In the sultry summer nights you have to take advantage of how difficult it is to rest to see a movie in the best summer cinemas in Madrid. The concept of being “al fresco” is elevated when you add a movie screen, the best company and some snacks. The offer of open-air cinemas grows one more year, being probably one of the most refreshing plans in the capital.
Fescinal
Fescinal, the oldest summer cinema in Madrid, celebrates its 41st edition from June 26 to September 6, 2025 in the Parque de la Bombilla (Príncipe Pío). This open-air festival offers two simultaneous screenings every night in different theaters, with a program that combines the most recent premieres, Spanish cinema with colloquiums with directors and actors, classics and animation for all audiences. The sessions begin at 10:15 pm and the atmosphere is unique: watching movies under the stars, in a wooded setting and with a capacity for 900 people in the main hall. Tickets start at 5.50 euros and all information and advance sales are available on the official website of Fescinal.
📍Location: avenida de Valladolid, SN (Moncloa – Aravaca)
Price: 5,5 €.
La Estival
The summer cinema returns to the Plaza de España from July 12 until September 14. La Estival will have a large screen of 120 m² for screenings and a gastronomic anteroom with 15 stalls, 5 more than last year. As usual, the audio will be broadcast through wireless stereo headphones that will allow to listen to the film in original or dubbed version. The doors will be open from Monday to Friday at 5:00 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays at 12:00 noon.
As in previous years, there will be a wide range of premiere films, special screenings, monologues and live podcasts, among other activities that have not yet been specified.
Location: Plaza de España (Downtown)
Price: 11€.
Cibeles in Cinema
CentroCentro’s Galería de Cristal once again becomes this summer one of the most unique scenarios for lovers of the seventh art. Cibeles de Cine 2025 will screen more than 70 titles between June 27 and September 12, including recent releases, cult classics and independent films. The space, covered and air-conditioned, allows visitors to enjoy the films in a spectacular architectural setting, accompanied by a carefully selected gastronomic offer and parallel activities such as colloquiums and special sessions. The screenings start at 10:00 p.m., making every night a must for those looking for a different cultural experience in the heart of Madrid.
📍Location: Plaza de Cibeles, 1
💸 Price: 6 € (box office) / 7 € (online)
Summer cinema at the Institut Français in Madrid
The Institut Français transforms its upper courtyard into an open-air cinema during the nights of July, with a program dedicated to the best contemporary and auteur French cinema, always in original version with Spanish subtitles. The sessions, scheduled on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:00 p.m., allow you to discover films such as La gran juerga and Cannes, city of fear in an intimate and cosmopolitan atmosphere, surrounded by historic architecture and a movie-loving public. An opportunity to immerse yourself in the Gallic culture without leaving Madrid, in the heart of the Chamberí neighborhood.
📍Location: Calle Marqués de la Ensenada, 12
Price: 5€.
Open-air cinema in La Casa Encendida
The Magnetic Terrace of La Casa Encendida consolidates in 2025 as one of the most vibrant cultural spaces of Madrid’s summer. Until August 2, the open-air film series brings together screenings selected for their originality and contemporary look, often accompanied by concerts, presentations and activities for all audiences. The relaxed atmosphere, the views over Lavapiés and the careful selection of titles such as David Lynch’s Lost Highway or Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away make this space a must-see of the season.
📍Location: Ronda de Valencia, 2
Price: 4 €.
CinePlaza de Verano at Matadero Madrid
The emblematic Matadero Madrid celebrates the 8th edition of CinePlaza, under the title. Superstars 2from July 3 to 27, from Thursday to Sunday at 10:15 pm. This edition proposes a hybrid format with two unique cinema-concerts (Hidrogenesse and Joe Crepúsculo), two films with live commentary and a careful selection of 12 titles in VOSE. Tickets start at €3.5 and can be purchased online or at the box office. A cultural experience that fuses film, music and analysis in a unique atmosphere under the stars, perfect for those looking for different night plans in Madrid.
📍Location: Plaza Central de Matadero Madrid (Legazpi, 8)
🗓️ Dates: from July 3 to 27, Thursday to Sunday, 10:15 p.m.
Free summer cinemas in the center of Madrid
This summer, the Centro district is offering free screenings at La Corrala de Lavapiés, Plaza de Las Vistillas and Plaza de Las Comendadoras during June and July at 9:00 pm. The program includes family titles such as Kung Fu Panda 4, Gru 4. My Favorite Villain, Tadeo Jones 3 and Top Gun: Maverick. A perfect opportunity to enjoy outdoor cinema in the heart of Madrid, free of charge.
📍Location: La Corrala (Lavapiés), Plaza de Las Vistillas and Plaza de Las Comendadoras.
🗓️ Dates: June and July, 9:00 p.m.
Barajas Summer Cinema
The Barajas district is also committed to outdoor cinema with free screenings every weekend until July 13 in the Plaza de Cristina Arce and Rocío Oña. The selection includes animation, comedies and recent blockbusters, with previous activities for the whole family from 9:00 pm and films at 10:00 pm. An essential date to enjoy the best summer cinema and animation outdoors in Barajas.
📍Location: Plaza de Cristina Arce y Rocío Oña (Barajas)
🗓️ Dates: until July 13th, Friday to Sunday
Free summer cinema in Espartales
The neighborhood of Espartales premieres free summer cinema throughout August at the Centro Cultural La Galatea, with family sessions every Friday and Saturday at 22:00h. The program includes recent titles such as Gru 4, Garfield or Inside Out 2, and admission is free until full capacity is reached. More details and the entire billboard in this review of the new summer film season in Espartales.
📍 Location: La Galatea Cultural Center, Emilia Pardo Bazán street, 3 (Espartales, Alcalá de Henares).
🗓️ Dates: August 2025 (Fridays and Saturdays, 22:00)
In summer even the cat tries to leave the city, but for all those who have no choice but to stay, there are summer plans in Madrid capable of transporting us to more friendly towns and cities at this time of the year.