Cinema all’aperto — open-air cinema — is as integral to Italian summer as a frosty cup of granita. There are few better ways to pass the time on a balmy evening than by joining friends, family and neighbors to watch a blockbuster or cult classic under the stars in the local piazza.
In the early 2000s, my uncle ran his own independent mobile cinema company, delivering a glimpse of Hollywood to villages across the province of Lecce (Puglia). Each evening, his large white van would roll into a town square carrying a Milan-made Cinemeccanica “Victoria IV E” projector, film reels, a giant collapsible screen, dozens of plastic chairs and even a retro popcorn machine. Within an hour, cables were hooked up to power outlets, the screen was erected and chairs were arranged in rows. As the projector whirred into life, curious residents began to trickle in, then stuck around for two hours of movie magic.
It often felt as if the entire village had arrived, regardless of what was showing. Children, teens, middle-aged couples and the elderly would turn up to catch the movie — typically an international box-office hit from the previous winter — dubbed or subtitled in Italian. Watching classics from Gladiator to What Women Want became a communal experience as people laughed, cried and reacted together to the drama unfolding on screen. By the following morning, aside from a few stray popcorn kernels, there was little evidence a cinema had ever been there.
Whether in Puglia or Piemonte, outdoor cinema remains a quintessentially Italian experience. People bring gelato, beer and rustling snacks, scooters buzz past, and children play loudly nearby. It’s far removed from a hushed multiplex, but the chaos is all part of the charm.
In many ways, cinema all’aperto is closer to a social gathering than a traditional cinema. To me, it feels like an extension of la passeggiata — the leisurely after-dinner stroll — and gives local communities another excuse to gather when the summer heat is less overwhelming.
Where to find outdoor cinema in Italy
While my uncle packed up his traveling cinema around a decade ago, the tradition of cinema all’aperto continues. In the age of 24/7 streaming services, there’s something reassuring to see people come together to share a movie in the heart of the town.
Many villages around Italy organize pop-up cinemas. But these events can be sporadic and poorly publicized, so for something more structured, seek out one of Italy’s many outdoor film festivals, taking place in cities and towns across the country.
Starting with one of the most prestigious — and atmospheric — the Taormina Film Festival takes place every June. Taking place in a hilltop town on the east coast of Sicily, it’s easy to see why this festival is nicknamed “the most dramatic cinema experience on earth,” with movies projected onto a screen inside a 2000-year-old Greek theatre, 250 meters above the Ionian Sea. With the silhouette of Mount Etna on the horizon and the sound of the sea below, the setting is often as memorable as the movie itself. Watch out for famous faces, as the festival has hosted superstars from Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn and Charlton Heston to Tom Cruise and Robert De Niro. The festival returns in 2026 for its 72nd edition from June 10 to 14.
Bologna’s Sotto le Stelle del Cinema is another regarded among Italy’s most iconic outdoor film festivals. For 50 evenings, this annual summer outdoor film series transforms Bologna’s historic Piazza Maggiore into an open-air cinema. Over the summer, thousands attend screenings of classic and contemporary films each evening, surrounded by medieval palaces and the Basilica of San Petronio. The event often overlaps with Il Cinema Ritrovato – a festival famous for showing restored classics, celebrating its 40th year in 2026 — and makes a summer visit to Bologna a must for cinephiles. Dates for the 2026 festival are to be finalized, but expect it to take place from late June to mid-August.
Florence has some of the most picturesque open-air cinema offerings, including at Cinema in Villa, a nightly festival that runs between July and August on the Belvedere terrace of Villa Bardini. During the screenings, which include a wide range of Italian classics, arty international films, family-friendly movies and box-office favorites, you can enjoy a Spritz while looking out on the panorama of Florence below. Dates for the 2026 festival are still to be confirmed, but expect the first part of the program (for July) to be released in June on villabardini.it.
In Puglia, the Imaginaria festival takes arthouse animation into the open air. Taking place across the city of Conversano (around 30km from Bari, reachable by regional rail or a short drive), historic squares, terraces and cobbled streets turn into outdoor cinemas showcasing animated films and more. While it attracts international professionals, the festival retains a distinctly local atmosphere, making it perfect for families as much as animation buffs. Dates for the 2026 Imaginaria are yet to be confirmed, but expect it to take place in late August.
The Rome Film Festival is naturally a big name in the Italian cinema calendar, although most screenings for this event are indoors. However, the organizers — Fondazione Cinema per Roma — embrace cinema all’aperto with a stunning outdoor cinema series during the summer months. Taking place over 22 nights, the Rome Cinema Arena is set in the iconic Parco degli Acquedotti (use the entrance Via Lemonia), with 1,000 seats and free admission. All films are shown in their original language with subtitles, often presented by directors, actors, artists and set designers. Dates for the 2026 festival are still to be confirmed, but expect it to take place toward the end of June.
Making the most of cinema all’aperto
Enjoying outdoor cinema is often as simple as grabbing a bag of popcorn and showing up at the right time, although you can easily enhance your experience.
While seating is typically provided both at pop-ups and established festivals, expect something basic — plastic chairs or stone steps at best. It’s wise to bring your own cushion or blanket, which can make all the difference on hard surfaces.
Just like any evening outdoor activity, be aware of the gradual temperature drop. Even after the hottest days, it can become nippy when the sun goes down, so bring a light jacket, shirt or blanket to keep warm.
Finally, if you don’t speak Italian, be aware that some movies are often dubbed in Italian, with no subtitles, especially in places like Calabria or Puglia.
