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 outdoor movie screening events happening in Calgary this summer.
Outdoor Movies in Tomkins Park
When: July 14 to 16, 2023; August 11 to 13, 2023; September 8 to 10, 2023
From July to September, 17th Avenue S.W. is hosting three outdoor movie days per month in Tomkins Park. Expect western flicks like Walk the Line in July, classics like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in August and superhero movies like The Avengers in September.
Tomkins Park, 17 Avenue and 8 Street S.W., 17thave.ca
Gatsby’s Silver Screen Soiree
When: August 12, 2023
Local restaurant Shoe & Canoe is taking guests back to the 1920s with its Gatsby Silver Screen Soiree on its Stargazer Patio. The 18+ movie night will have concession items for purchase and a cash bar. Entry is free but you can reserve tickets online.
Stargazer Patio at Shoe & Canoe, 209 4 Ave. S.E., shoeandcanoe.ca
Movie with a View: Dune
When: August 18, 2023
Part of the BUMP Festival, this movie screening of the 2021 film Dune will be set against the Calgary skyline as you watch from the rooftop of downtown’s High Park. You’ll also be able to grab snacks at the event from food and drink vendors. Entry is free.
High Park, 340 10 Ave. S.W., yycbump.ca
Bowness Movie in the Park
When: August 19, 2023
Don’t miss this outdoor screening of The Super Mario Bros. Movie in Bowness. Before the movie from 5 to 9 p.m., shop from local vendors at a pop-up market. Then, order some mini doughnuts from the concession and settle in to watch the movie at 9 p.m.
7904 43 Ave. N.W., mybowness.com
Movie on the Rise
When: August 24, 2023
East Village’s Movie on the Rise event returns in August with a screening of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Bring a blanket and grab a spot on the hill for this free screening, which runs from 9 to 11 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Island, evexperience.com
Movie Night
When: August 26, 2023
Hosted by the West Springs/Cougar Ridge Community Association, this outdoor movie screening will feature food trucks, live music, trivia games and prize draws. The movie hasn’t been chosen yet, so check back to see what will be screening. You can register online for free.
West Springs Park, corner of 73rd Street and Westpoint Gardens S.W., wscr.ca
Movie in the Park!
When: August 27, 2023
This movie night, which will be screening Back to the Future, is hosted by Trico Centre for Family Wellness and Panther Sports Medicine on the Trico Centre’s ball diamond from 5 to 9 p.m. on August 27. Admission is free for members, or you can pay $20 for a family or $5 for a single admission. Be sure to register online in advance.
Trico Centre for Family Wellness, tricocentre.ca
Movie in the Park
When: September 8, 2023
The summer movie fun extends into September with the return of this annual Movie in the Park event. Bring a blanket and chairs (and buy some mini doughnuts) before watching Ratatouille at sunset.
Sunalta Community Hall, 1747 14 Ave. S.W., sunalta.net
Movie in the Park
When: September 8, 2023
Head to Prominence Park for an outdoor movie screening hosted by the Coach Hill Patterson Heights Community Association. While the final movie choice hasn’t been announced yet, it will be either The Goonies, Shrek, Back to the Future or E.T. Admission is free.
Prominence Park, chph.ca
[Note: This story was updated on August 9. 2023]