Free summer movies in the Washington DC region (2015)

One of the cool things about summer in this region is there are many outdoor events taking place. Throughout the District and the surrounding suburbs in Virginia and Maryland, you can easily find free or inexpensive entertainment. Movies are a popular theme and there are many free screenings to be found throughout the area.

Washington D.C.  

There are a lot of free events often going on downtown and summertime brings out the movies. Many kid-friendly and other classic films are shown throughout the city.

"Screen on the Green" - Sponsored by HBO and Comcast, this annual summer Monday night tradition - now in its 17th year - continues down on the National Mall. The first movie showing will be on July 20 and subsequent showings every Monday at sunset. WTOP has full listings.

"Films at the Stone" – Outdoor Movies at the Martin Luther King Memorial. About.com noted in 2014 it was a new event. Films about humans "living out the legacy of democracy, justice, hope, and love during difficult situations" is the theme and in 2015 films to be shown are:

• "Black or White" June 18
• "Annie" (2014 version) July 16
• "Selma"  Aug. 27 

More information can be found on The Memorial Foundation's website.

Once again, the NoMa (North of Massachusetts Avenue) neighborhood (located between Union Station, the Capitol, Shaw, and the H Street) is offering its series of summer movies. 2015 has a new location - NoMa Junction @ Storey Park (1005 First Street, NE). The series kicked off on May 27 and will continue through Aug. 19. See official website for movie schedule and other details.

Virginia

There are many free movie events throughout Northern Virginia from Arlington out to Loudoun County. 

Alexandria will host its "Comcast Outdoor Film Festival" down at the waterfront on July 17 & 18, showings will be "How to Train Your Dragon 2" and "X-Men: Days of Future Past" respectively on each night.

"Centreville Starlight Drive-in Cinema". A tradition every year during the month of August (located at 5875 Trinity Parkway), this year's features includes the classic film "The Sting" for its Aug. 1 kickoff and subsequent weeks include an Aug. 8 showing of "How to Train Your Dragon 2", Aug. 15 "Frozen", Aug. 22 "Big Hero 6" and Aug. 29  "Paddington".

"South Riding Movie Night" is held on alternate Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout July and August, kicking off on June 24 with "Annie". Tuesday night movies are held at the South Riding Center and Wednesdays at Town Green, located at 43055 Center St., South Riding. For more information, check their website.

As an additional mention, Northern Virginia Community College's Manassas campus is offering films throughout the summer on its "Family Fridays". Admission is $3, but free for NOVA students, faculty and staff. See the full schedule at official website.

DC Outdoor Films has a nicely put together list of free movies in the District and Northern Virginia; they also share a number of other free movie showings throughout Maryland too. Worth a look!