Ian CheesemanOutdoor Movies in Toronto: A Complete Guide
The first outdoor movie screening in Toronto was held at the CNE in 1913, a testament to the city’s long history of outdoor cinema. By 2023, the city has over 20 different outdoor movie series, taking place in parks, squares, and other public spaces.
Looking for a chill movie night outdoors? We’ve listed the best outdoor movie screenings in Toronto to help you find what you’re searching for.
Outdoor Movies in Toronto: A Complete Guide
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
Website: https://www.topictureshow.com
Address: Various locations
Also known as TOPS, the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show (TOPS) is a non-profit organization that presents free outdoor movie screenings in Toronto. It was founded in 1998 by a group of film enthusiasts who wanted to bring free outdoor cinema to the city.
The shows are held at various locations throughout the city, including Fort York National Historic Site, Bell Manor Park, and Christie Pits Park. The screenings are held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in June, July, and August.
Pro tip:
Since the event is held in multiple locations, check the schedule first to avoid missing the movies you intend to catch.
Regent Park Film Festival: Under the Stars
Website: https://rpff.ca
Address: 620 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON M5A 3S4
Contact details: +1 416-599-7733
Organized by the Regent Park Film Festival, or RPFF, Under the Stars is a free outdoor film screening series that prominently features BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of colour) narratives on screen.
The festival is held at the Big Park in Regent Park, a community in downtown Toronto. Screenings take place at sundown for a chill and intimate atmosphere.
Pro tip:
Arrive early! The screenings are usually packed, so it’s better to find a good spot while seats are still available.
College Park: After Hours
Website: https://downtownyonge.com
Address: 444 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 2H4
Presented by the Downtown Yonge BIA, College Park: After Hours is an outdoor movie series that takes place in College Park, a public square in downtown Toronto. It features classics like Hairspray, Space Jam, and School of Rock.
Apart from the iconic movies, the event also features a farmers’ market, a pop-up art gallery, and a kids’ zone with games and crafts. Screenings start at 7 PM and are completely free to attend.
Pro tip:
Take advantage of the farmers’ market. You won’t see the local vendors in one spot on a regular day.
Rosedale BIA: Movies in the Park
Website: https://rosedalemainstreet.ca
Address: 1020 Yonge St & Ramsden Park Rd, Toronto, ON M4W 1P7
Contact details: +1 647-342-0821
Rosedale BIA: Movies in the Park is a free outdoor movie series that takes place at Ramsden Park in the Rosedale neighbourhood of Toronto. It’s presented by Rosedale BIA and features family-friendly films like Encanto and Minions: The Rise of Gru.
The event also features a complimentary popcorn stand and a draw for the best seats in the house. To enter the draw, patrons must provide proof of purchase of any item from one of the BIA merchants within the day of the event.
Pro tip:
Check their website for a complete lineup of the films. They usually announce a few weeks in advance so people won’t miss the dates.
Lavazza IncluCity Festival
Website: https://icff.ca
Address: Distillery District
Contact details: +1 416-893-3966
Organized by the Italian Contemporary Film Festival, or ICFF, the Lavazza IncluCity Festival is an annual film festival that celebrates diversity and inclusion in cinema. It takes place in Toronto’s historic Distillery District.
It features a variety of films from around the world, including feature films, documentaries, and short films. The selected films often explore themes of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and social justice.
Pro tip:
Unlike other entries, this festival features films that may have explicit content. Keep that in mind before bringing your kids to the screening.
TD Union Summer Movie Nights
Website: https://torontounion.ca
Address: 55 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E6
Contact details: +1 416-338-0889
Presented by TD Bank, TD Union Summer Movie Nights is a free outdoor movie series that takes place at Union Station in Toronto. The movies are shown on a large LED screen at Union Station’s west side.
They screen family-friendly movies like The Incredibles 2, The Lion King, Moana, and The Little Mermaid. In addition to the movies, the event also features a variety of food trucks and vendors.
Pro tip:
Union Station is a transit hub, so a lot of people come and go. Be aware of your surroundings at all times to avoid losing anything.
Evergreen Brick Works Open-Air Movie Nights
Website: https://www.evergreen.ca
Address: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 3X8
Contact details: +1 888-426-3138
Hosted by Evergreen Brick Works at their community centre, Open-Air Movie Nights is a free outdoor movie series that features family-friendly classics like WALL-E and The Lorax. Admission is free, but you can donate to help the organization.
There are drinks and treats available from the Snack Shack and the Sipping Container starting at 5:30 PM, about half an hour before the screening begins.
Pro tip:
The event features a variety of free activities, such as live music, games, art activities for kids, and nature walks before the movies start.
Leslieville Movie Night in the Park
Website: https://www.visitleslieville.ca
Address: 1158 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1L2
Contact details: +1 289-597-8867
Organized by Leslieville BIA, Movie Night in the Park is an outdoor movie series that takes place at Leslie Grove Park in Toronto. Screenings start at 8 PM and are free to attend.
They screen family-friendly films, such as animated classics and exciting adventure movies. It’s held in a beautiful outdoor setting and features local vendors selling tasty snacks and drinks.
Pro tip:
Leslieville is a vibrant neighbourhood. Explore the area before or after the screening!
The Beach BIA: Family Movie Night in the Beach
— From: @richardsgroupremax and @markrichards2499
Website: https://to-thebeach.com/
Address: 2075 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4E 2N9
Contact details: +1 416-693-2242
Hosted by The Beach BIA at Kew Gardens Park, Family Movie Night in the Beach is a free outdoor movie series that features iconic family-friendly blockbusters. The movies are screened on a large LED screen at dusk.
They also have various local food vendors and a licensed bar where guests can stock up on snacks and drinks before the movie starts. It’s a great way to support small businesses while enjoying fun movies with your family.
Pro tip:
You’re right by the beach! Make the most out of your day by doing other fun activities before the screening.
