The ‘upcoming features’ trailers, the film board rating slate, the dimming lights, the curtains pulling back to make a slightly bigger screen, the smell of popcorn and anticipation, the feeling of discombobulation on blinking back into reality after the movie. The cinema is a great place to hide away on a gloomy day and escape to another world. But what about the summer? Particularly in Northern Europe, we must eke out every bit of rare warm weather… but those talkies aren’t going to watch themselves. Thank goodness then that so many cities have wonderful alfresco offerings when it comes to the silver screen.
Now with a scientifically accurate (we made it up) weather reliability score.
Festival Lumiere
Lyon
11 – 19 October 2025
It all started here 130 years ago. In 1895, Louis Lumiere placed his camera in front of a factory in Lyon and turned the handle to film the men and women leaving the workshops. This became the first-ever film captured on camera. And just think, if this had never occurred, we would never have the 250,000 movies which make up the Marvel Cinematic Universe!
An entire week of non-stop film slaps the birthplace of Cinematography firmly on the back as it hosts the Lumière Festival. Filmmakers, actors, critics, historians and writers descend on this central French city.
There are nearly 170 films in their original languages, including restored versions and new copies, all being shown in their original languages. One for the film buffs.
Good weather forecast: 7/10
Cinema Akil
Dubai
All year round
Dubai’s alternative arts scene is flourishing, and, after years of hosting nomadic pop ups in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, Cinema Akil found a permanent base seven years ago in Alserkal, Dubai’s cultural district.
Since then this powerhouse has screened over 150 films in over 50 different languages from over 80 countries and presented 15 festivals. Their diverse programming includes the Reel Palestine Film Festival along with Sudanese, Korean, Latin American and Spanish films.
Oh! And there’s the small matter of their pop-up at 25hours Dubai One Central, with special arthouse screenings.
Good weather forecast: 10/10
Open Air Cinema
Berlin
Spring/Summer
Berlin has its own major part to play in the history of cinema too. Up until the 1930s, its studios rivalled Hollywood in quantity and innovation.
The creativity pulses once again though, and a celebration of this can be found on one of the best viewpoints of the city, namely a hill made from the rubble of wartime Berlin. The open-air cinema in this popular park shows films across the board including current blockbuster movies, classic and cult films, thrillers, and comedies, mostly in their original language.
Located at the open-air stage in the Volkspark Friedrichshain, it has become one of the most popular summer spots in the city, and is wheelchair accessible and has an induction loop for the hearing impaired.
Good weather forecast: 6/10
Moonlight Cinema
Sydney
November – March
Don’t get your summers and winters mixed up here… we all know Australia experiences upside-down time, so be sure to adjust your circadian rhythms… and your watches. Situated in a city which will soon become 25hours’ newest home, this is Australia’s largest and most popular outdoor cinema.
Australians are very good at outdoors stuff. Situated in the top left corner of Centennial Park, cult classics, blockbusters, advance screenings and everything in between are on offer, and you can watch it all from the comfort of a bean bag. You can even bring your dog… though make sure they’re not showing Cujo. It’s also BYO (an Aussie institution) friendly, but there are also LOADS of food trucks, bars, and even on-site activations. Book early as this place gets very popular.
Good weather forecast: 8/10
Cine Paris
Athens
May – October
Please don’t go to Paris for this one as well… the name is misleading… beware of Greeks bearing films. Instead of the cradle of cinema, this gorgeous open-air proposition is to be found in the cradle of democracy (that’s going well, thanks guys). This is truly a magical movie experience in a Mediterranean rooftop garden with a stunning view of the Acropolis, in the heart of Plaka. Cine Paris was established in 1920 by a Greek hairdresser who had spent several years in Paris. Showing mostly classic titles, it’s great for a chilled night under the clear Greek summer skies. There’s also a vintage movie poster shop so you can take home a memento.
Good weather forecast: 8/10
Cinéma en Plein
Paris, Air de la Villette
23 July – 17 August 2025
Oú est le cinéma? We all know how much Parisians love it when you try to speak their own language to them, so there’s a little tip to get you started in the City of Light, and the cradle of modern cinema.
As dusk falls after a picturesque Parisian summer day, you can relax on the green lawns of the Parc de la Villette, in the 19th district in the north east of Paris. Open Air Cinema Festival, Cinéma en Plein Air (yep there’s another linguistic nugget) comes along every summer with a different theme, presenting a programme of French and international films, both new and stone-cold classic.
You can bring a picnic with you, and deckchairs and blankets are for hire. Foreign films have French subtitles, still foreign if you’re not French.
Good weather forecast: 5/10
Sky Cinema
Copenhagen
All year round!
The Danes are a historically hardy people, there’s no denying it, but an outdoor cinema in Copenhagen that’s open all year round? Let’s investigate further. On Købmagergade in the centre of Copenhagen, overlooking the entire Copenhagen skyline, Cinemateket, also an indoor picture house and restaurant, has opened a cinema on top of the building… in one of the flattest, windiest countries in the world. Okay.
But never fear, this is a country with a flair for practicality and design, so when the weather is not suitable for the open air (their summer lasts from the first week of August until later that same week), the cinema can be covered, so no matter the season, it is possible to watch films on top of Copenhagen shielded from the elements, though best to order your popcorn with a hot drink.
Good weather forecast: best of luck
Rooftop Film Club
London
Summer
Ah the great British summer tradition of putting what is normally an indoor activity outside and hoping for the best. Being on a rooftop is extra optimistic as it’s closer to weather, but when it does all click, the rooftop film club is a glorious thing.
Perched high above the bustling Peckham streets on top of the creative hub of the Bussey Building, the sun sets over the London cityscape, as you indulge in handpicked cinematic cults, classics, and new releases. The Fireside Films are particularly popular, where you can hire a loveseat and order stone baked pizza and beer.
Good weather forecast: 4/10
