Top 5 outdoor cinemas

Rooftop Movies

Open now through summer, Tues-Sun

Roe Street carpark (cnr James Street), Northbridge. rooftopmovies.com.au

Six storeys up on the roof of an old carpark, Rooftop Movies sports a camp vibe, with fake lawn, pink flamingoes, kitsch caravans and glowing lanterns. They’ve replaced the deckchairs with bean bags and have a licensed bar and guest DJs before the new and old flicks. Run by the folks behind Fringe World, there are lots of special events, including Tuesday “Chooseday”, where you can pick the film.

Ben & Jerry’s Openair Cinema

Open March 19 - April 26

The Esplanade, Perth. openaircinemas.com.au

The famous American ice-cream is on the menu at Perth’s newest pop-up cinema, with its blow-up screen and giant lawn games. It brings a summery vibe to the foreshore, especially with its Sundae Sessions, which launches on March 19 with live music by Triple J Unearthed winner Husky, and continues each Sunday with various musicians before the film. They’ll even throw in a free ice-cream! Deckchairs, bean loungers and blankets can be hired and there is a bar.

Luna Outdoor

Open now through summer.

Oxford Street, Leederville. lunapalace.com.au

Luna Outdoor returns with another cutting-edge program launching with RTRFM’s music documentary festival Gimme Some Truth, where you get eight music-related films in six nights. Then catch Bill Murray’s new comedy St Vincent, the hilariously awful The Room and the geek-gasm doco Particle Fever. Luna Outdoor often has live music, special events and lots of free offers but no BYO.

Northbridge Piazza

Open now through summer, Wed & Sat.

Corner James and Lake streets, Northbridge. northbridgepiazza.visitperthcity.com

The movies might not be new blockbusters but the best thing about this funky inner-city screen is it’s free. Lounge in a bean bag or plop on a glow rock and relax with the Date Night flicks on Wednesdays or Free Flicks for Kids on Saturday nights.

McDonald’s Community Cinemas

Open now through summer, nightly.

Burswood, Bassendean, Curtin, Murdoch, Mandurah. communitycinemas.com.au

The former Movies By Burswood charity group has grown into five cool suburban cinemas dotted throughout Perth. Stacked shipping containers create a big screen before a grassy patch for deckchairs, bean bags and picnic rugs (which can also be hired on site). Each venue is fully licensed (no BYO), with snacks available.