A Guide To Adelaide’s Summer Outdoor Cinemas

Gone are the days where everyone flocked to the drive-in, crammed into a hot car to watch Home Alone with the family. The days where you may have lost your gum in the backseat of your car while fighting with your sibling, where your neck got sore peering around the headrest that was positioned conveniently in front of you.

These days most people just chill at home and catch the latest movies on demand, but there’s something better!

I’m talking about moonlit cinemas—where you grab your mates, a picnic basket of your favourite nibbles, a bottle of SA’s best, and settle in for a great night. Where watching a flick is still a social affair and you get to soak up the best of summer. Unless, of course, you were at the Moonlight Cinema screening of Christmas Party last year with us, when the lightning storm forced everyone to flee for their lives.

I digress.

Sitting under the stars is a pretty amazing way to watch a film. And Adelaide is delivering, so we’ve made a guide just for you.

American Express Open-air Cinema

From November 23 to December 16
American Express Open-air Cinemas are coming to Adelaide’s CBD for four weeks of cinema under the stars at their brand new central venue at Riverbank Lawn. They’re bringing a fully licensed bar packed with Giesen Wines, 4 Pines beers, Pimms and Black Devil Cider, Chimichurri authentic Argentinian cuisine and the latest and greatest films—so get on down to the river for the ultimate after work session. Tickets start at $14 and are on-sale now via their website or Facebook events page.

Moonlight Cinema, Botanic Park

From December 8 to 17 February
Australia’s favourite open-air cinema showing advance screenings, new release, and cult films in the Botanic Park, Adelaide is back. With Bean Beds available, ‘Gold Grass’ tickets, and a screening of Love Actually… there are many reasons to pop on by!
Cost: Seniors & kids $12.50, students $14, adults $17, Connoisseur Lounge $30, Gold Grass Package $35
More info 

Uleybury Wines Sunset Cinemas

From January 10 to February 9
The Sunset Cinema is back with all the classics. From Pretty Woman to Peter Rabbit and Labyrinth, we’re sure this event is not to be missed. In gorgeous surroundings, with wood oven pizzas, antipasto and dips, a bar and music on the lawns, the Sunset Cinemas are looking really exciting this year. Tickets from $10. More information here.

Marion Cultural Centre Outdoor Movies

From December 21 to January 25
Family event on at the MCC Plaza from sunset. Bring your own chair. Signatures Cafe open for light refreshments. And it’s free!
Tickets and info here.

Movie On The Oval, Norwood—Saving Santa

December 15
Round up the family for a night at the movies and catch a free screening of Saving Santa at the open air cinema at the Coopers Stadium Oval. Get there early to enjoy roving entertainment, live music, food, and drinks. Bring your rugs and a picnic and enjoy a free movie under the stars. The movie will start at 7pm until 10:30pm. And it’s free!
Tickets and info here.

Nuriootpa Pool Outdoor Cinema

December 8
This event sounds perfect for the whole family. Screening the movie Wonder, the night will also include a free raffle, games, giant water balloon fight, hotdogs, popcorn and slushies (all for a gold coin donation). All you have to do is BYO picnic rugs, blankets and pillows. Cost: $5 per person or $20 family pass. The proceeds going towards new chairlift at the Rex.

Civic Park Outdoor Cinema

From 11 January to 8 February
Civic Park Movies is a free outdoor cinema experience at Civic Park, Modbury. With five movies in the season, this is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. Each night features free entertainment from 6:30pm including inflatable fun, face painting, and more. Food vendors will be on site to cater to all of your dinner and movie snack needs! The movie starts around 8:30pm, depending on sunset time, and is free for all. More info here.

We’re sure there will be more to come, so we’ll keep you updated. And if you know of any other outdoor cinema events, let us know!