Lights, camera, action! The best outdoor summer movie showings (and drive-ins!)

Photo: Nicholas Erwin/Flickr

An outdoor movie experience is the summertime activity, with picnic blankets spread wide, snacks galore, and the thrill of watching a film on the big screen without needing to ward off the chill of an indoor theater. Check out these outdoor showings and drive-in theaters around town – and don't forget your popcorn!

Outdoor movie showings

Movies at Magnuson Park

The weekly PEMCO Movies at Magnuson Park begin on July 9 and run until August 27. Not only are the movies hosted at picturesque Magnuson, the program brings a rotating lineup of food trucks to the event every week. This summer, they’ll be playing Back To The Future, Big Hero 6, UP, Guardians of the Galaxy, and The Princess Bride. Check website for dates. Movies play Thursdays at 7 pm, except for the last two weeks of the series, which start at 6:30 pm. $5 per person, kids under 5 are free. 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, 98115

Fremont (Almost Free) Outdoor Cinema

Fremont’s nearly-free outdoor movie program kicks off with a free screening of Elf on July 10. Kid-friendly showings later in the summer include Ghostbusters on August 15 and The Lego Movie on August 29. Check out the food carts as well as $5 beers. $5 online, $10 at the door. 3501 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, 98103

Movies in the park

The Parks Department is hosting a few free outdoor movies this summer at parks around the city. Movies will be played at sunset, with some pre-movie activities starting at 6 pm.

At Cascade Playground in August, check out Big Hero 6 on August 21 and Paddington on August 28. 333 Pontius Ave N, Seattle, 98109

At Bell Street Park, see Into the Woods on August 8 and 101 Dalmatians on August 15. 3rd Ave and Bell St, Seattle, 98121

Movies at the Marina

Head to Shilshole Bay Marina in August for free showings of Finding Nemo on August 14 and Pirates of the Caribbean on August 21. 7001 Seaview Ave NW #100, Seattle, 98117

Bellevue Outdoor Summer Movies

From July 7 to August 25, check out free weekly movie showings at Bellevue's Hidden Valley Park. 1905 112th Avenue NE, Bellevue, 98004

Movies at Marymoor Park

From July 8 to August 26, there are weekly Wednesday movie showings at Marymoor with food trucks and free glow necklaces for the first 200 guests. Tickets are $5; parking will run you an additional $5. Check out The Goonies on July 8, Big Hero 6 on July 29, Grease on August 12, Tangled on August 19, and Guardians of the Galaxy on August 26. 6046 W Lake Sammamish Parkway NE, Redmond, 98052