How To See Outdoor Film Screenings For FREE 2025

Ever seen those amazing outdoor film screenings but thought they were so expensive? We’ve compiled a list to tell you how to access FREE outdoor film screenings with your whole family. Of course, you could borrow a projector and watch films for free in your garden, but if you’d prefer the experience of seeing a film at a proper outdoor cinema, keep reading.

Everyman Screen on the Canal – LONDON
One very central location for Londoners is Everyman on the canal – located in the heart of Kings Cross. Is Everyman on the canal free? Yes! Until 17th August you can watch: Finding Nemo, Coco, Encanto, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Grease, Parent Trap, Top Gun: Maverick, Bohemian Rhapsody all for free. You can get free Everyman cinema tickets to watch films outdoors. To see times click here.
Summer By The River – London Bridge City
Until 12 August, you can watch loads of fab family friendly films, such as The Lion King, Despicable Me 4, Wicked and more. Check out their listings, location and timing here.
Summer Screens – Canary Wharf
Canada Square Park becomes a buzzing summer hangout with Canary Wharf’s Summer Screens. From June through August, visitors can catch free outdoor showings of classics and modern hits such as Encanto, Matilda, and Mrs Doubtfire. With no tickets required, guests are encouraged to bring their own seating or grab a deckchair early. The well-maintained gardens, skyline views, and nearby restaurants add to the experience. See all their offerings here.
Summer Screens – Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens
Every Tuesday evening in July, Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens hosts vibrant outdoor film nights under the stars. Featuring blockbusters like Jumanji, Aladdin (2019), and Mean Girls. Guests can rent a deckchair or blanket for about £5, or bring your own. Booking ahead is advised, as these popular screenings often fill up.
Lower Marsh Lates – Waterloo
Running on the last Thursdays of June, July, and August, Lower Marsh Lates offers lively singalong screenings in the heart of Waterloo. Classic crowd-pleasers like Mamma Mia!, Dirty Dancing, and Grease come with live entertainment beforehand, creating a fun and free party atmosphere. See timings and more here.
BST Open House – Hyde Park
During the British Summer Time festival, Hyde Park’s Open House invites Londoners to enjoy free film screenings on its massive screen. From late June to early July, attendees can spread out on the grass to watch titles such as The Goonies, Harry Potter, and Dune II. There’s no ticketing or booking, so arriving early is key. See all those details and more here.
Merchant Square – Paddington
Until the end of September, Merchant Square’s canal-side screenings are a summer highlight in Paddington. They’re showing a whole host of films, including Moana 2, Wonka, Mamma Mia and more. They have free deckchairs, picnic zones, and street food trucks creating a laid-back vibe. Check out times here.
Films On The Green – Hounslow
Taking place across Hounslow in mid-June, Films On The Green brings cinema to public spaces with outdoor screenings of new favourites like Moana 2 and Wicked. These community-centric events use blow-up chairs and wireless headphones for a silent cinema effect, making it perfect for immersive yet neighbour-friendly fun. Entry is free, but advance booking is required.
Hammersmith Summer Festival – Hammersmith
Hammersmith’s Lyric Square transforms into a lively outdoor cinema during the summer festival. With a strong community focus and a mix of feel-good and family films, the event pairs well with street food and live entertainment. It’s a great option for West Londoners looking for a local, relaxed film night under the open sky. See their offerings here.
Square Cinema – Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s city centre comes alive in June with Square Cinema’s curated film lineup across a weekend. St Andrew Square becomes an urban retreat featuring daytime family favourites like Inside Out 2 and Paddington 2, and evening classics such as Gladiator 2 and Chicago. Guests can bring picnic gear and enjoy films in a charming garden setting. Hurry and check it all out here.
Sunset Outdoor Cinema – Portsmouth
Portsmouth’s Sunset Outdoor Cinema offers a summery film series throughout June and July in scenic local venues. With scheduled favourites like Grease, Singin’ in the Rain, and The Mercy, these screenings offer something for all ages. Entry is free or low-cost depending on the night, and visitors are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets and enjoy the sunset setting. See what’s on, when and where.
Queen’s Park Arena – Glasgow
Running through July and early August, Queen’s Park Arena in Glasgow hosts an eclectic series of free films as part of its “Cults & Classics” strand. Featuring movies like Frozen, The Silence of the Lambs, and Matilda, the event welcomes audiences of all ages to a beautiful hillside amphitheatre. The venue often includes family-friendly activities, making it a cultural summer hub for the city. See everything you need to know here.