Outdoor Movies Worth the Drive
We love outdoor movie screenings because they’re like a picnic with a bit of entertainment, a novel change of pace from hitting the bars or going out for dinner, a chance to enjoy the evening air and take in an old classic or new favorite alongside your loved ones. We’ve picked five great outdoor movie options in the Phoenix area that should rocket to the top of your list of cute date spots.
West Wind Drive-In
The only classic drive-in theater in Arizona, the West Wind is a one-of-a-kind experience that’s perfect for anything from a nostalgic date night with just you and your sweetheart to a family-friendly blowout with an SUV full of kiddos. This nine-screen theater has room for both populist Pixar and Marvel films and buzzy A24 indie flicks, making it a popular spot for movie lovers all over the Phoenix area. Be sure to show up early to get a good spot and take advantage of their surprisingly robust concession stand! $8.50; 5650 N 55th Ave, Glendale, AZ; westwinddi.com // @westwinddiandpm
Sunday Night Movies at Skysill Rooftop Lounge
Every Sunday night on the roof of the The Westin Tempe, the stylish, trendy Skysill Rooftop Lounge hosts a free movie night open to everyone, hotel guest or not. Their crowd-pleasing screening selections are a mix of recent and nostalgic picks, with special favoritism showed towards Marvel and Harry Potter films. For September they’re all-in on Marvel world, showing the three Captain America movies before ending the month with a screening of the recent hit “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” Free; 7:30 p.m. Sundays; 11 E 7th St, Tempe, AZ; skysillrooftop.com // @SkysillRooftop
Movie Night at O.H.S.O. Brewery
Head to the brand new O.H.S.O. Park at their brewery in downtown Gilbert on the first Wednesday of each month to enjoy a free movie screening on a massive video screen. This swanky new space just opened in August and is already a go-to hang spot for large groups and intimate dates alike. Their next screening is on October 5th with a seasonally appropriate screening of “Hocus Pocus.” Free. 7 p.m. First Wednesdays of the month; 335 North Gilbert Road, Gilbert, AZ; ohsobrewery.com // @ohsobrewery
Dive-In Movie at Lylo Swim Club
Later this month, the poolside bar atop the Rise Uptown Hotel will turn into an impromptu movie theater, giving you the chance to flex a bit for your next date night, giving you the chance to show off your knowledge of both vintage 1980s cinema AND the hottest rooftop bars in Phoenix. More than just an impressive bit of wordplay, The Lylo Swim Club’s Dive-In Movie screening gives you the chance to enjoy their outdoor heated pool and hot tub while taking in a screening of “The Goonies,” complete with poolside food and beverage service. $30. 7 p.m., Friday, September 23; 400 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ; lylophx.com // @lylophx
Peoria Free Monthly Movies in the Park
Fletcher Heights Park hosts a monthly family-friendly movies in the park event that goes above and beyond the typical outdoor movie experience, with food trucks and kid-friendly activities like dance parties and games. Their next event is the Halloween edition on Saturday October 8, a screening of “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” complete with costume contest, dance party, and even a bit of early trick-or-treating. Free. 4 p.m., Saturday October 8; 8135 West Lone Cactus Drive Peoria, AZ; iplaymovies4you.com