Stanley Park Cinema

Summer Cinema is a series of FREE outdoor movies showing once a week on Tuesday evenings in Vancouver’s Stanley Park on the lawn by Second Beach in summer.

In 2024 the series runs from July 9th until August 27th.

Movie Nights at Stanley Park

The movies at Stanley Park typically run from early July until around the third or fourth week of August. They take place at Ceperley Meadow beside Second Beach.

Shows usually start at dusk, which varies depending on the week. The movies are completely free to watch. This year, there are also VIP tickets available online starting at about $30 each. They include a reserved cottage-style chair near the front, plus discounts on popcorn bundles.

Summer Cinema Schedule

Below are the listed dates and movies for the 2024 cinema season.

Note: Show times and film details are subject to change.

9th of July, 2024 – Toy Story (1995): rated G, it starts at 9:17 pm.
16th of July, 2024 – Back to the Future (1985): it starts at 9:11 pm and is rated PG.
23rd of July, 2024 – The Emperor’s New Groove (2000): rated G, the film starts at 9:03 pm.
30th of July, 2024 – How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003): it starts at around 8:54 pm and is rated PG.
6th of August, 2024 – School of Rock (2003): rated PG, it starts at around 8:43 pm.
13th of August, 2024 – Barbie (2023): it starts at around 8:31 pm and is rated PG.
20th of August, 2024 – Twilight (2008): rated PG, it starts at around 8:18 pm.
27th of August, 2024 – cinemagoers can vote which of these three movies to show on the night – The Princess Diaries (2001); The Parent Trap (1998); Matilda (1996).

LIVE MUSICAL THEATRE

In addition to the weekly outdoor movies at Stanley Park, some of the region’s best theatre productions also happen in the same park every night in July and August. The two live shows that play in the park from July 5th to August 24th in 2024 are CATS and School of Rock.

If you like live theatre and musicals, there are great shows that you won’t want to miss! See our article about Theatre Under the Stars for details.

Tips & Advice

Below are some suggestions to help you make the most of your summer entertainment experiences in Stanley Park.

TIP #1: If you want a guided tour around Stanley Park, then sign up for the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park walking tour with Forbidden Vancouver. Other exceptional tours with the company include Lost Souls of Gastown, Hidden History & Sweet Treats, and the Really Gay History Tour.

TIP #2: Bring your own blankets or deck chairs. Also take a sweater, especially towards the end of the summer as it can get cool at night.

TIP #3: Get there early to find parking and a good spot to set up your blanket or lawn chair.

TIP #4: If you like being entertained in the outdoors, check out the Theatre Under the Stars shows. It also takes place at Stanley Park from July 5th to August 24th in 2024 and it’s exceptional.

TIP #5: Don’t just go to Stanley Park for the movies (or live theatre). There is so much to do in the area, so combine your trip to see a show with some late afternoon and/or early evening exploring. Go for a walk or bike ride along the seawall, take your swimsuit and enjoy a swim, or have a picnic and enjoy the park.

Other Free Outdoor Movies and Information

See the Summer Cinema website for more information about the above series of outdoor films.

Stanley Park isn’t the only place to find free outdoor movies in the Lower Mainland in the summer. In fact, there are usually over 50 films showing at different venues throughout the region. Click Lower Mainland Outdoor Movies for information on other venues.

Other articles that might be of interest include the following: