Perth’s Best Outdoor Cinemas To Kickback At This Summer

At Urban List, we're big believers that one of the best things you can do on a warm summer night is settle in for a movie under the stars. And with Perth's fave outdoor cinemas upping the ante each year with festival-like venues, gourmet food and drink, and live music, there's plenty of top options.

If you're yet to experience the balmy charm of an outdoor film, your timing couldn't be better, because there's a stacked lineup of cinematic releases headed our way this summer. Hold space for the scandalocious magic of Wicked: For Good (coming out 21 November), reunite with some furry friends in Zootopia 2 (coming out 26 November), and throw your popcorn at the screen watching Five Nights At Freddy's 2 (coming out 5 December). Whatever you choose to settle in for, you'll be living your best open-air cinema life. 

Lucky for you, we've rounded up some of Perth’s best outdoor cinemas to fill your summer with.

Moonlight Cinema

May Drive Parkland Kings Park, Perth

Image credit: Moonlight Cinema | Supplied

It's a big call, but we'd confidently say Moonlight Cinema is responsible for the outdoor movie renaissance. Every summer, green spaces all across the country are transformed into dreamy, beanbag-strewn havens where blockbusters and Aperol spritzes go hand in hand. 

Here in Perth, it's at the iconic Kings Park and Botanic Garden sets, offering sweeping city views and plenty of space to stretch out with your mates and a picnic. Moviegoers can hit the beanbags from December through to March, with the program certain to be stacked with Christmas classics, cult favourites and the year’s biggest new releases, including 'Wicked: For Good' and 'Eternity.' This year, they're celebrating 30 years of outdoor movie magic, and are encouraging audiences to vote online for their fave nostalgic films to return to the big screen (fingers crossed for a Mamma Mia sing-along). 

Word to the wise: I caught the latest Bridget Jones flick here last summer with my mate Jord and, despite it being the middle of summer, we were both drastically underdressed. Pack layers, folks—the temps drop fast once the sun does.

INSIDER INTEL​

• You can BYO snacks, non-alc drinks, rugs and deck chairs, or buy/hire everything on-site
• It’s a bit of a walk from the car park, so don’t bring anything you can’t carry comfortably in one trip

Rooftop Movies

68 Roe Street, Perth

Image credit: Rooftop Movies | Supplied

A retro garden paradise above the streets of Northbridge, Rooftop Movies is one of Perth's most iconic open-air cinemas.

Perched six storeys above Northbridge on the top of the Roe Street carpark, this sky-high setup serves up cult classics, new releases and themed throwbacks under the stars, with the option of plush beanbags or low-slung deck chairs to keep you comfy. 

Beyond the big screen, you'll find food trucks and pop-ups slinging epic eats (like Benedict’s Burgerbuns); a bar pouring sky-high wines, frothies and cocktails from local faves like Idle Hands; and a good old-fashioned candy bar, because what is a movie without popcorn and a choc top? 

INSIDER INTEL​

• The 2025-2026 season is running through 'til March, so check out the upcoming programs and grab your tickets here
• Book your tickets early, the 'theatre' fills fast

Somerville

35, The University of Western Australia, Stirling Highway, Crawley

Image credit: Perth Festival | @jessicawyld

Located at the ivy-laden grounds of the University of Western Australia and a stone's throw from the Swan River, Somerville Outdoor Cinema may just be Perth’s prettiest alfresco movie spot. Picture rows of comfy beach chairs nestled between pine trees, fairy lights twinkling overhead, and food huts serving up tasty treats to keep those hunger pangs at bay.

But don’t come here expecting the usual blockbuster lineup of latest-release films. Instead, the movie program here is part of Perth Festival's annual Lotterywest Film Season, showcasing fresh international films that spark conversation and linger in your mind long after the credits roll. Kicking off on 24 November and rolling to 29 March, you've got plenty of time to book in a film, from French dramedy Nouvelle Vague to Norwegian romance Drømmer. 

INSIDER INTEL​

• From Monday 5 January 2026, the box office is going cashless (but you're good to get rid of your loose change until then!)
• Picnicking is a beloved pre-film ritual here. Pack your basket full of snacks and snag a spot on the grass to soak up the ambience before showtime

Rendezvous Film Club

148 The Esplanade, Scarborough

Image credit: Rendezous Hotel | Supplied

Up 24 stories above the buzz of Scarborough beach atop the iconic Rendezvous Hotel, there's a rooftop cinema with views so good you might forget the film’s even started.

The Rendezvous Film Club is making its glorious return for the 2025/26 summer season, and we're in for a serious treat, with their stacked Christmas lineup including pretty much every festive classic you can think of, from the wholesomeness of Love Actually to the chaos of How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Expect plush seats, ocean breezes, movie-themed cocktails and gourmet snacks that make popcorn feel basic. 

Come for the film, stay for the Indian Ocean view, and then head on back down to the Esplanade to debrief over a night cap at the Peach Pit. 

INSIDER INTEL​

• We've said it before and we'll say it again: bring plenty of layers and a blanket for when the sea breeze inevitably hits 
• Scarborough’s full of spots to sip and snack before or after the film 

Telethon Community Cinemas

Various Locations

Image credit: Telethon Community Cinemas | Instagram

Feel-good flicks and feel-good vibes, that’s what you’ll get at the Telethon Community Cinemas. These beloved pop-up cinemas are not only cheap, cheerful and licensed, they also donate 100% of profits to kids in need through the Telethon Foundation.

You can pack your own picnic, but with all sorts of cinema snacks on offer at very reasonable prices, you won’t need to. This includes beef pies, cheese packs and Domino's pizzas available for pre-order. The bars are licensed, too, with beer, cider, wine and bubbly on offer, and you’ll be doing a good deed while sipping.

Catch a screening under the stars at four venues across Burswood, Bassendean, Murdoch and Joondalup, just don’t forget the bug spray and a blanket.

INSIDER INTEL​

• Keen to give back? Volunteer applications are open now
• BYO food is welcome, but no BYO alcohol

You might also like:

• The Best Things To Do In Perth This Weekend
• Perth's Best Cinemas
• Things To Do With Kids In Perth

Galaxy Drive-In Theatre

159 Goollelal Drive, Kingsley

Image Credit: Perth To Do | Instagram

There' something undeniably romantic about watching a movie under the stars from the comfort of your car. At Galaxy Drive-In Theatre, the old-school drive-in experience is alive and thriving, and unlike most other open-air cinemas, this nostalgic gem screens movies all year round.

It's not just reserved for hot dates, though. I went with my housemate last year with a boot full of pillows, blankets and enough snacks for a small army. We parked up early, got comfy and had a mini picnic in the car 'til the film started. It’s a fun, affordable and effortless way to mix up your usual routine. 

INSIDER INTEL​

• It's one of the few outdoor cinemas open year-round (yep, even in winter)
• Tune your radio to 89.5FM for the film audio
• Gates open at 6:30pm, get in early for a front-row spot

Northbridge Piazza

142 Lake Street, Northbridge

Image credit: Northbridge Piazza | Supplied

During the warmer months, Northbridge Piazza transforms into a lively hub for free outdoor movie screenings that bring the community together under the stars. While there’s no need to book ahead, the coveted beanbags are in high demand and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early definitely pays off. If you miss out on a beanbag, no worries: bring your own picnic rug, cushions, or camping chairs and carve out your own cozy spot on the grass.

The relaxed set-up here means you can BYO your favourite snacks and drinks (just skip the alcohol), or grab takeaway from any of the nearby eateries and settle in for a laid-back night of cinema. Whether you’re kicking back solo, with friends or the whole family, it’s a perfect way to enjoy the balmy Perth evenings without spending a cent. 

INSIDER INTEL​

• Beanbags are limited and are snapped up fast—get in early to claim yours
• There's also something interesting playing on the permanent LED screen, so it's worth swinging by when you're in Northbridge even if you can't commit to an entire film 

Luna Outdoor Cinema

163 Oxford Street, Leederville 

Luna Palace Cinemas | Facebook

Tucked behind the iconic Luna Cinema and guarded by a cheeky brigade of garden gnomes, Luna Outdoor is the perfect place to spend a balmy summer night. This alfresco gem specialises in indie flicks fresh off the festival circuit, perfect for film buffs craving something a little offbeat.

This season, they're entering summer with their usual cinephilic flair by opening on Thursday 4 December with Rental Family, a film that has charmed international crowds and serves as a cinematic love letter to Tokyo (bookings are available now). This opening night will also feature music from RTRFM Dj Nicole Filev, complimentary sushi platters from Tsuke-ba, $11 Japanese beer specials, Idle Hands Drinks Co. cocktail tastings, and free samples of Frudi's chocolated coated raspberries.

The food and drink offerings are just as considered as the programming. Pair your movie with a decadent cheeseboard, gooey choc bombs, expertly crafted cocktails and the obligatory tubs of popcorn that you can smell from Oxford Street. 

INSIDER INTEL​

• Beanbags and deck chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis
• Watch out for special themed nights and director Q&As to elevate the experience

Movies In The Hood 

Disbrey Park, Scarborough

Image Credit: City of Stirling | Instagram

Some movie cinemas are all the more special because they're temporary, and Movies In The Hood is one of Scarborough's favourite traditions despite only being in town for two nights. Nestled in Disbrey Park and courtsey of General Public Food Co., there sits an open air cinema complete with food stalls, a pop-up bar (no BYO alc), and the buttery movie staple, popcorn. And it's all ready to be enjoyed under the twinkling Scarborough stars. 

Friday 12 December will showcase the chaotic shenanigans of Whoville's biggest hater, The Grinch, diving into Christmas headfirst. Friday 13 February will see this elusive theatre pop up again, this time featuring a neurodiverse-friendly screening of The Lion King, working with Ocean Heroes to offer lower volume, softer lighting, and more space to move for low-sensory inclusivity. The gates will open at 5pm with live music on both nights, and the movies start rolling at sunset. 

INSIDER INTEL

• These nights always sell out, so I'd book online now for $10 adult tickets and $5 kids
• Definitely recommend bringing a low festival chair to plonk down in, but no high folding chairs are allowed
• You can order food online to avoid queueing up!