Summer Cinema is a series of outdoor movies in Burnaby. Most of the events take place at Civic Square on select days in August and September. Admission is free.
Summer Cinema is just one of several events featuring free outdoor films in the Lower Mainland. Sunset Cinema outside Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Wednesdays in August, for example, is another one.
To learn about other free movie opportunities at other venues, see our article about Free Outdoor Movies. To learn about the free films at Civic Plaza in Burnaby, continue reading.
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! No tickets or reservations are required. Organizers just recommend bringing your favourite snacks and something comfortable to sit on. Most people bring blankets or chairs.
In 2023 Summer Cinema ran on Fridays between August 4th and September 1st. The weekly events are usually at Civic Square located outside the Bob Prittie Burnaby Public Library at 6100 Willingdon Avenue. The exact dates for movie screenings in August and September, 2024, are to be confirmed.
This past year, there was also one extra movie night at a different location. Continue reading for more information, including 2023’s full Summer Cinema schedule.
2023 Movies Schedule
In 2023 there were five Summer Cinema events at Civic Square. The movies at this location began at 8:15 pm. The full schedule is below.
- 4th of August (Friday) – The Wizard of Oz
- 11th of August (Friday) – The SpongBob Movie: Sponge on the Run
- 18th of August (Friday) – Spies in Disguise
- 25th of August (Friday) – The Lost City
- 1st of September (Friday) – West Side Story
The extra Summer Cinema event in 2023 was held on the last Saturday of August. Unlike the movie nights listed above, the Saturday event took place at Edmonds Park located at 7433 Humphries Avenue. The show that night began at 8:30 pm.
- 26th of August (Saturday) – Shazam! Fury of the Gods
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. Other free attractions include Burnaby Village and Central Park. There’s also lots of shopping to do at Metrotown. In 2023, Marvel Avengers Station was at the Amazing Brentwood Mall.
Other Information
For more information about Summer Cinema, visit the City of Burnaby‘s website.
To learn about similar events in other areas of Metro Vancouver, check out our article about Free Outdoor Summer Movies. For the same information organized by date, see our Free Outdoor Movies Calendar.
To learn more about the area, see our article about the City of Burnaby.
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
- Free Summer Concerts
- Vancouver on a Budget
- Vancouver Shows and Entertainment
- Summer Activities in Vancouver
