Just the Ticket: The Pearl’s Guide to Moonlight & Movies
Pack a picnic, grab a blanket – outdoor movie season is here! Ever since the first drive-in movie theatre opened in New Jersey in 1933, movies under the stars have been a favorite summer sensation. Today, outdoor movies are more popular than ever, with parks, rooftops, and even a cemetery popping up screens, some just a short distance from The Pearl. From classic films to modern hits and cult favorites, outdoor movies offer something for everyone. Many venues host food trucks and concession stands, or you can bring your own movable feast. Check websites for details.
Rooftop Cinema Club LEVEL DTLA 888 S Olive St. 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90014
What started in 2011 as a single rooftop in London has expanded globally, with a hand-picked program featuring everything from cult films to classics and newer releases. The cinema is located on LEVEL’s 4th floor terrace. Arrive early to take in the breathtaking vista, and play games with the city as your backdrop. Select your seats, grab a drink, and snack on classic cinema concessions. Rooftop Cinema Club provides you with a comfy lawn chair (and optional blankets for purchase). When the film begins, you’ll be able to live completely in those movie moments with personal headphones and an amazing view of the big screen.
Movie Nights at the Hollywood Bowl 2301 N Highland Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90068
Fans of film music rejoice! The Hollywood Bowl becomes the biggest theater in Los Angeles with film screenings & movie clips accompanied by live musical performances. Highlights include Music from the Films of Wes Anderson, Joe Hisaishi Film Music Concert, How to Train Your Dragon in Concert, Top Gun: Maverick in Concert, Amadeus in Concert, and Maestro of the Movies: A Tribute to John Williams.
Street Food Cinema Various locations
Street Food Cinema, LA’s largest outdoor cinema and music series, is back for its 15th season. More than just a movie screening, the series showcases local food trucks and live bands, and includes interactive audience games, concessions, themed photo ops, local vendors, and special guest appearances. Many locations also feature a full bar and offer a dog-friendly atmosphere.
Cinespia Hollywood Forever Cemetery 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90038
Movie screenings are held outdoors on Fairbanks Lawn, an open grassy field inside Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Bring blankets, pillows, or low chairs that have a seat that rests on the ground with a low back. A small tarp underneath your blanket is recommended since the ground can get damp. You are welcome to pack your own picnic with food, beer, and wine, but no hard liquor is permitted. They also sell food onsite. A DJ will be spinning music as the sun sets, and again after the movie. Sorry – only ESA and service dogs on leashes are welcome at the screenings.
The Rooftop Montalbán 1615 N Vine St. Los Angeles 90028
Rooftop Movies at The Montalbán is in full swing for the 2026 season. Outfitted with a bar, concession stand, and kitchen, The Rooftop provides a spectacular open-air movie theater experience. Each cinematic evening under the stars commences when doors open at 6PM, with the feature film starting 10 minutes after sunset. Guests enter through the main entrance located on Vine. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Autry Outdoors Autry Museum of the American West 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Autry Museum of the American West is presenting Autry Outdoors, a fun-filled program including Outdoor Movies, Line Dancing with Cocktails, Los Angeles French Fry Festival, National Day of the Cowboy and Cowgirl, Sizzling Summer Nights Live Music, and much more. Check the website for the full schedule.
Poolside Movie Nights Desert 5 Spot The Hollywood VOLUME 6516 Selma Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90028
Enjoy a rooftop cinema experience like no other. This summer, CINEHAUS is taking over the effortlessly cool Desert 5 Spot, transforming the space into an open-air movie house with sweeping Hollywood views, craft cocktails, snacks, and live music to keep the vibe going after the credits roll. Born in the heart of LA, CINEHAUS is a film series built for people who love revisiting their favorite movies or finally catching iconic classics the way they were meant to be seen. Whether it’s a cult favorite you’ve seen a hundred times or a film you’ve always wanted to experience with a crowd under the stars, CINEHAUS turns every screening into something special.
Photo Credits:
Photo #1: Street Food Cinema
Photo #2 Rooftop Cinema Club DTLA
Photo #3: Hollywood Bowl
Photo #4: Street Food Cinema
Photo #5: Cinespia
Photo #6: The Montalbán Theatre
Photo #7: Autry Museum of the American West
Photo #8: Hollywood VOLUME