Outdoor movie watching is an experience that induces a wave of nostalgia. Maybe your family used to pile into the 1950s Cadillac and drive to the nearest drive-in theatre with plenty of blankets and snacks. Or maybe you were the kind of family that set up lawn chairs in the back of the pick-up truck for an outdoor movie screening.
Thankfully, while there aren’t many permanent drive-in theatres left nowadays, there are still places to catch a flick outdoors. Here are a few of the drive-in and outdoor movie screening events happening in Calgary this summer.
Movie in the Park
Upcoming screening date: July 28 at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
On July 28, grab a blanket and head to the big hill known as The Rise on St. Patrick’s Island to catch a screening of The Bad Guys at 5:30 p.m. or The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent at 7:30 p.m. If you need something to munch on during the film, there will be snack vendors at the screening.
St. Patrick’s Island, evexperience.com
Monthly Movie Night at the Historic Firehall
Upcoming screening dates: July 28 at 8 p.m. and August 4 and 18 at 8 p.m.
Cost: This event is raising funds for the Calgary Community Fridge.
The Historic Firehall in downtown Calgary is hosting several fun events this summer ranging from night markets to a monthly movie night. Don’t miss one of the upcoming screenings in support of the Calgary Community Fridge.
144 6 Ave. S.E., historicfirehall.com
Movie in the Park: Sing 2
Upcoming screening date: August 18 at 6:30 p.m.
The Calgary Public Library is hosting a screening of the 2021 film Sing 2 in Central Memorial Park beside the Memorial Park Library. This screening takes place in the heart of the Beltline, which means there are plenty of nearby restaurants if you want to grab a bite before or after the film. Guests are also welcome to bring a blanket and treats to the screening.
Memorial Park Library (Central Memorial Park), calgarylibrary.ca
Big Art Drive-In
Upcoming screening dates: August 11 to 21 (except for August 15). Screening times vary depending on the date.
Cost: $41.70 for one car with up to five people or $10.68 for a spot in the patio area.
The Big Art Drive-In is back at a new location with 23 outdoor movie screenings in August. Guests can choose from two ways to watch: from a car with up to five people in it, or by bringing their own seating and watching from the outdoor fenced patio area. The selection of films includes Encanto, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, A Quiet Place, The Batman and the 1986 film Top Gun.
SAIT, bigartdrivein.com
Outdoor Movie in Tomkins Park
Upcoming screening dates: September 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
In September, you can catch an outdoor movie at Tomkins Park along 17 Ave. S.W. in the afternoon or evening. There will be screenings of Mamma Mia!, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Greatest Showman, Mean Girls and more.
Tomkins Park, 17 Avenue and 8 Street S.W., 17thave.ca
