CREDIT: DREAMWORKS
Outdoor movie nights are back with a line-up of movies that take viewers through the decades of cinema.

The City of London is hosting outdoor movie nights throughout the month of Aug. with a new event called “Through The Decades.” The series will take place at various London parks, showcasing movies from the 1980s all the way up to the current day. The events will be completely free and will take place from Aug. 13 to Sept. 17. Each movie night will start at dusk and are all in different locations of the city.

“For the sixth year, the program (that’s part of the neighbourhood program of the City of London) [will help] neighbours celebrate and connect with one another,” said the supervisor of Neighbourhood Development and Support for the City of London, Katie Stewart.

This is the sixth summer where the city of London has organized outdoor movie nights with last year being cancelled due to the pandemic. People who want to attend an outdoor movie night have to sign up online as each movie night has a capacity limit of 300 people for COVID-19 safety protocols.


“‘Through the Decades’ will be a celebration of cinema and community under the stars,” said the manager of Neighbourhood Development Support Karen Oldham. “Whether it’s for a classic or a more recent favourite, the series will have something for everyone.”

The lineup includes The Princess Bride on Friday Aug. 13 at Storybook Gardens, The Sandlot on Aug. 21 at Labatt Park, Shrek on Aug. 27 at Southeast Optimist Park, Coco on Sept. 11 at University Heights Park and to wrap things up, Raya and the Last Dragon will be screened on Sept. 17 at Ed Blake Park.

“[From] cult classics in the 80s to fun movies like Raya and the Last Dragon….[it’s] a fun scene for people to come out to,” Stewart said. 

Both Stewart and Oldham agreed that this event is a great way for people to get connected with one another, all while following proper protocols.

In the event of rain, thunderstorms or high winds, the outdoor movie nights will be cancelled, but all who participate will be sent an email informing them of the cancellation ahead of movie night. The city will also post any cancellations on all their social media channels.

Guests are encouraged to bring snacks, drinks, chairs and blankets to compliment the film experience and to follow the COVID-19 practices and protocols that are in place at each outdoor movie night. Masks or face coverings are required when guests are not seated

For more information on summer movie nights and how to reserve your spot please visit the City of London website.