A summer of free outdoor films

Cinephiles rejoice! Many groups across Toronto are presenting free outdoor film screenings this summer, providing a ton of options for movie nights under the stars. Admission is free (or PWYC), but you’ll have to bring your own popcorn.

Christie Pits Film Festival: When We Were Young
Christie Pits Park
July 22^nd, July 29^th, and August 12^th
Times vary
Website
These three showings will feature films about growing up and coming of age, with a Viewers Choice pick finale. Bring a blanket and pay what you can.

City Cinema: Cult Classics
Yonge-Dundas Square
Tuesdays through August 28^th
Sunset
Website
True to its name, this lineup features some great cult classics like Do The Right Thing and Labyrinth. Limited seating is available, but you can bring your own chair.

Free Flicks: Rise of the Underdog
Harbourfront Centre
Wednesdays through August 29^th
Times vary
Website
This year’s films explore the trials and tribulations of “the underdog,” with a range of films from cult classic to documentary.

Movies in the Park
Riverdale Park East
Sundays July 8^th and 22^nd and August 5^th and 19^th
Sunset
Website
A selection of PG-rated favourites, like Ghostbusters and The Princess Bride.

Movies Under the Stars
Downsview Park
Fridays through August 31
Sunset
Website
Downsview Park presents a lineup of family-friendly films, including E.T. and Puss in Boots.

TIFF in the Park
David Pecaut Square (just west of Roy Thomson Hall)
Wednesdays through August 29^th
Sunset
Website
Presented in partnership with the Toronto Entertainment District BIA, these free movie nights offer a curated selection of classic screwball comedies.

And if you’re the kind of person who likes to plan ahead, here are a couple of film events (other than the obvious one) coming up this fall:

Toronto Urban Film Festival (TUFF)
Subway platforms throughout Toronto
September 7-17
All day
Website
Although not outdoors, the Toronto Urban Film Festival allows TTC riders to view new short, silent films for free during their daily commute. TUFF will show unique silent short films on Pattison Onestop screens on subway platforms every 10 minutes. This year, Spacing is sponsoring the Canadian Urbanism Award at TUFF, which is still accepting film submissions through July 15^th.

Regent Park Film Festival
Lord Dufferin Public School
November 2012
Times vary
Website
In its 10^th year, this community film festival continues its mission to showcase work, by filmmakers both local and abroad, that is relevant and meaningful to the residents of Regent Park. Although this festival is not outdoors, it is completely free-of-charge and even offers free daycare services for attendees. RPFF presents films on key community issues including race, cultural identity, and immigration, through year-round school and community screenings, in addition to the November festival dates. Visit the RPFF website for more information and details on the 2012 festival schedule.

Photo by wvs.