Friday, May 29, 2015

Summer Outdoor Movies in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley (2015)

The summer wind came blowin' in and with it comes some really fun things to do all around Los Angeles.  When the sun goes down, outdoor movies are one of my favorite activities during the summer.  There are places all around the area that offer a one of a kind experience while watching a good flick with family, friends, and neighbors! I love getting a little picnic together before I go, packing my favorite goodies from places I have been meaning to try or some of my all time favorite haunts.  I usually bring low lawn chairs, blankets, jackets and a picnic basket overflowing with all my favorite goodies.  Be ready for a great time beneath the stars while you watch some of your all time favorite flicks.

 1.  Cinespia (Hollywood Forever Cemetery) (map)

I know this isn't in the valley, but it's too unique not to mention right out of the gate.  Want to hang out and watch a movie with Rudolph Valentino, Cecil B. DeMille, Jayne Mansfield and Douglas Fairbanks? *disclaimer- yes this is a cemetery, but no it is not morbid or weird.  You sit on the Fairbanks lawn not on top of any graves and watch a movie projected onto the large wall.  It is AWESOME I promise! and so very L.A. - you will not find this anywhere else but here in Hollywood. There is usually one of L.A.'s hottest DJ's spinning music pre- show and the atmosphere is electric. Watching the people come with a variety of picnic's is almost as fun as watching the movie. This is a place for adults and older teenagers, as alcohol is allowed.  (website)
        
Prices $14-$25
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
6000 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA

Upcoming Shows

 Vertigo Sat 5/30
Doors: 6:45 pm / Show: 8:30 pm

Harold and Maude Sat 6/06
Doors: 7:15 pm / Show: 9:00 pm

 Fantasia + Fantasia 2K Sun 6/07
Doors: 6:30 pm / Show: 7:30 pm

Do the Right Thing w/ Questlove Sat 6/13
Doors: 7:15 pm / Show: 9:00 pm

The Wizard of Oz Sat 6/20
Doors: 7:15 pm / Show: 9:00 pm

 Showgirls Sat 6/27
Doors: 7:15 pm / Show: 9:00 pm

The Goonies + Fireworks Fri 7/03
Doors: 7:15 pm / Show: 9:00 pm

Top Gun + Fireworks Sat 7/04
Doors: 7:15 pm / Show: 9:00 pm

A Hard Day's Night Sat 7/11
Doors: 7:15 pm / Show: 9:00 pm

Grindhouse (Death Proof + Planet Terror) Sat 7/18
Doors: 7:15 pm / Show: 9:00 pm

Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory (1971) Sat 7/25
Doors: 7:15 pm / Show: 9:00 pm

2. Cal State University Northridge (map)

 This is right on the Oviatt lawn at the beautiful CSUN campus. There is plenty of room to spread out, bring the kids, visit the campus there are ponds with turtles and ducks, a dinner picnic and snacks are essential. There are also a few food trucks if you decide to go last minute.  It is a fun evening for all and a great way to spend Thursday Night. 
CSUN (Website)
18111 Nordhorf
Northridge, CA 

*Price Free









Next four movies coming up: 

 June 4: Clueless
June 11: The Princess Bride
June 18: The Lego Movie
June 25: The Avengers


 3. Warner Center Park (map)

 As kick back and enjoyable as Summer. Bring food and drink - there is also a small play area if the kids need to stretch.
Warner Park (Website)
5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd
Woodland Hills, CA 91367

*Price Free






Upcoming Movies:

August 1- The Lego Movie
August 8- The Muppets Most Wanted
August 15- Paddington
August 22-Big Hero 6
 
4. Americana at Brand (map)

There are so many places to eat here that I recommend eating an early dinner at one of the wonder full restaurants. Katsuya for Sushi,  Bourbon Steak, Bar Verde, or a host of others from Mexican to Pizza.  Order dessert to go - hit Starbucks or Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf for coffee or tea, get a cupcake from Sprinkles then find a seat on the lawn in time for a movie and you have the perfect date night. Or bring the kids - set them up on the lawn with dinner from Deluca's while you and your spouse sit down for a nice dinner. 
Americana at Brand (Website)
889 Americana Way
Glendale, CA
Next three movies coming up:

July 3- Grown Ups
July 10-The Smurfs
July 17-Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs




5.  Street Food Cinema

Cool Movies.  Tasty Trucks. Good Music.  Hosted at various locations throughout the city.  Movies start at 8:30 pm and bands start performing at 6:30 pm.  (website)*Prices $15 general - $20 reserved


Movie Schedule:
June 13: “Rebel Without a Cause” (1955), Glendale Central Park, 201 E. Colorado St., Glendale
June 13: “American Beauty” (1999, R), Syd Kronenthal Park, 3459 McManus Ave., Culver City
June 20: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986, PG-13), Eagle Rock Recreation Center Field, 1100 Eagle Vista Drive, Los Angeles
June 20: “The Interview” (2014, R), Exposition Park, 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles
June 27: “Bridesmaids” (2011, R), Will Rogers Polo Grounds, 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road, Pacific Palisades
June 27: “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981, PG), Verdugo Park, 1621 Canada Blvd., Glendale
July 4: “Jaws” (1975, PG), Brand Library Park, 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale
July 11: “Old School” (2003, R), Syd Kronenthal Park, 3459 McManus Ave., Culver City
July 11: “Purple Rain” (1984, R), Eagle Rock Recreation Center Field
July 18: “The Wedding Singer” (1998, PG-13), Victory Park, 2575 Paloma St., Pasadena
July 18: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975, R), Exposition Park
July 25: “The Royal Tenenbaums” (2001, R), Will Rogers Polo Grounds
July 25: “Election” (1999, R), Poinsettia Recreation Park, 7341 Willoughby Ave., Los Angeles
July 25: “Raising Arizona” (1987, PG-13), Glendale Central Park
Aug. 1: “Dirty Dancing” (1987, PG-13), Victory Park
Aug. 1: “Office Space” (1999, R), Westchester Park, 7000 W. Manchester Ave., Los Angeles
Aug. 8: “The Sandlot” (1993, PG), Verdugo Park
Aug. 8: “Heathers” (1988, R), Exposition Park
Aug. 15: “Sixteen Candles” (1984, PG), Victory Park
Aug. 15: “The Big Lebowski” (1998, R), Syd Kronenthal Park
Aug. 22: “Legally Blonde” (2001, PG-13), Glendale Central Park
Aug. 22: “The Shining” (1980, R), Will Rogers Polo Grounds
Aug. 29: “Beetlejuice” (1988, PG), Marriott Golf Course, 1400 Park View Ave., Manhattan Beach
Aug. 29: “Cruel Intentions” (1999, R), Victory Park
Sept. 5: “True Romance” (1993, R), Poinsettia Recreation Park
Sept. 12: “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999, PG-13), Glendale Central Park
Sept. 12: “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982, PG), Victory Park

6. Eat/See/Hear Outdoor Cinema Food Fest

This is a traveling Cinema event - complete with Food Trucks, music and good times. Check out the website for more details. (Website)









Scheduled Movies:

 June 13: “The Grand Budapest Hotel” (2014, R); The Autry in Griffith Park, 4700 Heritage Way, L.A.
June 20: “Edward Scissorhands” (1990, PG-13); Santa Monica High School Memorial Greek Amphitheater, 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica
June 27: “Annie Hall” (1977, PG); Santa Monica High School 
July 4: “Jaws” (1975, PG); Santa Monica High School 
July 11: “Back to the Future” (1985, PG); Centennial Square, Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave., Pasadena
July 18: “Three Amigos” (1986, PG); The Autry
July 25: “Love Actually” (2003, R); Santa Monica High School 
Aug. 1: “Wet Hot American Summer” (2001, R); The Autry
Aug. 8: “Clueless” (1995, PG-13); Centennial Square
Aug. 15: “The Breakfast Club” (1985, R); The Autry
Aug. 22: “The Karate Kid” (1984, PG); La Cienega Park, 8400 Gregory Way, Beverly Hills
Aug. 29: “Reservoir Dogs” (1992, R); The Autry
Sept. 5: “Fight Club” (1999, R); The Autry
Sept. 12: “The Princess Bride” (1987, PG); Centennial Square

7.  North Hollywood International Film Festival Outdoor Summer Movie Series  (website) *Price Free













Movies Scheduled:

June 13: The Princess Bride - North Hollywood Park
July 3: Rocky - North Hollywood Park
July 25: Babe - Jamie Beth Slavin Park 
Aug. 22: Guardians of the Galaxy - North Hollywood Park
Sept 19:  Spy Kids - Victory/Vineland Rec Center


8.  Electric Dusk Drive In (map)

Los Angeles' hippest movie venue is an old-school drive-in movie theatre set against the skyline of Downtown L.A.   Complete with a full service Snack Bar, and audio right in your own car.

Electric Dusk Drive In (Website)
1000 San Julian Street
Los Angeles, Ca 90015

*Price-$9 per person for lawn or $13 per person in a car






Upcoming Movies:

June 13: “9 to 5” (1980, PG)
June 20: “The Big Lebowski” (1998, R)
July 11: “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982, PG)
July 18: “Clue” (1985, PG)
Aug. 1: “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981, PG)
Aug. 15: “The Princess Bride” (1987, PG)
9.  The Hollywood Bowl

Although technically this is a musical amphitheater, they do schedule films during their summer season where the Hollywood Bowl orchestra will play music along with a film.  If you've never experienced this, you must come this season.  It's amazing!  The orchestra's musical timing is impeccable. 

Hollywood Bowl (website)
2301 Highland Blvd.
Hollywood, CA

*Prices vary based on seat selection







Movies this summer:

10.  Agoura Hills Movies in the Park (map)

Family friendly atmosphere. Bring treats for the kids.

Movies in the Park (Website) 

For more information on the Agoura Hills Movies in the Park series, please call the Agoura Hills Recreation Center at (818) 597-7361.





 Well that about wraps up my list of favorite outdoor summer movie places.  If you hear of any other spots around town showing movies this summer, please be sure to share.

 See you around the valley!

Madison Moore is a regular blogger for RadioSFV.com. She has lived in the San Fernando Valley her entire life and is a true California Gurl.  You can usually find her out and about in the valley especially if there is food involved. She loves to work out (mostly so she can eat whatever she wants).  Lover of music, movies, travel and comedy, hiking, Christmas in New York City, theme dressing, Starbucks, quinoa salad, rock climbing, Adam Levine, cheetah print, sushi, Saturday Night Live, The Godfather and men's cologne.  Can often be heard saying, "that's my jam" and "Let's Rage" (nobody really knows what that means tho). She loves to drive with the windows down and the music loud.  She is fiercely loyal to those she loves and “watches” the scary parts of movies with her eyes closed.

Posted by