- Sydney’s outdoor cinema season is back, with films under the stars set to take over the city.
- From cosy beds to harbourside screens, there’s a cinema experience for everyone.
- Discover the best outdoor cinemas for the ultimate summer movie night.
Grab a picnic blanket and a mandatory bucket of popcorn – outdoor cinema season is nearly upon us!
It’s the best time of the year in the Sydney calendar: gorgeous balmy evenings mean that outdoor cinemas pop up across the city, screening everything from nostalgic romcoms to the latest blockbusters.
Although some notable outdoor cinemas have yet to announce their return to the city’s best grassy patches (including the Sunset Cinema Bondi and North Sydney), favourites including Mov’In Bed and Moonlight Cinema have already released their programming, and neither of them have disappointed.
And, of course, Westpac Open Air Cinema (aka the world’s most beautiful cinema) is back at Mrs Macquaries Point, with its movie lineup soon to be released.
Here are the best outdoor cinemas topping our list of things to do in Sydney this summer.
Westpac Open Air Cinema, Mrs Macquaries Point
The most iconic of Sydney’s outdoor cinemas, Westpac Open Air, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2027. Often dubbed “the world’s most beautiful cinema”, it will return from January 9 to February 19, transforming Mrs Macquarie’s Point into the ultimate movie-watching destination.
While the program won’t be announced until December 1, we can expect a stellar line-up of the latest blockbusters and much-loved classics. Last year, Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi made a surprise appearance at the opening-night screening of Wuthering Heights, so we’re excited to see what surprises the 30th-anniversary edition has in store.
Where: Westpac Open Air Cinema, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: January 6-February 19.
Price: Tickets go on sale December 14,
Mov’In Bed Outdoor Cinema, Pyrmont Bay Park
Mov’In Bed Outdoor Cinema will return to Sydney in December 2026, though this time it will take place harbourside in Pyrmont Bay Park after lighting up Barangaroo last season.
The premise is simple: enjoy the warm Sydney evening from the comfort of a cosy outdoor bed. You’ll settle into your designated mattress, put on your headphones and watch the screen come to life. And if the thought of leaving your bed to grab a snack sounds like too much effort, you’re in luck. Food and drinks can be ordered straight to your mattress, so you can enjoy the ultimate cosy night out without having to get up. Honestly, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Mov’In Bed Cinema has already released its movie line-up, which you can find here. We’re already super excited about the prospect of seeing How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days, The Odyssey, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping and Love Actually on the big screen.
Where: Pyrmont Bay Park, Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont NSW 2009.
When: December 4, 2026-March 28, 2027.
Price: Tickets range from $13-$80 per person.
Moonlight Cinema, Centennial Park
Centennial Park is booked and busy this summer, with the debut of a huge new concert series, plus the return of its beloved Moonlight Cinema.
Whether you’re keen to watch the latest blockbuster, cult classic or a family-friendly film, Moonlight Cinema is offering up a diverse program, featuring the recent Sense and Sensibility adaptation, the much-memed Olivia Coleman comedy, Wicker and Aaron Sorkin’s new companion piece to The Social Network, The Social Reckoning.
The cinema has a kitchen and bar on-site at the Belvedere Amphitheatre, Centennial Park. Cinema-goers can order food and drinks by QR code before the film, but you’re also welcome to pack your own picnic if you want to keep the price of the evening down.
If you want to seriously impress your date, check out Moonlight Cinema’s Premium Packages, which offer upgrades like special “bean beds”, skip-the-queue express entry, plus the ability to order to your seat.
Where: Belvedere Amphitheatre, Centennial Park (on the corner of Carrington Dr and Broome Ave), Paddington.
When: November 25-December 30.
Price: Tickets start at $27.50 for general admission.
Movies in the Park, Strathfield
While Strathfield’s Movies in the Park might be the under-the-radar option on this list, it’s also the only completely free outdoor cinema experience on our list.
The four-film lineup kicks off with The Magic Faraway Tree on November 7, followed by How to Train Your Dragon (2025) on November 21, Kung Fu Panda on February 13 and The Secret Life of Pets 2 on February 27. Grab a picnic rug, round up the family and enjoy a movie night under the stars without spending a cent.
Where: Strathfield Park, on the synthetic field closest to Homebush Road.
When: November 7 and 21; February 13 and 27.
Price: Free.
