Fun Sydney Outdoor Cinemas for Summer 25-26

Outdoor cinemas are a simple, fun way to finish a summer’s day in Sydney. Each year more pop‑ups join the programme, so below I’ve pulled together the key details for 2025–26: what’s on, where to go and what it costs. I’ve highlighted free sessions, dog‑friendly venues and BYO rules where they apply.

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Mov’in Bed

Mov’in Bed turns ten and returns to Barangaroo’s Harbour Park with a beach setup, real beds under the stars and chef‑made food delivered to your bedside. Expect a large outdoor screen, wireless noise‑cancelling headsets, and a relaxed night on the sand or in a bed.

This year’s lineup is packed with blockbuster hits like Gladiator II and The Joker: Folie à Deux, along with timeless classics and themed nights, making it Sydney’s ultimate summer cinema experience. Relax under the stars and indulge in food and drinks delivered directly to your bed—from handmade pizzas to frozen cocktails and local wines, all ordered via a QR code on your bedside table.

Seating options:

• Sand: budget‑friendly spots on the beach.
• Beds: queen and king options for pairs or small groups.
• VIP King Bed: an upgraded experience with extra comfort

Tip: Arrive early to get settled before sunset and make the most of the service.

Season dates: 28 November 2025 – April 2026
Where: Harbour Park, Central Barangaroo
Cost: from $12 (sand); from $45 (bed)

Moonlight Cinema – Centennial Park

Moonlight Cinema returns to Centennial Park for its 30th birthday season, and this year the crowd helps pick the line-up. “The People’s Program” invites you to vote for your favourite classics and cult hits, with the top choices screening in Sydney from late January through to the end of the season. Voting is open until 15 December, and voters receive 30% off General Admission for People’s Program sessions plus entry to a prize draw.

Highlights:

• Christmas Favourites (9–23 December): crowd-pleasers like Love Actually, Elf, Home Alone and The Holiday.
• Family Flicks: A Minecraft Movie (22 Nov), How to Train Your Dragon (7 Dec), Zootopia 2 (26 Dec), Moana 2 (28 Dec).
• New releases and previews: A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (21 Nov), Freakier Friday (23 Nov), Good Fortune (25 Nov), Bugonia (2 Dec), Eternity (preview, 3 Dec), Wicked (6 Dec), Wicked: For Good (27 Dec).

Vote for The People’s Program and see the full Sydney schedule at moonlightcinema.com.au.

Seating and extras:

• Singapore Airlines Gold Grass: prime viewing, express entry and food/drinks delivered to your seat.
• Connoisseur Lounge: reserved area with bean beds plus a Connoisseur gourmet ice cream.
• General Admission: bring a picnic rug and settle in under the stars.

Tip: Films start after sunset but arrive when gates open for a good spot. 

The cinema is at the Belvedere Amphitheatre, with gates open at 7pm. The movies start between 8 pm and 8.30pm depending on sunset times. Dogs are allowed on a leash and you can BYO your own food and drinks, making this a budget-friendly venue.

Season Dates: Friday 21 November 2025 – Sunday 5 April 2026 (closed Mondays)
Where: Belvedere Amphitheatre, Centennial Parklands
Cost: Adults $24–$54
Transport: Buses from the city or Bondi Junction stop near the Woollahra Gates on Oxford Street, the closest entry to the Belvedere Amphitheatre.

Westpac OpenAir Cinema – Sydney Harbour

Set on Mrs Macquaries Point with views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Westpac OpenAir Cinema is a summer blend of film, food and Sydney lifestyle. From early evening the harbour’s edge comes alive with al fresco dining and bars, then at dusk a giant three‑storey screen rises from the water. Expect comfortable seating, 4K projection and Dolby digital surround sound.

Dining is offered across three areas: The Point, Chandon Garden and Summer House. The full 2026 film program will be released on Friday 28 November, with dining collaborators to be announced.

Season Dates: 9 January – 24 February 2026
Where: Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point (Royal Botanic Garden Sydney)
Cost: To be confirmed (see westpacopenair.com.au)

Access: Via Mrs Macquaries Road (note: Botanic Garden gates close at 8pm; after this, use Mrs Macquaries Road)

Sunset Cinema Bondi Pavilion

Sunset Cinema returns to Bondi Pavilion’s Dolphin Court with six weeks of outdoor movies, Tuesdays to Sundays. Expect a mix of new releases, family favourites and Christmas classics, with gates opening from 6.30pm. Dogs are welcome on a lead.

Highlights:

• New and recent releases: Wicked: For Good, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, Good Fortune, Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, and Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Story.
• Family picks: Finding Nemo and Kangaroo.
• Specials: One Ocean Film Tour – Volume 5, plus The Beach.
• Christmas season in December: Love Actually, The Holiday, Elf and Home Alone.

Food and drink: Promenade Beach Bar is serving picnic-friendly options (vermicelli noodle salad, burrata with tomatoes, and snack packs like schnitzel burgers or fish and chips), plus sweets including a honey and walnut cake and a chocolate brownie. There’s a fully licensed bar with cocktails, G&Ts, seltzers, wines and beers.

The Fever-Tree Lounge offers front-row premium Bean Loungers, bottomless popcorn and a complimentary G&T or premium Fever‑Tree soda. Comfy bean bags are available across the venue.

Tickets and full program: Visit sunsetcinema.com.au

Season Dates: Tue–Sun, 13 November – 20 December 2025
Where: Dolphin Court, Bondi Pavilion
Cost: $29 adults; $24 concession; $16 kids; add a bean bag $15; VIP seating + drink $30

Sunset Cinema North Sydney – North Sydney Oval

While best known as a home to cricket or football each summer, North Sydney Oval’s Starlight cinema screens over 30 movies. Watch from the lawn, rent a chair or bean bed and if it rains, head for the stands to watch the end of the film. Gates open at 6.30 pm, films start at last light.

Tip: Great for last-minute seats as this large cinema is rarely sold out although the lounge package does.

BYO food and soft drinks – no glass or alcohol allowed or grab a meal from the Greens who will provide on site catering each night.

Dates: Announcement coming
Cost: TBC
Public transport: Bus from North Sydney or Wynyard Station
Visit the Sunset Cinema website for the program

Manly Open Air Cinema – ICMS (St Patrick’s Castle)

Set at the historic St Patrick’s Castle (ICMS), Manly Open Air Cinema is a three‑night pop‑up blends films with ocean views, live music and happy hour at the Aperol Spritz bar. Bean bags and local food vendors make it an easy summer night out.

Highlights:

• Fri 12 Dec, 7:45pm: Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
• Sat 13 Dec, 7:45pm: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
• Sun 14 Dec, 7:30pm: Home Alone
• Gift a Movie Ticket option available

Season Dates: 12–14 December 2025
Where: ICMS, St Patrick’s Castle, Manly
Cost: From $30

Free Outdoor Cinemas in Sydney

Laneway Cinema returns for its fifth season, turning The Rocks’ cobblestone lanes into a free midweek movie night under the stars. Settle into a bean bag or deck chair and enjoy cult classics, indie favourites and “Popcorn with a Purpose” supporting local charities.

November highlights(Millennia l Throwbacks):

• 12 Nov: Final Destination
• 19 Nov: Superbad
• 26 Nov: Can’t Hardly Wait
• “Popcorn with a Purpose” (November proceeds go to Studio A)

While there is no grass to sit on, cosy bean bags and comfy deck chairs will save you from the hard cobblestones. Check the schedule here.

How it works: Entry is free. For the best seats, register for a free ticket in advance; walk‑ins are welcome on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

Season Dates: Wednesdays, 12 November 2025 – 25 February 2026 (film at 7pm; doors 5:30pm)
Where: Atherden Street, The Rocks (just off George Street)
Cost: Free, tickets released each Monday for the following Wednesday

Movies In The Park Strathfield

We’re excited to announce that Movies in the Park is back at Strathfield Park on select Saturday nights!

Starting on Saturday, 25th October 2025, you can enjoy a free movie under the stars with family and friends. Just pack a picnic, grab a blanket or chair, and head over to the top synthetic field near Homebush Road.

Free family fun across the summer!

More outdoor cinemas across local council areas will be added when they are released.

Google maps of outdoor cinema locations

View Sydney Outdoor Cinemas on a larger map

Visit Transport Info for public transport information.