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.
With outdoor cinema season around the corner, we've rounded up some of Perth’s best outdoor cinemas to fill your summer with.
Moonlight Cinema
May Drive Parkland Kings Park and Botanic Garden, 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.
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 starts in October and runs through 'til spring, so check back for the movie times in a few months
- 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 spots. 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. We’ll be back with the full program for the 2025/25 season as soon as it’s announced.
INSIDER INTEL
- The season runs from November through to April, giving you plenty of time to soak it all in
- 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 will be back for the 2025/26 summer season later this year, but if the last few years' screenings are anything to go by, we're in for a serious treat. 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
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Galaxy Drive-In Theatre
159 Goollelal Drive, Kingsley
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 start. 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 cen
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
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.
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.
The full program is set to drop soon with sessions kicking off sometime in December, so keep your calendar clear and your eyes peeled.
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
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Image credit: Rooftop Movies | Miles Noel Photography