1. Moonlight Cinema crowds at twilight in Centennial Park
    Photograph: SuppliedMoonlight Cinema in Centennial Park
  2. Three friends sit with a cute dog at Moonlight Cinema Sydney
    Photograph: Supplied/Moonlight Cinema
  3. A group of friends enjoy a picnic at Moonlight Cinema
    Photograph: Supplied/Moonlight Cinema
  4. A group of friends enjoy a picnic at Moonlight Cinema
    Photograph: Supplied/Moonlight Cinema
  5. Moonlight Cinema Sydney
    Photograph: Supplied/Moonlight Cinema
  6. A wide shot of the crowd sitting down in front of the large scre
    Photograph: Moonlight Cinema
  • Film, Outdoor cinema
  • Recommended

Moonlight Cinema

What better way to while away summer than by watching films under the stars in Centennial Park?

Alannah Le Cross
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Time Out says

It’s time to stop and smell the popcorn and grab your picnic basket – this popular outdoor cinema is returning to the beautiful surrounds of Centennial Parklands this summer.

From November 23, 2023, Moonlight Cinema is back in action for its 28th year in Sydney and screening a bunch of flicks in the open air and under the stars. The program features a stellar line up of 2023 Box Office blockbusters, festive movie favourites and family flicks right through to March 24, 2024.

The Moonlight experience is about more than the movie. You can snuggle up in the comfiest of bean bags – and so can your furry best mate, because dogs are allowed! It’s BYO friendly (so chuck a bottle of bubbles on ice) but if you’re famously under prepared, have no fear – there’s a phalanx of food trucks, licensed bars for libations (including freshly made Aperol Spritzes) and on-site activations flogging free samples, to boot. 

There are multiple ticketing options at various price points to choose from. Are you the extra-AF type? Level up your outing with the Platinum Experience package, you’ll enjoy the evening sunset with an exclusive hamper featuring a range of classic picnic delicacies from Victoria’s High Country. Plus, waiter service to your deluxe double bean bed. 

So what’s playing this summer? Moviegoers can expect a line-up of some of 2023’s biggest Hollywood blockbusters, from The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Trolls Band Together and the brand-new R-rated romcom Anyone But You starring Sydney Sweeney, Glen Powell and a bunch of iconic Sydney sights.

If you think life in plastic is fantastic, we’re happy to inform you that Moonlight is thinking pink with a full weekend of ‘Pink Party’ screenings for the Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling on December 8 and 9. All Barbies and Kens (and Allans!) are highly encouraged to dress in rose, pastel or bright pink and enjoy the epic film soundtrack under the summer night sky. (Strap on your rollerblades and get prepared with this list of 10 Barbie Easter eggs you might have missed.)

In January, you can expect big hits of the summer including Saltburn (January 19) and Wonka (January 21).

The February program is taking on a romantic tone, with highlights set to include A Cinderella Story (February 8) and Mamma Mia! (February 25). February's "week of love" will commence on February 7 with a screening of the nineties favourite Ten Things I Hate About You, followed by a series of similarly swoon-worthy flicks including The Notebook on the big day (February 14).

Even if the movie (or your date) turns out to be a dud, at least you get to watch the flying foxes wake up and dart about in the glow of the dusk sky (c’mon, they’re cute!). 

The gates open 90 minutes before the movie starts, so arrive early to snag a great spot on the lawn and give yourself time to relax. Tickets are on sale now, you can check out the full program and secure your spot on the lawn at moonlightcinema.com.au

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Details

Address
Price:
$26-$250
Opening hours:
Days and times vary, check the program
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