Where to Watch Outdoor Movies in Seattle for Free (Summer 2023)

Three Dollar Bill’s OUTdoor Cinema reigned supreme during summers in Cal Anderson Park until its temporary suspension during the pandemic. Held amidst the sound of yappy dogs being walked, revelers on their way to Pike and Pine’s many clubs, and the occasional siren, the series leaned toward the campier, kitschier side of things, and if the film was a musical, so much the better (I have fond memories of watching Xanadu and The Apple under the stars thanks to Three Dollar Bill). And the films ended early enough that you could easily wander to a nearby watering hole for a drink afterward.

You’ll find all of the prime ingredients (kitsch, camp, musicals) in this year’s series. But the org’s also changing things up, expanding beyond the confines of Cal Anderson to points east and west. The series remains free (donations accepted); you’re encouraged to bring blankets and/or low-backed lawn chairs and arrive early for a chance to win fabulous prizes. 

This year’s lineup wraps up with The Wiz on August 27th. A legendary flop on its release in 1978, this updating of The Wizard of Oz has since been reevaluated. NYC and its environs are transformed into a spectacular Oz, from Coney Island to the World Trade Center; it’s Michael Jackson’s first film appearance, and the songs are just waiting for you to sing along with them. “Ease on Down the Road” anyone? 🖊️ Gillian Gaar

⏰ 8 pm

This is for the North Enders in the house! 

Scarecrow Video is happy to present Movies by the Tower at Maple Leaf Reservoir Park for four Saturdays starting August 5th. And just like the marvelous curation at the Best Video Store in the World, these four Asian-centered stories are perfectly selected for a summer audience. And did we mention it’s free? 

The series wraps up on August 26th with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Ang Lee’s crossover hit from 2000 is an epic, glorious, and devastating wuxia melodrama of good, evil, and all the shades in between, starring Zhang Ziyi, Chow Yun-fat, and recent Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh. 🖊️ Marcus Gorman

⏰ Check Movies by the Tower’s FB for updated showtimes

In my estimation, the Mural Amphitheatre at the Seattle Center doesn’t get nearly enough love—outside of scheduled concert/event weekends like Bumbershoot and Folklife. Most people pass it by on their way to that big honking Needle from the Frasier opening title card or that scary-sounding sea monster hockey team or to the Seattle Children’s Theatre. 

So I’m here to tell you that the Mural Amphitheatre calls out to you with cinema thanks to the free event Movies at the Mural. For five Fridays starting in late July, you can cheer with tourists and city folk alike at some honest-to-god bangers. Bonus: Each film will be preceded by short films courtesy of Cornish students.

On Friday, August 25th, Movies at the Mural closes its summer series with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Ryan Coogler’s superhero sequel is best experienced with a crowd, as Wakanda and the world mourn the loss of a young king (R.I.P. Chadwick Boseman) and build for a better and more sustainable, communal tomorrow. 🖊️ Marcus Gorman

⏰ 9 pm

A dazzling documentary about the man who put the “bop” in a-wop-bop-a-loo-bop-a-wop-bam-boom! (from his classic first hit, “Tutti Frutti” — go listen to it, now!). This Black queer icon laid the foundations of rock ‘n’ roll (as revealed in well-chosen film clips), and we haven’t stopped dancing since. Plus: costume contest! 🖊️ Gillian Gaar

⏰ 8 pm

Haven’t heard of this 2020 action comedy made in Seattle? Now’s your chance, as three middle-aged men reunite to avenge the death of their kung fu master. Maybe beforehand, have a killer meal at Kona Kitchen a few blocks away, a delicious Hawaiian restaurant owned by one of the film’s costars and producers (and Karate Kid II villain), Yuji Okumoto. 🖊️ Marcus Gorman

⏰ Check Movies by the Tower’s FB for updated showtimes

Bill Condon’s 2006 adaptation of the Tony-winning 1981 musical has aged beautifully, thanks especially to central performances from Beyoncé, Eddie Murphy (robbed of a Best Supporting Actor prize), and the Oscar-winning Jennifer Hudson (at that time best known for getting SEVENTH PLACE on American Idol season 3). 🖊️ Marcus Gorman

⏰ 9 pm

Amanda Seyfried deals with the typical teen angst of having a (hot) BFF, Megan Fox (the titular Jennifer), who’s also a succubus. She simply won’t consider going vegan, so what’s a girl to do? Bring a scorecard to tally the body count. Plus: trivia contest! 🖊️ Gillian Gaar

⏰ 8 pm

Disney/Pixar made a mistake releasing this superb and pop music-infused animated comedy straight to Disney+ in 2022, so show that conglomerate what’s up when you gather with your neighbors to enjoy this Toronto-set tale of a young Chinese Canadian girl whose teenage rage turns her into a giant red panda. 🖊️ Marcus Gorman

⏰ Check Movies by the Tower’s FB for updated showtimes

It won’t hit its 50th anniversary until 2025, but it’s always time to celebrate Steven Spielberg’s breakout hit, one of the few PG-rated horror/horror-adjacent films to scare the everloving crap out of me. Watch this, then go play shark at the International Fountain. 🖊️ Marcus Gorman

⏰ 9 pm

Stephen Chow’s completely out-of-control and entirely irresistible martial arts soccer action comedy from 2001, like a video game come to life mixed with Looney Tunes gags and high-flying and high-scoring kung fu. 🖊️ Marcus Gorman

⏰ Check Movies by the Tower’s FB for updated showtimes

Amy Heckerling’s modernized adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma, one of the most iconic films of the 1990s, and much of the world’s introduction to Brittany Murphy. Hiss when Jeremy Sisto creeps on Cher, roll with the homies, then skank your booty off when the Mighty Mighty Bosstones show up. 🖊️ Marcus Gorman

⏰ 9 pm

You can likely antici-(say it!)-pate some audience participation with this one. But be careful if you try to “Time Warp” on Cal Anderson’s slope, and resist the urge to throw foodstuffs. And did someone say costume contest? Fun fact: this year is the 50th anniversary of the stage show the film is based on. 🖊️ Gillian Gaar

⏰ 7 pm

Rob Reiner’s classic comedic tale of swashbuckling, true love, and Rodents of Unusual Size. Take a drink (of water! This is a family event) every time Vizzini says “Inconceivable!” 🖊️ Marcus Gorman

⏰ 9 pm