Library of Congress Film: Clueless

Library of Congress Summer Film: Clueless

The Library of Congress runs a summer movie series on their Southeast Lawn, and it is one of the best free things you can do on a Thursday night in DC. This week they are screening Clueless, the 1995 classic that is on the National Film Registry. Before the movie starts at 8pm, there is a live performance at 7pm, so you get a full evening of entertainment for absolutely nothing.

I want to be upfront about this one. Clueless is rated PG-13, and while it is a comedy, there are some themes that go over little kids' heads. I would say this is best for tweens and up, maybe age 10 at the youngest. If your older kids have not seen it, this is actually a really fun way to introduce them to it, sitting outside on a blanket with the Capitol dome lit up in the background. It is a pretty special setting.

The lawn opens up early, and families start staking out their spots well before the performance begins. We usually try to get there by 6:30 to lay out our blanket and get settled. Some people bring low camp chairs, but blankets seem to work better since you do not want to block anyone's view. The screen is big enough that even spots toward the back are fine. There are no food vendors on site, so pack your own snacks and drinks. We bring a cooler with sandwiches and make it a picnic dinner before the show. The kids love eating outside while the sun goes down.

Getting there is easy if you take Metro. Capitol South station on the Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines is a short walk away. You come up from the station and the Library of Congress is right there. Street parking exists but fills up fast, especially on movie nights, so Metro really is the way to go. The whole evening wraps up around 10pm, which is late for younger kids but totally doable for tweens. If your kids start to fade, you can always leave during the movie since it is all open seating on the lawn. This series runs throughout the summer with a different film each week, so even if this one does not work for your family, check back for other titles that might be a better fit.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Address: 10 First St SE, Washington, DC 20540 (Southeast Lawn)
• ✓Arrive by 6:30 to claim a good spot on the lawn. Bring a large blanket, and low chairs if you prefer.
• ✓Pack your own food and drinks. There are no vendors on site, so bring a picnic dinner and plenty of water.
• ✓Clueless is rated PG-13. Best for ages 10 and up. It has some language and teen themes that younger kids will not fully get.
• ✓Bring bug spray. You are sitting on grass in July. Mosquitoes will find you.
• ✓The movie ends around 10pm, so plan for a late night. Great for tweens, probably too late for little ones.
• ✓It is open seating, so you can leave whenever you need to without disturbing anyone.