Sunset Cinema at The Wharf

Sunset Cinema at The Wharf

Friday night movies on the waterfront at The Wharf are one of those things that sounds almost too good to be true, but it really is free. They set up a big screen right along the water, and families spread out on blankets and low chairs to watch a movie as the sun goes down. We went for the first time last summer and it instantly became a family favorite. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual. People show up early to grab dinner from the restaurants nearby and claim a good spot. Our kids brought their sleeping bags to sit on, which turned out to be the right call since the grass can be damp in the evening.

The movie selection tends to be family-friendly, which is the whole reason we keep going back. They usually announce the title a week or two ahead of time on The Wharf social media pages. We have seen everything from animated films to classic comedies, and the crowd is always a good mix of families with young kids and couples on date night. The sound is clear and the screen is big enough to see from pretty far back, so you do not need to fight for a front-row spot. There are restrooms available at the nearby restaurants, and the whole area is walkable and well-lit even after dark.

The waterfront location gives it a special feeling that a parking lot screen just cannot match. If you are coming from Virginia, the Waterfront Metro station is right there, so you can skip the parking headache entirely. Bring layers because it does cool down once the sun drops. Bug spray is also a smart move since you are right on the water. The movie usually starts around sunset, roughly 8:30pm in the summer months, so plan dinner beforehand. We typically arrive around 7pm to eat and settle in.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Arrive by 7pm to get a good spot. Bring a blanket or low beach chairs for seating on the grass.
• ✓Bring layers for after sunset. It cools down quickly on the water, even in summer.
• ✓Bug spray is a must. You are right on the waterfront and mosquitoes come out at dusk.
• ✓Check The Wharf social media for the movie title. They announce it about a week before each screening.
• ✓Grab dinner at The Wharf restaurants before the show. There are plenty of options from casual to sit-down.