It’s that time of year again—Downtown Vancouver is turning into an open-air movie paradise, and the best part? It’s totally free.
Just bring yourself (and maybe a few friends, snacks, and something comfy to sit on) to either the plaza outside Queen Elizabeth Theatre, known as šxwƛ̓ exən Xwtl’a7shn, or the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza, also known as šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square, to catch your favourites on the big screen—under the stars.
A SUMMER TRADITION
Two major series are bringing the movie magic to downtown: Vancouver Civic Theatres (VCT) and Downtown Van. Both are offering free outdoor films with pre-show entertainment, and each has its own vibe.
Vancouver Civic Theatres is hosting its annual “Summer on šxwƛ̓ exən Xwtl’a7shn” series, with their Sunset Cinema event showing movies every Wednesday in August. Think a mix of family-friendly favourites and cult classics, all screened at Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza. Pre-show DJ sets by MangoSweet start at 7:00pm, and films begin at dusk. So grab your blankets, pillows, and lawn chairs, and get cozy.
Want to explore more of VCT’s Summer on šxwƛ̓ exən Xwtl’a7shn events? Check out our full guide here.
Over at the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza, Downtown Van’s “Summer Movie Nights” are running from July 3 to August 14, 2025. Picture yourself surrounded by skyrises and city lights as you take in the movie night vibes. The fun kicks off at 5:00pm with live music, games, food trucks, performances, and more. Once sundown hits around 9:00pm, it’s movie time.
MOVIE SCHEDULE
We’ve compiled a full list of dates and their respective films so you can check which days you’re definitely going Downtown this summer!
- July 3 – Bring It On (Summer Movie Nights)
- July 10 – The Wild Robot (Summer Movie Nights)
- July 17 – Little Women (Summer Movie Nights)
- July 24 – Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (Summer Movie Nights)
- July 31 – The Wizard of Oz (Summer Movie Nights)
- August 6 – Shrek (Summer on šxwƛ̓ exən Xwtl’a7shn)
- August 7 – Wicked (Summer Movie Nights)
- August 13 – The Wild Robot (Summer on šxwƛ̓ exən Xwtl’a7shn)
- August 14 – Inception (Summer Movie Nights)
- August 20 – Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark (Summer on šxwƛ̓ exən Xwtl’a7shn)
- August 27 – Mean Girls (Summer on šxwƛ̓ exən Xwtl’a7shn)
