When the warm weather rolls in, there’s no better way to make the most of a balmy Melbourne evening than by watching a movie under the stars. From rooftop screenings overlooking the city skyline to family-friendly lawn cinemas surrounded by gardens, Melbourne’s outdoor cinema season is one of the highlights of summer.

Whether you’re after a romantic date night, a fun family outing, or a casual hangout with friends, Melbourne has an incredible variety of open-air cinemas to suit every mood. Think beanbags, food trucks, fairy lights and blockbuster films, all set against the backdrop of the city’s most beautiful parks and rooftops.

This year’s lineup of outdoor cinemas promises something for everyone. So grab your picnic blanket, settle in with your favourite snacks, and get ready for a magical night of movies under the Melbourne sky.

The Best Outdoor Cinemas in Melbourne

1. Moonlight Cinema

Running from December 2025 through to April 2026, Moonlight Cinema returns to the Central Lawn at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Bring your picnic or upgrade to bean beds, select from family-friendly flicks and brand-new releases, and enjoy the lush garden backdrop by night.

Location: Central Lawn, Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne

2. Classic Rooftop

Perched above Classic Cinemas, the Classic Rooftop screens new releases and cult favourites all summer.

The rooftop bar opens an hour before showtime, deck chairs are provided, and you can cosy up with a blanket (available to buy) as the sun sets over Melbourne. Idyllic!

Location: 9 Gordon Street, Elsternwick

3. Lido on the Roof

For a relaxed outdoor cinema with a view, Lido on the Roof returns for the 2025/26 season with a deck, rooftop bar and curated film line-up.

Expect a mix of Hollywood blockbusters, family films, and classics—all served with fresh air and skyline views.

Location: 675 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn

4. Outdoor Cinema at Fed Square 

Fed Square’s free open-air cinema is a summer feature in Melbourne, offering major blockbusters and special themed nights in the heart of the city. The lineup is out for their Christmas Outdoor Cinema, with more featured from January to March.

Grab a blanket, bring snacks, and settle under the city lights. Just be sure to arrive early to secure a deck chair!

Location: Fed Square, Melbourne

5. Sunset Cinema at St Kilda

Located in the picturesque St Kilda Botanical Gardens, Sunset Cinema lights up summer nights from January to March.

Families can bring blankets or low-back chairs to lounge on the lawn, enjoy food truck treats, and watch film screenings under the stars!

Location: St Kilda Botanic Gardens, 11 Herbert St, St Kilda

How to Pick Your Perfect Outdoor Movie Night

• Arrive early: Especially for free sessions like Fed Square, arrive ahead of time to get a good spot.

• Dress smart: Even summer nights can get chilly, so bring a blanket or layers just in case.

• Bring a snack or upgrade: Most venues allow BYO picnic setups, while rooftop sessions often have bar options or food trucks.

• Check weather & start time: Outdoor cinema may be cancelled or rescheduled in case of storms or strong winds. Each venue advises checking its website on screening day.

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