The best pop-up and outdoor cinemas in Melbourne

Pop-up cinema season is back! Check out these open air movies and festive pop-ups.

A crowd of people sitting on picnic blankets at an outdoor cinema at sunset.
People sitting on the grass watching a movie in the gardens at sunset.

Moonlight Cinema

–

Melbourne's beloved movies in the gardens are back. Pack a picnic and head to the Royal Botanic Gardens this summer to enjoy new releases and old flicks under the stars. See blockbusters like Sense and Sensibility, or catch the latest entry in the Hunger Games series. There's also screenings of cult Christmas classics. Think The Holiday, Love Actually and Home Alone.

An outdoor open-air cinema featuring queen- and king-sized beds set up under the stars.

Mov'in Bed Cinema

–

Can't decide between snuggling up in bed with a movie or going out? Now you don't have to. Melbourne's newest open-air cinema comes complete with an ultra comfy queen or king bed, pillows and blankets. Catch festive flicks on the big screen. Plus get food and drink delivered without leaving the covers. You can even book a dog bed for your furry friend!

Capitol Cinema with red and orange lighting, seated audience in front of large screen with signage.

Christmas Cinema

–

Grab the popcorn, this pop-up cinema is dishing up classic Christmas movies for the whole family. Head to the stunning Capitol Theatre for festive films including Klaus, Bridget Jones's Diary and more. The best bit? Tickets are only $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

A crowd of people standing and sitting at an outdoor cinema in the city at sunset.

Christmas Outdoor Cinema

–

Cross your fingers for fine December weather and settle in at Fed Square's free open-air cinema. Grab a deck chair or bring a picnic rug for an evening of free family fun. A lineup of cult-status Christmas flicks including Home Alone 2 and Elf are playing on the big screen. Plus rom-com classics It's a Wonderful Life and Sleepless in Seattle.

People entering acmi past a large purple and yellow sign in the city.

Matinees at ACMI Cinemas

Until

Calling all classic film buffs. Melbourne's own home of film ACMI has an epic lineup of movies for only $14. See old Hollywood flicks, arthouse restorations, documentaries and musicals on the big screen.

Two friends outside a modern city library.

Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu

Until

Did you know there's a hidden cinema showing free movies inside the narrm ngarrgu Library? Head to the performance space to watch free films. The featured film for December is Loving Vincent, the story of iconic artist Vincent van Gogh.

More of the best TV and film events in Melbourne

An Edwardian-era man stands against a split background in front of a First World War battlefield on the left to a peaceful river valley on the right, with a faint musical score overlay and a gold medal at the bottom.

Remembering 'Sep' Kelly

An afternoon of music, remembrance and a remarkable Australian story.

Still from Love Actually, Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon waving awkwardly while snow falls.

Love Actually In Concert

The ultimate romantic comedy, with a live symphony orchestra.

Whoopi Goldberg dressed as a nun from the film Sister Act, a row of nuns behind her.

Capitol Theatre Orchestra and Sister Act

Sit back and enjoy an afternoon of lively music and a classic movie.

A still from a Korean horror film showing two police officers in shock.
–

Spotlight on South Korean Horror

From The Wailing to Bong Joon Ho’s The Host, see how South Korean horror still terrifies.

The Big Screen at Federation Square with an orange ad showing.

The Other Film Festival on the Big Screen

Celebrate International Day of People with Disability at The Other Film Festival and Alter State.

View of Melbourne from across the Yarra River
Until

Brazilian Film Festival

Celebrate and discover the best of Brazilian cinema.

A still from the film Picnic at Hanging Rock, depicting four teenage girls wearing white Edwardian-style dresses huddling close together outdoors against a backdrop of dark, volcanic rocks.

Picnic at Hanging Rock

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a screening of Peter Weir's classic mystery, Picnic at Hanging Rock.

A still image from a Korean film showing a woman holding on to a man on a motorcycle.
Until

Focus on the Taiwan New Wave

See celebrated Taiwanese early films and late-career masterpieces.

On a film set with a crew member shooting stop motion figures.
–

Lifelike

Lifelike is a major new exhibition celebrating the magic of movie puppetry in all its forms.

Julianne Moor, seated in a buttoned-up pale blue cardigan in a still from a film.
–

Best of 2026

Celebrate the best on the big screen as we look back at the films that defined the year.

A young boy in a red woolen jumper looking scared with his hands to his cheeks, two bad men looking through the window behind him.
–

Home Alone in Concert

Experience the beloved comedy classic with John Williams' charming score performed live by the MSO.

Person dressed in safety gear spraying a chemical outside a screened facility.
Until

Film Screening: Chauka, Please Tell us the Time

Experience this powerful documentary during its limited week-long screening at Buxton Contemporary.

Japanese actors Takako Matsu and Hokuto Matsumura standing side by side outdoors against a green leafy backdrop, in a still from the romantic drama film 1st Kiss.
Until

Japanese Film Festival

Celebrate three decades of Japanese cinema on Australian screens at the Japanese Film Festival.

A woman looks up at falling snow in the 1995 Japanese film Love Letter.

Asian Cinema Collective: Love Letter

Join the Asian Cinema Collective for a screening of the Japanese classic film Love Letter.

Last updated on Thu 12 Nov 2026

Christmas

Christmas starts only in the city
Start here
A man and woman dancing next to a woman dressed in a Santa outfit who is using a DJ deck.

Christmas things to do

The city’s wrapped and ready with magical moments, twinkling lights and festive fun.

A man and woman sitting at a table full of food with a Christmas tree in the background.

Christmas eat and drink

Savour the city’s festive flavours with rooftop bars and menus made for merry moments.

Two women holding several shopping bags while they walk through a shopping arcade decorated for Christmas.

Christmas shopping

Start ticking off your list in the city’s iconic laneways, arcades and malls.

Start here

Discover more

The best things to do under $20 in Melbourne

The best things to do under $20 in Melbourne

Find the best cheap eats and low-cost activities in Melbourne.

People milling around Fed Square at night.

Melbourne's unmissable after-dark events

From hidden laneway markets to epic pop-ups, Melbourne gets lit once the lights go out.

People drinking coffe in an arcade

Melbourne's best cafes that open late

These Melbourne cafes are open late for evening coffee runs.

A family of four standing in a grand library with antique desks, large white walls and a dome ceiling.

Things you can only do in the city

There's only one place to find these rare Melbourne experiences and secret spots.