The Best Outdoor Cinemas in Porto This Summer (2025)

When the sun sets over Porto and the heat finally softens, the city reveals one of its best-kept summer rituals: free open-air cinema. Throughout August, film lovers swap sofas for blankets and step into gardens, plazas, and parks turned into giant projection rooms — all without spending a cent.

It’s an invitation to slow down, sit back, and enjoy cinema as it was meant to be: surrounded by people, laughter, and the soft buzz of a summer night.

Cinema Fora do Sítio: August 1–30 (Free Entry)

📍 Multiple locations in Porto
🕘 Fridays and Saturdays at 9:00 PM

Back for another edition, Cinema Fora do Sítio is one of Porto’s most beloved summer traditions. Over ten nights in August, the city comes alive with screenings in parks, gardens, squares, and even military barracks — turning unexpected locations into open-air cinemas.

The 2025 lineup mixes international hits, animated films, and cult favourites. Some highlights include:

• Still Here – Aug 1, Alameda das Fontainhas
• Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning – Aug 8, Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
• Lilo & Stitch – Aug 23, Parque do Covelo
• Jurassic World: Dominion – Aug 29, Largo do Amor de Perdição

From kids’ flicks like The Bad Guys 2 to horror-themed sessions like Until Dawn, it’s an inclusive program that captures all ages — and all moods. Bring a cushion or foldable chair and arrive early — spots fill up fast.

More Open-Air Sessions Beyond Porto’s Centre

Praça da Batalha: "Oasis 3: A Place in the Sun"

📍 Praça da Batalha
📅 Until July 20 | 9:30 PM

This iconic square hosts seven free screenings exploring the search for light — metaphorically and literally. It’s cinema meets public art, framed by one of Porto’s most historic backdrops.

Gondomar: Blockbusters in the Suburbs

📍 Parque Urbano de Gondomar & Parque Urbano de Rio Tinto
📅 July 17 & 24 | 10:00 PM

The Cinema Fora do Sítio spirit extends into Gondomar, where urban parks become open-air theatres. Expect hits like Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy and The War of the Rohirrim.

Maia: “Cinema on the Lawn”

📍 Aeródromo de Vilar de Luz, Parque de Calvilhe & Parque da Cidade Desportiva
📅 July 18 to August 2

Maia turns green spaces into relaxed cinema zones. These six free sessions are family-friendly and perfect for weekend plans that require zero planning.

Discover the best of Porto with WhereInRio & Beyond

Porto knows how to do summer right. It’s a city that comes alive at night — in its gardens, on its rooftops, and now, with film reels spinning under the stars.

At WhereInRio & Beyond, we don’t just talk about what to do in the city — we live it. Whether you're here for a short stay or thinking long-term, we believe Porto is best enjoyed slowly, locally, and with a good film or two along the way.

Explore more local tips, unique properties, and lifestyle inspiration at Beyond — where every season has its scene.

FAQ

1. Are Porto’s outdoor cinema sessions really free?

Yes — most sessions, including those in Cinema Fora do Sítio, Maia, and Gondomar, are completely free and open to the public.

2. Where do the screenings take place?

Screenings happen across Porto and Greater Porto, in places like Palácio de Cristal, Praça de D. João I, and parks in Maia and Gondomar.

3. Do I need to book in advance?

No reservations are needed. Just show up early to grab a good spot — seating is limited and first-come, first-served.

4. What happens if it rains?

Screenings may be cancelled in case of rain. Check official channels or city council social media for updates on the day of the event.

5. Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes! Many people bring their own snacks, picnic baskets, or takeaway — just remember to leave the space as clean as you found it.