Outdoor Movie Nights

photo by riacale on Flickr

Yesterday, We Love DC broke the sad news that HBO is pulling it’s sponsorship of Screen on the Green, news that quickly sparked the birth of a Facebook group called “Save Screen on the Green!“  The outdoor movie festival has been a long-time favorite summer activity in our dear city and will be sorely missed – you just can’t beat that gorgeous backdrop.  But do not fret for too long, as there are enough alternatives around the area that you can basically see a different movie outside every night from May through September. Update: Screen on the Green is Saved!

• No one else seems to be covering this in their outdoor movie guides but I’m more than happy to share it here – The Capitol Riverfront BID, which showed baseball-themed movies last summer, is running with an 80′s theme this year.  Every Thursday night from June 4 – August 6, at Tingey Plaza in SE, right by the ballpark.
• NoMa’s Screen Festival returns again this year with “Music in Pictures,” featuring films about musicians and bands. Wednesday nights from June 10 – July 29, at L Street Between 2nd and 3rd Streets in NE.
• Crystal City’s Crystal Screen is showing Superhero movies this year on Monday nights from May 4 – September 23 in the courtyard at 18th and Bell Streets, across from the Crystal City Metro.
• The Rosslyn Outdoor Film Festival is showing 80′s movies (these groups need to start coordinating their themes to avoid overlap! Last year it was all Bond, this year is all 80′s) on Fridays from May 1 – September 4.
• And if Rockville isn’t too far out of the city for you, The 13th Annual Comcast Film Festival acts as a fundraiser for NIH Children’s charities. August 14 – 21 at the Mansion at Strathmore.
• Update: DCist lists a few more options that are out in the ‘burbs.

So there you go, Tuesday night is the only weekend when you cannot find an outdoor movie showing.  Not too shabby, even without Screen on the Green!  Now throw in Jazz in the Garden, and the many free summer concerts in the area, and you’ve got a jam packed summer schedule.  So pack a picnic, a blanket to sit on, and enjoy all that summer in DC has to offer.

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