Movies in Civic Square

Summer Cinema is a series of free outdoor movies in Burnaby. The events take place at Civic Square and Confederation Park on select days in August.

Summer Cinema is just one of several events featuring free outdoor films in the Lower Mainland. Another is Sunset Cinema outside Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Wednesdays in August.

See our article about Free Outdoor Movies to learn about other free movie opportunities at other venues. Continue reading to learn about the free films at Civic Plaza in Burnaby.

Summer Cinema Movies in Burnaby

Summer Cinema is a family-friendly set of events in Burnaby. The city’s movie nights take place at outdoor locations during the summer. Best of all, they’re all free, and you don’t need a reservation. We recommend bringing your favourite snacks and something comfortable to sit on. Most people bring blankets or chairs.

Last year’s Summer Cinema ran on Fridays and Saturdays between August 15th and 29th. 2026 dates are to be confirmed. Some of the screenings happen at Civic Square outside the Bob Prittie Burnaby Public Library at 6100 Willingdon Avenue. The other events take place at Confederation Park at 250 Willingdon Avenue.

Continue reading for more information, including last year’s full Summer Cinema schedule.

Movies Schedule

In 2025 there were three Summer Cinema events at Civic Square. The movies at this location screened on Fridays and began at 8:30 pm. The full schedule is below.

August 15th, 2025 – A Minecraft Movie
August 22nd, 2025 – The Tiger’s Apprentice
August 29th, 2025 – If

The other two Summer Cinema screenings in 2025 happened at Confederation Park. Movies at this location began at 8:15 pm.

August 16th, 2025 – Dog Man
August 23rd, 2025 – Moana 2

Some of the movie characters from the movies can be in costume on the day of the individual screenings. Cinema goers are encouraged to come early, before the moving screenings, to meet them. You can meet and greet your favourite characters between 6:45 pm and 8:15 pm. There are also roving entertainers between these times.

Tips & Advice

The following advice is good to know before you go to a Summer Cinema event.

TIP #1: For the movie nights at Civic Square, there’s usually free parking at the Bob Prittie Metrotown Library. It’s an underground parkade with a three-hour limit, which makes it perfect for Summer Cinema. Space, however, is limited (so go early if you want to find a spot).

TIP #2: The movie showings take place rain or shine. If the forecast calls for a cold or rainy day, be sure to bring jackets or umbrellas.

TIP #3: If you’d like to turn a movie night into a full day trip, there are other things to do in Burnaby while you’re there. Some free attractions include Burnaby Village and Central Park. There’s also lots of shopping to do at Metropolis at Metrotown.

Other Information

Visit the City of Burnaby‘s website for more information about Summer Cinema.

Check out our article about Free Outdoor Summer Movies to learn about similar events in other areas of Metro Vancouver. See our Free Outdoor Movies Calendar for the same information organized by date.

Check out our article about the City of Burnaby to learn more about the area.

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