Warm weather is basically here, but film lovers need not worry about being stuck in the over-compensating air conditioning of traditional cinema complexes. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy good movies and balmy nights simultaneously in the coming months.

Traditionally, outdoor cinema in Adelaide could only consist of a trip to the drive-in cinema on Main North Road, but for those of us not blessed with a ute and a spare couch, it can be just as cramped an experience as a regular cinema. And with worse sound.

For the superior experience of sharing a film in an open venue with a bunch of like-minded strangers (and booze), CityMag presents you with our selection of outdoor cinemas.

Rocket Rooftop
6pm Sundays, November – December. Free Entry

Good curation is what sets a good movie night apart from a bad movie night. Rocket Rooftop seem to understand this, as they’re hosting Wes Anderson films every Sunday throughout November, and “knee-slapping comedies” Knocked Up and I Love You, Man on December 14 and 21, respectively.

Beanbags are provided, and there is food and drinks available, but the rooftop is not a large space so get in early from 6pm for a good spot.

Decked Out Films
Various venues and dates

The Decked Out crew are relative newcomers to the film-screening scene, but already they’ve brought The Darjeeling Limited and Casablanca to Hello, Yes, and are looking to show more at that venue, and others around the city.

Coming up in February they’ve partnered with the South Australian Film Corporation for a free night of SA-made short films, hosted at The Blue Hive on the Riverbank. Keep an eye on the SA Film events page for further information and to book yourself a deckchair.

Shorts Film Festival
20-23 November, City Beach. Limited free Entry, Tickets here.

As we’ve mentioned elsewhere, this is the first year Shorts Film Festival has been held outside, and in an open air cinema with seating constructed of sand, no less.

The Frome Street Surf Life Saving Club will play host to 30 short films from across Australia and Asia-Pacific over four nights. And as if that isn’t enough, there will be tunes provided by DJ Dexter, wine by Alpha Box and Dice and fish and chips from Golden Gullet. Good times guaranteed.

Moonlight Cinema
December – January, Botanic Park. Tickets here.

Outdoor cinema isn’t just about short films and cult classics, the new releases shouldn’t be ignored, and for that we have Moonlight Cinema.

An extension of the Event Cinemas group, the Botanic Park event has a fairly extensive array of films, ranging from kids movies, comedies, all-out blockbusters and a few classics thrown in the mix. There’s a food truck offering nachos, burgers and hot chips, as well as your candy bar essentials, and a licensed bar, should you need a little liquid confidence before the Grease sing-a-long on 15 January.