Sunset Cinema is a series of free outdoor movies that take place in the plaza outside Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Wednesday evenings in the summer.
In 2025 the free outdoor movies take place in the plaza on August 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th.
For a list of free films showing in different communities around the Lower Mainland, see our article about Free Vancouver Outdoor Movies. Other articles that might be of interest include Vancouver on a Budget, Free Events in July, and Free Lower Mainland Outdoor Concerts. To learn about the films happening outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre this summer, continue reading.
Vancouver’s Sunset Cinema
Sunset Cinema is hosted by Vancouver Civic Theatres which is owned and operated by the City of Vancouver. The organization manages the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Orpheum, Vancouver Playhouse, ANNEX and šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn (formerly known as the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza).
Four free movies show in the plaza in front of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in the summer of 2025. The theatre is located at 630 Hamilton Street. The plaza itself is on West Georgia Street across from the CBC Building and kitty-corner to the main Vancouver Public Library.
A film shows every Wednesday in August of 2025. This year’s schedule is listed below. The shows start at dusk and the times given below are approximate.
- 6th of August, 2025 – Shrek at around 9:00 pm
- 13th of August, 2025 – The Wild Robot at around 8:45 pm
- 20th of August, 2025 – Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark at around 8:30 pm
- 27th of August, 2025 – Mean Girls at around 8:15 pm
The films are shown on a large inflatable screen. Bring your own blankets or chairs to sit on, and pillows too if you want. Pre-show entertainment begins at 7:00 pm.
Sunset Cinema Video
To get an idea of what the Sunset Cinema event looks like, check out the video below. It shows scenes of the event from 2022. There was also free face painting and live music before the film.
Tips & Advice
Below are some suggestions and things to know to help you make the most of your outdoor movie experience.
TIP #1: Take public transit if you can. The Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain Station is close, and Vancouver City Centre Station isn’t too far either.
TIP #2: Take a blanket or warm sweater. It can get cool in the evenings, especially in the second half of August. Bring your own chair too if you can.
TIP #3: Arrive early to get a good seat.
TIP #4: In the past, the Queen Elizabeth Theatre has sometimes (but not always) set up a bar and licensed area outside prior to the show. If you want an adult (19+) beverage, be sure to take photo ID.
TIP #5: If your hearing is an issue, sit close to one of the speakers.
TIP #6: Another free series of events outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in the summer is Dance Dance Dance. If you like dancing and want to learn new steps, check it out too.
Other Information
For more information about the movies and other events, see the Vancouver Civic Theatres website.
For details about other similar film opportunities, see our article about Free Vancouver Outdoor Movies.
Free live music performances take place all over the Lower Mainland too. To learn about them, click Free Outdoor Concerts.
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
- Vancouver Civic Theatres
- Downtown Vancouver Hotels
- Vancouver Restaurants
- Lower Mainland Festivals & Events
- Vancouver Shows & Entertainment
- Vancouver on a Budget
- Best Places for Children
- Vancouver Theatres
- Lower Mainland Movies
The plaza where Summer Cinema takes place is officially called šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn which means “a place where a cultural gathering occurs” in the Coast Salish language. It is pronounced (very approximately) as Hoot-lacken or Hoot-awe-shen.
