8 Free Outdoor Cinemas and Open Air Film Screenings in London (Summer 2025)
The weather is warm, your toes are in the grass, you’re sipping a cocktail in a can and grazing on a bag of percy pigs whilst watching Mamma Mia… peak summer in London.
Despite being an expensive city, there is actually an abundance of free things to do in London all year round. You just need to know what’s on so you can plan ahead!
Whilst some Open Air screenings across the capital are ticketed, you can catch free movies too. The main difference being that ticketed events usually mean you can reserve a seat, but the selection of films are often similar. So save yourself a few quid, and get there early to secure your spot at one of these free summer screenings!
8 Free Outdoor Cinemas and Open Air Film Screenings in London (Summer 2025)
Summer by the River, London Bridge
London Bridge hosts seasonal events Summer and Winter by the River every year, complete with themed drinks, snacks and entertainment. It’s the largest free arts and entertainment festival in the capital, and it’s definitely worth checking out.
Last summer we grabbed a cider in our ‘Summer by the River’ themed cups, sat and enjoyed the view in the sun – perfection! We also checked out the open air screen, which looked fantastic for kids.
This year you can catch screenings of movies such as Barbie, The Lego Movie, Back to the Future and more, all for free.
They are also hosting sing-a-long versions of family favourites such as Encanto, and family matinee double bill screenings.
As well as free movie screenings, there are free theatre productions, screenings of the Olympic games, choir performances and karaoke; check out the Summer by the River jam packed summer schedule here.
Screening times vary but usually start at 7pm.
Location: London Bridge, 110 The Queen’s Walk, SE1 2AA.
Screen on the Canal, Kings Cross
Grab your snacks and settle down by the canal to catch one of your favourite movies for free just a few minutes from Kings Cross station, whilst soaking up the summer ambience!
Before your screening, you can stop for a free game of boules, or ‘pentaque’ in Pancras Square, or listen to live music at the August festival ‘Kings Cross Summer Sounds’. Here are the latest
There are up to four screenings per day starting from 12pm, and they take place in July and August.
Location: Granary Square, Kings Cross
Family Film Club, Canary Wharf
Head to Canada Park Square for this Family Film Club, which takes place for the duration of the summer.
Screenings take place on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday, and the programme of films includes a wide range of genres, including cult classics, family favourites, sing-a-longs, Bollywood movies, and more.
Catch movies including Wicked, Mean Girls, the Lego Movie, Encanto and Mrs Doubtfire at Canada Square Park this summer – and remember to bring your picnic blanket!
Location: Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London, E14
Merchants Square, Paddington
Pop by the big screen in Paddington for a movie night under the stars. There are street food outlets and alcohol available to purchase – get there early to bag a deckchair as they are first come, first served!
Screenings are on Wednesdays from July through to September – click here to see the schedule.
Location: Merchant Square Big Screen, Paddington, London, W2 1JZ
Summer in Leicester Square
Did you know there’s a huge pop up screen in the middle of Leicester Square this summer, along with a licensed bar and stall selling strawberries and cream, along with other delicious sweet treats?
You can enjoy some of the latest sporting events, as well as a selection of family favourites and blockbuster movies for free every day.
Location: Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7LU
Waterloo
Lower Marsh Lates are running a series of open air cinema events starting from June, on the last Thursday of each month.
The programme includes:
- 26 June – Mamma Mia!
- 31 July – Dirty Dancing
- 28 August – Grease
Guests are encouraged to dress on theme for each movie, with prizes awarded to the best-dressed attendees, so get planning your outfits!
Location: 203 Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7FR
The BST Hyde Park and Vauxhall outdoor screenings have finished this year, but keep your eyes peeled for 2026!
More Open Air Ainema in London this Summer
If you’ve got a little more cash to splash on a outdoor cinema trip this summer, here are a few more London screenings to consider:
- Roof Top Film Club – Tickets from £17pp
- Barbican – tickets from £18pp
More budget friendly finds to enjoy this summer in London
If you’re looking to save a little bit more, here are some of my guides so you can have a budget friendly summer of fun!
- If you love an iced coffee, you can bag free tea, coffee and hot drinks
- Where to get your mits on free cocktails, beers and alcoholic drinks and every happy hour in London for the best 241 deals
- Workout for free using these free gym passes in London and beyond
- Did you know you can bag free theatre tickets in London by becoming a seat filler! It’s true!
- For dining tips and deals, check out these posts covering Wing Wednesdays and Taco Tuesdays offers
Final Thoughts: 8 Free Outdoor Cinemas and Open Air Film Screenings in London
There are so many free movies and events showing in London, so as long as you’ve done your research you’ll be able to plan the best summer on a budget!
Check out these free money offers for the best freebies and deals around, and follow me over on Instagram & Twitter for daily money saving tips and tricks!
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