Since the weather in Los Angeles is always pretty great, there's not much that distinguishes summer activities, from say, autumn activities. That said, come summertime there is a notable groundswell of outdoor movie screenings popping up on every other sloped lawn in town. We did a bit of shoe leather reporting and came up with our list of the best places to catch a flick under the stars.
Cinespia is the biggest and longest running game in town. The movies are projected onto a building in the middle of the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Yes, you have to walk past gravestones to set up your blanket, but it's anything but spooky. Hollywood Forever is the final resting place for some major notables, including Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, Cecil B. DeMille, Bugsy Siegel, Johnny Ramone, and (our favorite) Estelle Getty. Cinespia features a DJ before the movie and screens classic and cult films. Their annual screening of Pee Wee's Big Adventure is always a good time. Dress warmly, bring a low table, blankets, a bottle of wine and a picnic basket. Info and tickets click here.
Street Food Cinema is one of the newest organizations to tackle outdoor movies and they're off to a good start. The A.V. is top notch. Especially the A., which is crystal clear. They bill their films as "modern classics" which is a nice way to keep the selection wide open. (Jaws to Silver Linings Playbook.) They also have delicious food trucks on site, perfect for when you just don't feel like lugging food. Info and tickets click here.
Walking distance from The Standard, Downtown LA., movies here are themed each month. August is "Animated Movies" and September is "Back to School" (Fast Times at Ridgemont High, anyone?). This is one of the only venues that allows you to bring tall lawn chairs, a nice perk. They don't allow alcohol however. Plan accordingly. Info and tickets click here.
The best thing about the LA River Bike-in Movie Theater is that it's free and a cool way to utilize the LA River which was just recently opened to the public. Limited parking is available BUT they strongly encourage you to ride, skate or walk on down to the river. For more info and to RSVP for the next film click here.
EATSEEHEAR plays all your favorite films from the '80s and '90s. The venue always changes which is actually a nice excuse to visit different parts of the city. They have food trucks on site, as well as a live music. Info and tickets click here.
