Days are getting longer, nights are getting warmer, and Perth’s outdoor cinemas are slowly kicking off their programs.
You might be someone who waits all year for the silver screen under the stars, or you’re just a film-buff chasing this year’s Oscar hopefuls – either way, Perth’s outdoor cinemas will be a must-visit this summer.
Rooftop Movies
Wednesday, October 28 – Sunday, March 14
Opening the season is Rooftop Movies, perched atop the Roe Street City of Perth carpark.
Park below and make your way to the roof, where new releases, cult classics and Christmas favourites lead the way for the first half of the program. The candy bar is fully stocked, and for something more substantial, this season debuts a brand-new menu of toasties and loaded fries.
Sporting names like Cheese the Man and The Pig Lebowski, these options are perfect for if you’re sneaking in an after-work session. Also unique to Rooftop Movies are the Sunset Yoga sessions, where an early showing is paired with slow stretching and Perth’s skyline.
Beanbags are standard, but we’d recommend upgrading to a double beanbed or deckchair for the best experience – more space, more comfort, and closer to the candy bar! Be sure to book in early for their week of free movies, scheduled in celebration of their 15th birthday.
Browse the program on our films guide, complete with session times.
Kookaburra Outdoor Cinema
Friday, October 27 – May
Head out to the Perth Hills for a cosy film under the stars at the Kookaburra Outdoor Cinema.
Surrounded by state forest and showing films throughout summer from Thursdays to Sundays, this screen charms locals and visitors alike. They’re BYO on food and drink, but you’ll be well looked after at the kiosk with plenty of snacks and choc tops to go around.
Telethon Community Cinemas
November – May
These community hubs can be found north, south and central for your convenience, hosting outdoor films in Joondalup, Bassendean, Murdoch and Burswood throughout summer.
With over $14 million raised to date, visitors can enjoy a night at the movies under the stars while supporting a great cause. Locations open gradually, with Murdoch opening the season with Whalefall on Thursday, November 12.
Classic snacks and pizzas are on offer, and beanbags and camper chairs can be reserved in advance to ensure a comfortable showing. New releases and Christmas films are on the agenda, but we’d keep our eyes on the free screenings coming up. Tickets are limited for these films, so keep the on-sale dates in your calendar!
Browse the program on our films guide, complete with session times.
Lotterywest Films – Somerville Auditorium
Monday, November 23 – Sunday, March 21
Returning this year as a beloved fixture in Perth Festival‘s program are the Lotterywest Films outdoor screenings, hosted at the University of Western Australia’s Somerville Auditorium.
Filmgoers will sit amongst towering pine trees at each showing, enjoying a program that deviates from the offerings of the other outdoor cinemas across the city. Each film screens for a week, the lineup comprising awards season hopefuls, international features and a WA-made documentary.
The season opens with The Debut, a buzzy comedy featuring a stellar performance from Julianne Moore, with most reviews indicating the Oscar for Best Actress is hers to lose. In the International Feature category, La Bola Negra (Penélope Cruz, Glenn Close) and Fjord (Renate Reinsve, Sebastian Stan) are frontrunners for a nomination, also screening at Somerville.
Browse the program on our films guide, complete with session times.
Luna Outdoor Cinemas
Thursday, November 26 – late April
In the Luna Leederville courtyard, hot nights bring cool movies. Independent cinema, cult classics and must-see documentaries make up their summer program, kicking off on Thursday, November 26, with Fox.
Luna’s Outdoor sessions are your best bet if you’re after screenings of films that might not be so mainstream – even so, there are plenty of special events, like a screening of the hit series Heated Rivalry set over two nights, an anniversary retrospective of Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth, and the perennial Christmas showing of Love Actually.
Pair that with a house-made choc top and a glass of vino, and you’re in for a special night.
Browse the Luna Palace program on our films guide, complete with session times.
Moonlight Cinema Perth
Thursday, December 3 – Sunday, March 28
Nestled in Kings Park’s May Drive Parkland is another fantastic outdoor film experience at Moonlight Cinema.
Programs are released month by month, with new releases and Christmas films on the December lineup. The sunsets and Kings Park scenery are impressive, and the menu is delicious – corn ribs, aranchini, nachos and more are available up to 15 minutes before the film starts.
Browse the program on our films guide, complete with session times.
