Sunset Cinema in Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza

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.

Last year the free outdoor movies took place in the plaza on August 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th. Also happening at the same venue last year was Dance Dance Dance which featured free Latin dance classes on the Fridays of July 28th and August 4th, 11th and 18th.

As of early April, details about both Sunset Cinema and Dance Dance Dance in 2024 are to be confirmed.

Visit vancouvercivictheatres.com for the official website about both the movies and dancing events,

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT VANCOUVER CIVIC THEATRES?

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). The organization also hosts special events, like Sunset Cinema in the summer.

To learn about all the amazing events taking place at the above venues, visit the Vancouver Civic Theatres website. To learn about Sunset Cinema and what showed in 2023, continue reading.

Movie Night at Queen Elizabeth Plaza

Vancouver’s Sunset Cinema in 2023

Five free movies showed in the plaza in front of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in the summer of 2023. 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 showed on all Wednesdays in August of 2023. This past year’s schedule is listed below. The shows started at dusk and the times given below were approximate.

2nd of August, 2023 – Top Gun: Maverick at ~9:00 pm
9th of August, 2023 – The Super Mario Bros. Movie at ~9:00 pm
- On this day there was also a Visual Arts Open House at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
16th of August, 2023 – Puss in Boots: The Last Wish at ~8:30 pm
23rd of August, 2023 – Everything Everywhere All At Once at ~8:30 pm
30th of August, 2023 – West Side Story at ~8:00 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. Dogs on leash are also permitted.

On all five nights in 2023 there were outdoor games, food, prizes and a photo backdrop for selfies before the film started. On August 9th and 16th there was also free face painting.

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 August 16th in 2022. On that date 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.

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:

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.