Where to see free movies in Toronto parks all summer long
The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show starts June 22, and runs through the end of August.
Summer in Toronto is the best time to experience all the city has to offer — its cultural programming never shines brighter than it does during the humid months.
While movies in the park have long been a part of our summer routine, the outdoor film festival scene has grown significantly over the past few years. What started as the Christie Pits Film Festival in 2011 has since grown into the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show (TOPS), which now screens short and feature films across four parks in the city.
Films big and small are showcased under the stars for free, with each year celebrating a different theme.
“This year’s theme ‘Another World’ brings together a broad variety of films from Canada and around the world, from across the history of cinema, highlighting different styles and genres,” said artistic and executive director Emily Reid.
This summer, journey with TOPS to Another World!
— Toronto Outdoor Picture Show (@TOpictureshow) May 16, 2023
From June 22 to August 27, Toronto Outdoor Picture Show will present 21 open-air film screenings at Fort York, Corktown Common, Bell Manor Park, and our signature series Christie Pits Film Festival.https://t.co/fcEaxRcv7c pic.twitter.com/Mi0JMS86GJ
Films like Jurassic Park, The Wizard of Oz, Black Panther, and Jumanji highlight the otherworldly focus. That said, each park has its own dynamic, meaning the team has to factor the space and its surroundings into the programming at each location.
“We build our relationships over time with the audiences at each park, and we get to know their demographics, their appetite for both familiar and unfamiliar content, and the dynamics of particular spaces,” said Reid.
“Is there ambient light that will make high contrast films easier to see on screen? Is there frequent noise from trains passing by that could interrupt more subtle films? Are there more children in this park than other parks? These are all factors that influence the process.”
Showtime for each film is sundown, and attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets.
Check the map accompanying this article and read on for info about where you can find TOPS programming this summer.
Fort York
Opening weekend takes place at Fort York, with a five-night run showing Night Raiders, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Jurassic Park, Pan’s Labyrinth, and Velvet Goldmine. The secluded nature of this park makes it perfect for more mature films, while allowing for adult beverages onsite.
“It is our only alcohol-licensed event, and the historic site isn't an open public park, so it attracts a predominantly adult audience,” explained Reid. “This series typically has more mature content than public parks, since it's removed from the street.”
Christie Pits Film Festival
The Christie Pits location remains the only summerlong event of TOPS, with screenings every Sunday from July 9 through Aug. 27.
“This is where the magic started, way back in 2011, so this series typically has our largest audiences. People arrive really early to get a great spot on the hill,” said Reid.
Since it’s the longest-running location with a dedicated fanbase, expect more freedom in the programming here. According to Reid, this means “less-known feature films and more experimental shorts on some evenings.”
The lineup includes Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Viking, Interstella 5555, The Wizard of Oz Fantastic Mr. Fox, Riceboy Sleeps, and Brokeback Mountain. Watch out for a surprise screening on the final evening of the festival.
Corktown Common
Corktown Common is the only east-end location, and for a long time it remained an under-the-radar event, but that has changed in recent years.
“Corktown Common is no longer TOPS's best-kept secret,” said Reid. “Our east-side location tripled its attendance last year over prior summers, and quickly became a rival to Christie Pits for the biggest TOPS audience.”
This has allowed them to grow the offering from a few screenings into six weeks of Thursday evening screenings from July 6 through Aug. 10, including Paris is Burning, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, The Matrix, Amélie, The Truman Show, and Black Panther.
Bell Manor Park
Bell Manor Park is the newest addition to TOPS, expanding their offering west into Etobicoke, where the audience tends to include more families. It will offer three consecutive screenings from Aug. 17–19 — including E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jumanji, and Coco.
“We tailor this programme to be more kid-friendly than our other programmes,” said Reid. “And in August the sun sets earlier so we are able to get the show started before younger audiences turn into pumpkins.”
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