Summer Entertainment: Free Shows, $1 movies, and more

The beauty of summer is that no school activities means more time for family fun. Here’s a roundup of free- or mostly free- summer entertainment for your family.

Arts in the Parks Series: Free outdoor performances See the Schedule

From puppets to pirates to musical acts, the Arts in the Parks series is packed full of free shows you’ll want on your calendar. Check the venue for parking information- some have out of county entrance fees on weekends in summer. Annandale, Fairfax Station, Chantilly, Herndon, Sterling, and Reston.

Arlington Summer Concert Series See the schedule

We invite you to come enjoy a balmy evening this summer on the lawn of Potomac Overlook Regional Park. Concerts are held every other Saturday from 7p.m. to 9p.m. Picnickers are more than welcome to bring an evening meal, although alcohol is not permitted. There is no admission fee but, donations of $5/person are requested. Arlington.

Family Performances at Lubber Run Amphitheater See the Schedule

Look for the * to indicate family performances. Arlington.

North Columbus Street & 2nd Street North (two blocks north of Rt. 50)
Arlington, Virginia 22203
Metrobus: Take Bus # 4B or 4E to Park Dr. and N 2nd St

Fridays and Saturdays – 8:00pm; Sundays – 6:00pm (or as noted)
JUNE 12 through SEPTEMBER 19, 2015
FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Fort Hunt Preschool Outdoor Summer Movie Festival

We will be showing movies on a big 16′ screen with professional video and sound equipment in the lovely grassy garden area between the school and Mount Vernon Unitarian Church! 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria VA 22307 forthuntpreschool.com Alexandria.

Fort Hunt Preschool Outdoor Movie Festival:

• Friday, July 10th Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs “doors” open 7:30pm/ movie starts at about 8:00pm
• Friday, August 14th Ice Age “doors” open 7:15pm/ movie starts about 7:45pm
• Friday, September 11th Madagascar “doors” open 7:00pm/ movie starts about 7:30

Mount Vernon Nights See the Schedule

Free concerts at Grist Mill Park and the Lorton Arts Center. Concerts at the Workhouse Arts Center are held rain or shine. Concerts at Grist Mill Park are canceled if it’s raining. If there’s a threat of bad weather call 703-324-SHOW(7469) after 6:00 p.m. for updates. Alexandria, Lorton

Starlight Cinema: Free Drive In Movies Fridays in August Check the schedule

The Sting, How to Train Your Dragon 2, Big Hero 6, Paddington… and all as a DRIVE IN movie. Perfect for what my dad always called a “Pajama ride” and a great way to kick off a summer weekend with the family- or as a date night. Trinity Centre – 5860 Trinity Parkway Centreville, VA 20120 Gates open 6 p.m., movie starts at dark. Free children’s games and rides. Food and drinks available for purchase. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets and FM radio, if you wish to sit outside. Consumption of alcohol is not permitted. Centreville

Saturday Night Movies at Potomac Town Center See the Schedule 

FREE Movie under the Stars! Please join us for a FREE movie on our Jumbrotron every Saturday evening at 7 pm now through September. Bring your own chairs and blankets! Woodbridge

Vienna Summer on the Green Concert Series

Summer on the Green is a series of free performances presented by the Town of Vienna and its sponsors. All performances are held at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on the Vienna Town Green, 144 Maple Avenue E, Vienna, VA. Please bring your chairs and/or blankets. No alcoholic beverages are permitted and we recommend leaving your pets at home.

In the event of rain, please call the weather line at (703) 255-7842 or the Vienna Community Center at (703) 255-6360 two hours before the event for cancellation information. Vienna.

View the 2015 Summer Concert Schedule

Fairfax Corner Thursday Concerts at the Corner See the Schedule

Join us on the Plaza every Thursday evening throughout June and July. Ease into the weekend; bring a chair and a friend. Shows start at 6:30pm. Fairfax Corner.

$1 movies all summer at Regal Cinemas: Click here to check for the schedule at your closest theater.

Admission to the Summer Movie Express is only $1. Tickets available for purchase at the box office and all movies start at 10:00 am. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Will Rogers Institute. Nationwide.

National Harbor Movies on the Potomac

Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars—and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor. The 2015 season will run on Sundays from May 10 through September 27. So pack your picnic blankets, grab food to go from one of our delicious dining establishments, and meet us at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of fun for all ages! Please note that movies will begin at 6 p.m. and will be shown once, so end times may vary with each movie. See the schedule and find out how to get weather related updates, here. National Harbor, MD

Udvar-Hazy Summer Concert Series

Music at the Museum concerts at the Udvar-Hazy Center feature energetic ensembles from the U.S. military or the local community performed in the Boeing Aviation Hangar. No tickets are required and parking is free after 4:00 pm. View the schedule here. Dulles.