On our Montreal summer Bucket List , we’ve got “go to the movies…outside” because in Montreal, you can see independent films in small, dark cinemas all year round (as well as blockbusters, we’re not that snobbish).
But in summer, when night falls and fireflies flash between the tall trees of the city’s parks, we discover a passion for cinema that rhymes with barbecues, cane cocktails and the stifling heat emanating from the grass – it’s a more precious, more atmospheric moment that we can share with our cinephile friends and those who just want to chill out on a deckchair.
Until September, we’ll be able to go to many of Montreal’s free and ticketed cinemas – in the parks, in the streets – and we’ve got a list of the best movies under the moon…
Bleu Soir
At Livart, from June 18, Cinéma Public presents the Bleu Soir outdoor cinema from Monday to Thursday…
The program is a little indie, a little experimental and a little dreamy, and we’re really looking forward to, among other things,Jeremy Workman’s Secret Mall Apartment , which will be screened on Thursday June 26 and Wednesday July 9.
When? June 18 to August 28, 2025, Monday to Thursday
Where? in the Livart courtyard, 3980 rue Saint-Denis
How to get there? Some screenings are free, others are $15 – and bring your own wine!
Cinéma sous les étoiles
Starting June 25, Cinéma sous les étoiles will be held in 18 Montreal parks, with free screenings of socio-conscious and documentary films.
On June 30, we’ll (re)see the film we loved to open the Rendez-Vous Québec Cinéma festival, Jenny Cartwright’s Les Perdants .
When? June 25 to August 30
Where? all over Montreal
How? it’s free!
Cinéma de la Ville de Montréal
From June 21, the City of Montreal is organizing Cinéma à la belle étoile and Cinéma en plein air screenings in the city’s public parks, and for the program it’s here and here!
When? Starting June 21
Where? all over Montreal
How? it’s free!
Summer Cin’hoche in Hochelaga
Hochelaga’s most classic and family-friendly open-air cinema is the Cin’hoche de l’été , every Friday evening from July 4 to August 22, in the parking lot of a Dairy Queen (a blizzard, a hot dog, a folding chair and a little cover? It’s heaven).
The program is great fun, with classics (with a capital C) like Happy Gilmore and Shrek, the Third, and family movies like Miss Bottine.
When? July 4 to August 22, every Friday night at dusk.
Where? in the Dairy Queen parking lot, 4545 rue Sainte-Catherine Est
How? It’s free! Bring your own folding chair and blanket, and you’ll be treated to candy and free popcorn…
Great movie!