As the temperature drops during the summer nights, it’s the perfect time to get cozy and enjoy a film under the stars. From local drive-ins to a projector in Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square, there are a number of ways to catch an outdoor movie. There’s something about watching a movie from the bed of a truck or in on a blanket in a park that you just can’t get in a traditional movie theatre. Read on for our guide to local outdoor movie venues in the Toronto area. 

City Cinema, Yonge-Dundas Square

City Cinema is well-anticipated among residents of the downtown core. Last year, movies were shown in Yonge-Dundas Square every Tuesday on a projector attached to the performance stage. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer night in the heart of the city.  This year, the lineup is slated to include flicks like The Blues Brothers and The Truman Show. 

Photo: alyssa.bertram from Instagram

Under The Stars: Movies in the Park, Regent Park

Hosted by the Regent Park Film Festival, Under The Stars is an outdoor screening series every Wednesday. Running this year from July 12 to August 16, the event features music and activities such as yoga and dance classes before the flick. If you arrive early you can catch Taste of Regent Park, a community event which will showcase the food, culture and art of the diverse neighborhood.

Sail-In Cinema, Sugar Beach

The Sail-In Cinema is a two-sided screen that floats on a raft at Toronto Harbour. This unique cinematic experience allows viewers to watch from land or lake. You can make yourself comfortable on land at Sugar Beach or, if you’ve got a boat, anchor down in Lake Ontario. The event is for three days only, from August 17-19. Torontonians are invited to vote for the movie they’d like to see online.

Christie Pits Film Festival, Christie Pits

Every Sunday from June 25 to August 20, Christie Pits Park will transform into an outdoor cinema. Presented by the Christie Pits Film Festival, this year’s theme is Eyes On The Prize and films will be about competition and beating the odds. The roster of featured films is set to include Bring It On and West Side Story.

Photo: stephrachelgomes from Instagram

5 Drive-In, Oakville ON

Less than an hour outside of Toronto, is the 5 Drive-In Theatre in Oakville. While drive-in theatres were all the rage in the 50s and 60s, outdoor cinemas like as this one still manage to succeed in a world of Netflix and on-demand movies! 5 Drive-In features three screens and each night, two films are shown on each of them. There’s something nostalgic about filling the car with your friends, driving in and spending a night watching movies and snacking on popcorn.