Beat the Heat With Cheap Seats
As Summer Approaches, D.C. Unveils Options For Free Outdoor Movie Entertainment
It’s that time of year again. No, we’re not talking about pool parties or Nationals games.
’Tis the season for free outdoor entertainment. And with movie prices soaring toward a fat Andrew Jackson, Washingtonians should capitalize on the city’s free movie screenings.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and a picnic spread with some Bud. No cash necessary, but bug repellent is recommended.
Be sure to cut out this article and stick it to your fridge. Here’s a list of a few to look for:
Screen on the Green
Returning to the National Mall for its 13th year, Screen on the Green kicks off July 25 with a free viewing of the appropriately titled “In the Heat of the Night.”
Sponsored by HBO and Comcast, the free Monday night movies begin about 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will take place on the Mall between Eighth and 14th streets Northwest.
Get there early to find a seat. Individual screenings have drawn thousands of people in the past.
July 25: “In the Heat of the Night”
Aug. 1: “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”
Aug. 8: “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”
Aug. 15: “Cool Hand Luke”
NoMa Summer Screen
There’s a new reason to celebrate “Humpday” — besides the fact that it’s the day before Thursday, the day before Friday.
The North of Massachusetts Avenue Business Improvement District (NoMa Bid) shows a free outdoor movie every Wednesday at 9 p.m. in the grassy area on L Street between Second and Third streets Northeast.
Past themes included time travel, James Bond and music in film, and screenings have attracted about 300 people each week. The NoMa Bid dubbed this the summer of the train — a smart theme considering the screenings’ location overlooking the Metro, Amtrak and Marc train tracks.
Venders sell barbecue and ice cream a few hours before the movie.
June 8: “North by Northwest”
June 15: “Slumdog Millionaire”
June 22: “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”
June 29: “Planes, Trains & Automobiles”
July 6: “Ghostbusters 2”
July 13: “Darjeeling Limited”
July 20: “Some Like it Hot”
July 27: “Taking of Pelham 123”
Aug. 3: “The Incredibles”
