Outdoor Cinema Food Fest
Heat waves in the Southland have us running for air-conditioned malls and movie houses, but have you ever thought of spending a balmy LA evening watching movies under the stars? As the drive in movie theater fades further into history, a new twist on the idea is popping up all over the LA area, just in time for summer. No matter what your cine tastes may be, there is something for everyone. So, here are a few select choices for movies sans theater.
Cemetery Dance Party
Cinespia has been showing movies in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery for 10 years. DJs spin before and after the movie, so there is more of a party vibe. That could also be because they allow alcohol. They pick great classic movies to show as diverse as Annie Hall, Rear Window, Ghostbusters and Evil Dead.
PROS
- It’s in a cemetery. Kinda cool, if you’re into that sort of thing.
- Great movie selection
CONS
- To park in the cemetery you have to prepay online.
- Bringing your own food is the only option
Check out their calendar for their upcoming screening schedule.
Tickets $10 & Parking $10.
T: @CINESPIA | FB: cinespia
Family Friendly
Old Town Pasadena has joined the fray for the outdoor movie game and they are winning the family vote. In great urban settings such as One Colorado or concrete parking garages, the city of Pasadena is putting on a show. Winning the family vote means screening family friendly titles like: The King and I, Sixteen Candles and Twilight (no Tarantino films here)… oh, and it’s FREE.
PROS
- Free
- Chairs are provided
- Cool Urban settings
CONS
- Unlike our other settings, there is no grass, so you don’t get that picnic vibe.
- No cult classics, only family fare, so if you’re not into musicals then maybe choose a different venue.
- Only Friday and Saturdays in July, so not as many opportunities to catch a screening.
See Calendar for screening schedule.
FREE.
T: oldpasadena | FB: OldPasadena
Hipster Gourmet
The Outdoor Cinema Food Fest wants your belly to be happy. Like the Cemetery screenings, they offer parking, grass & music… but that my friend is where the similarities end. If you have been itching to try some of LA’s gourmet food trucks, here is an opportunity to sample a few at once AND get your summer movie on. The movie selection reads like your dorm movie collection if you went to college in the last 15 years: Reservoir Dogs, Office Space, The Matrix, Fight Club, The Godfather. Alcohol and your dogs on a leash are permitted. Children under 5 are free, but check the schedule if you are not ready to expose them to Mr. Brown & Mr. Pink just yet.
Nacho Food Truck: Lamb and Carne Asada Nachos w Bacon Guacamole
PROS
- Food Trucks! Quintessential Los Angeles gourmet food trucks
(so you don’t have to over think the picnic thing)- Bring your furry friend. Dogs are allowed.
CONS
- Exposition Park has quite a few helicopters flying overhead.
- Food truck lines can get long & you should bring cash because not all of the trucks take plastic.
Check out their screening schedule online.
Tickets $10 | Parking $10
T: outdoorcinemafo | FB: outdoorcinemaff
Ninja Tips
- Bring low chairs: so you don’t obstruct anyone’s view
- Bring Blankets: picnic blankets / warmth for when the sun goes down / claims your space on the grass
- Get there early for the best seating: you can always picnic while you’re waiting
- Check Goldstar Events for deals on tickets
