A look at some outdoor movie nights set to hit southern Ontario cities this summer

Don’t let the stubbornly cool breeze get you down–the sun is shining and hot weather (and therefore hot nights) is on the horizon, along with the outdoor movie nights that have quickly become part and parcel of summer in the GTA. 

Over the past few weeks, cities, towns and private organizations have taken to social media to announce either one or two small, one-off screenings in public parks or summer-long film extravaganzas that will run right into September.

Regardless, there are lots of places to take in outdoor movies this summer (usually for free). Here’s a look at a few scheduled to start soon:

Celebration Square in Mississauga

Forget the traditional indoor movie theatre for a while — the wildly popular Celebration Square Movie Nights, this year presented by insauga.com, return to the huge outdoor space in Mississauga’s downtown core for the summer. The Thursday outdoor movie nights, which organizers note are perfect for family outings, are free to all and also accessible. Closed-captioning is displayed during the film screenings on both digital screens in Celebration Square and assistive listening devices are available upon request. Some movies set to be screened this summer include Kung Fu Panda 4, Barbie, Wonka and more. 

Movies Under the Stars in Brampton

There is no shortage of screenings planned for Brampton’s Garden Square this summer. Recently, the city announced that its Movies Under the Stars event will run from July 13 until Aug. 24, with two movies a night–one at 6 p.m. and another at 8 p.m. Some movies scheduled to run this summer include The Super Mario Brothers Movie, Barbie, Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie, The Little Mermaid (live-action), Elemental, Trolls Band Together and more. 

Movies in the Park in Oakville

Movies in the Park returns for seven Wednesday nights, starting July 10. The screenings will take place at various Oakville parks, including Valleyridge Park, Oakville Trafalgar Park, Sixteen Hollow Park, Munn’s Creek Park, Forster Park and Fowley Park. Entry and activities begin at 6:30 p.m., with the movie beginning around 8 p.m., closer to sunset. Some films set to be screened include Jumanji, Matilda, Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, Shrek and more. In the event of inclement weather, Movies in the Park may be moved to an indoor location.

Summer 2024 Exhibition & Outdoor Film Festival at Oakville Galleries

From the work of German artist duo Hedda Roman to Canada’s only outdoor, avant-garde film festival, the Summer 2024 Exhibition & Outdoor Film Festival at Oakville Galleries features something for all lovers of the arts. The free summer event opens June 22 and features the exhibition opening by Hedda Roman, entitled Rogue Planet, at Centennial Square from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by a Summer Party and the kickoff of the Sunset Kino film festival from 6 to 10 p.m. in Gairloch Gardens. The film festival will feature films and videos by Canadian and international artists and run from June 22 to July 11. Those planning to attend are asked to dress appropriately and bring their own seating and blankets, as all films will be shown outdoors in Gairloch Gardens. There will be refreshments on site and picnics are welcome. Should a screening be rained out, the films will be shown inside the gallery. 

Movies Under the Stars in Burlington

Each week, popular, family-friendly films will be shown on big screens at different parks in the city on a rotational basis, allowing those who live in the various easy access to participate. The series will kick off on July 11 in parks such as Ireland Park, Kilbride Park, LaSalle Park, the Central Park Bandshell, Nelson Park, Orchard Community Park and Spencer Smith Park. Movies on the docket include School of Rock, Wreck-it Ralph, The Sandlot, Ratatouille, Back to the Future and others. 

Movies in the Park in Ajax

Another free event suitable for viewers of all ages, Movies in the Park is a multi-night event that takes place in different parks throughout Ajax in June, July, and August. The films are shown on a giant inflatable screen, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets, snacks, and bug spray. Movies start at dusk and will be screened at the Audley Recreation Centre (behind the building), the Ajax Community Centre Sports Field (south field) and the McLean Community Centre Miller’s Creek Park. The movies selected for the summer include Trolls Band Together, Shrek and Migration. 

Movies in the Park in Whitby 

The Town of Whitby’s website says its Movies in the Park initiative will be back for four evenings this summer, with screenings scheduled for July 12, July 26, Aug. 9 and Aug. 30. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets, lawn chairs and popcorn to Whitby Civic Park to watch four family-friendly films, including Barbie, The Parent Trap, Kung Fu Panda 4 and Wish. The movies will begin at dusk.