Where to watch outdoor movies in Raleigh

Five places around Raleigh, NC to watch outdoor movies, including monthly events and a film festival.

The outdoor amphitheater at Raleigh Little Theatre.

Watch a movie under the stars at Raleigh Little Theatre.

Photo by RALtoday

Grab your picnic blankets, because we’re going to the outdoor movies. Save this list for the next time you’re in the mood to watch a film under the stars. Pro tip: Don’t forget bug spray.

Moore Square, 201 S. Blount St., Raleigh | Next up: “Shang-Chi: The Legend of the Ten Rings” on Friday, May 5 | Free | Pop-Up Carolinas hosts a free movie screening the first Friday of every month in conjunction with its local vendor market. Bonus: Keep an eye on the Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s calendar for Cinema in the Square screenings.

Dorothea Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Dr., Raleigh| Next up: “Inside Out” on Saturday, May 6 | Free | Head to Flowers Field for Movies on the Lawn and a view of downtown’s skyline. Arrive early, because there are often family-focused events and a wide selection of local food trucks.

Longleaf Film Festival, NC Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh | Next up: Multiple films on Friday, May 12 | Free | Movies-N-Moonlight is an outdoor screening featuring local independent films ranging from three to 18 minutes.

Raleigh Little Theatre, 301 Pogue St., Raleigh| Next up: “Transformers” on Thursday, May 25 | Pay what you can | Movies are screened outside in the Stephenson Amphitheatre. Come hungry, because Movies in the Garden has a great lineup of food trucks this year.

North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh | Next up: “Do the Right Thing” on Saturday, June 17 | Free for members, $7 for nonmembers | This outdoor film series, featuring popular and Oscar-nominated movies, is hosted at the Joseph M. Bryan, Jr. Theater in the Museum Park. Bonus: You can preorder picnic boxes filled with sandwiches, salads, sides, and bottled water (with additional beverages available).