at Lido Cinema's outdoor theatre can take in the scenery of Hawthorn's rooftops.
- The highly anticipated farewell to James Bond from Daniel Craig in No Time to Die will be shown at Lido on the Roof.
FAQs About The Outdoor Cinemas In Melbourne
A drive-in theatre or drive-in cinema is a form of cinema structure consisting of a large outdoor movie screen, a projection booth, a concession stand, and a large parking area for automobiles.
According to the definition of the Building Act, theatres can be largely divided into three types: cinema with a single screen, multi-cinema with more than two screens, and cine-complex with a complex structure and with a theatre combined with other facilities that promote movie watching.
- Our tip: Unless you've found out any of this info first, you will need a camping chair, a coat (when the sun goes down, it gets COLD), a torch, a blanket, a picnic, as mentioned above, waterproofs and an umbrella. As I said, some companies will provide limited chairs and even bean bags to get comfy on.
If it rains just a bit, the movie goes on. But, if the rain gets torrential, where you can't see anything, the folks will give you a 'rain check for another day. over a year ago.
Many drive-in movies, especially smaller, rural theatres, closed because they could not purchase the new digital equipment. But there are still approximately 325 drive-in theatres opened in the United States. Many have gotten creative in how to stay in operation.
Because drive-in theatres do not have moveable screen masking to adjust the film the way indoor theatres do, you will want to build a screen between these two ratios. Many drive-in theatres use a ratio between 2.0:1 and 2.2:1. A typical drive-in screen is between 50 and 100 feet wide.