Lights, cameras, outdoor cinemas in London.
It’s sunny. It’s not raining — well, not yet anyway. Forget about watching films at home or in the cinema. Instead, head to one of these outdoor cinemas in London, which can be found everywhere from rooftops to riversides. Enjoy experiences ranging from Top Gun surrounded by planes to Wicked: For Good next to greenery. Ponchos are optional. Popcorn is essential.
Barbican Outdoor Cinema, Barbican
Do you want to see Janet Jackson in London? Well, you almost can. At the Barbican, this outdoor cinema season celebrates film in all its forms, bringing together cult favourites, international gems, concert documentaries, anime, coming-of-age classics and science fiction. From Spike Lee to David Byrne, audiences can expect a rich mix of styles and stories. The line-up includes Arrival on 19 August 2026, Offside on 20 August 2026, Atlantics on 21 August 2026, Weathering With You on 22 August 2026, Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster on 23 August 2026, The Florida Project on 25 August 2026, Pierrot le Fou on 26 August 2026, Poetic Justice on 27 August 2026, Beautiful Thing on 28 August 2026, Desperately Seeking Susan on 29 August 2026, and David Byrne’s American Utopia on 30 August 2026.
Where: Barbican, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS
When: 19 to 30 August 2026
Price: Tickets from £20
Contact: www.barbican.org.uk
Everyman on the Canal, King’s Cross
It’s time to get swept away by this magical outdoor cinema in London. Located by the canal, Everyman on the Canal returns to King’s Cross. Running from 29 June to 16 August 2026, it brings together a brilliant mix of classic and contemporary films. Expect crowd-pleasers like Grease, Paddington, The Devil Wears Prada and Dune: Part One, alongside live Wimbledon screenings and summer specials. Opening night kicks off with a DJ Yoda set. Best of all, screenings are free – arrive early to secure a beanbag.
Where: Everyman on the Canal, Granary Square, King’s Cross, London
When: 29 June to 16 August 2026
Price: Free
Contact: www.everymancinema.com
Kew The Movies, Kew Gardens
This is where flowers and film come together in perfect harmony. Adventure Cinema brings blockbuster favourites to the stunning setting of Kew Gardens for Kew The Movies. Enjoy a joyful mix of sing-alongs, classics and family favourites, including Wicked: For Good on 18 June, Dirty Dancing on 19 June 2026, Encanto sing-along on 20 June 2026, and a trio of films on 21 June 2026. Picnics and blankets are very much encouraged.
Where: Kew Gardens, Richmond, London TW9 3AE
When: 18 to 21 June 2026
Prices: Tickets from £18.48
Contact: www.kew.org
Lower Marsh Lates, Waterloo
Get ready for those Waterloo sunsets. Lower Marsh transforms into a lively street party with outdoor film screenings, entertainment and food stalls. Screenings take place on the last Thursday of June, July and August, with a nostalgic ‘90s theme: Cool Runnings on 25 June, Romeo + Juliet on 30 July and Mrs Doubtfire on 27 August. Expect costume competitions and prizes for the best-dressed guests.
Where: Lower Marsh, Waterloo, London SE1 7RG
When: 25 June, 30 July and 27 August 2026
Price: Free
Contact: www.lowermarshmarket.com
Nuveen Big Screen, Liverpool Street
It’s coming home, thanks to Devonshire Square’s newly redeveloped Central Courtyard. Enjoy film and sport screenings during the week. Settle into deckchairs on the lush lawns and refuel at the pop-up bar with drinks. Films include Battle of the Sexes on 18 June 2026 and Frida on 25 June 2026. There are also screenings of cricket, football and tennis. Best of all, film tickets are free but must be reserved in advance, while sports screenings require no booking.
Where: Devonshire Square, Liverpool Street, London
When: 11 June to 16 July 2026
Price: Free
Contact: www.dsq.london
Propellers and Popcorn, RAF Museum
Get ready for take-off. For the ultimate aviation-themed cinema experience, head to the RAF Museum in Hendon. Screenings include Top Gun on 22 August and Top Gun: Maverick on 23 August. Visitors will be surrounded by real aircraft and encouraged to BYOS. That’s bring their own seating, though some will be provided. Tickets include popcorn and a soft drink, with VIP packages offering museum tours and access to aircraft exhibits.
Where: RAF Museum, Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5LL
When: 22 to 23 August 2026
Price: Tickets from £10 to £40
Contact: www.rafmuseum.org.uk
Vauxhall Summer Screens, Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens
Enjoy riverside views at Vauxhall Summer Screens, set in the leafy surroundings of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. There are free outdoor cinemas in London, and this is one of them. The cinema runs every Tuesday evening from 8 to 29 July. Films include Zootropolis on 7 July, Clueless on 21 July and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again on 28 July. Expect food stalls, drinks, karaoke and plenty of space for picnics under the evening sky.
Where: Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, Vauxhall, London SE11 5HL
When: 8 to 29 July 2026
Price: Free
Contact: www.beinvauxhall.com