Overview
Cinephiles, picnic-lovers and everyone in between, rejoice — the annual combination of movies, outdoor eating and park hangouts that is Moonlight Cinema is back for another round.
After locking in their dates back in September, Australia's biggest outdoor cinema this morning announced their full 2026-17 summer program — and it's a goodie. Kicking off on the first day of summer (how fitting) in Sydney and Adelaide before launching in Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth just a few days later, this year's setup boasts all the regular features that make this one of the country's most popular summer events. Big screen shimmering beneath the stars? Check. Food trucks serving the ultimate movie munchies? Check. Letting super-organised patrons BYO their own snacks? Check. A huge lineup of new releases and cult classics? You betcha.
Expect all the big summer releases, like sci-fi thriller Passengers, the much-anticipated La La Land with Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, and Lion, based on the true story of Saroo Brierley who found his birth mother in India via Google Earth after 25 years of separation. Naturally, they'll also be playing Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (which was released today) as well as the yet-to-be-released Star Wars: Rogue One and game-turned-film Assassins Creed. As always, they'll also throw in a few cult favourites — this year it's Grease and Back to the Future — and some Doggie Nights, which will kick off with The Secret Life of Pets.
Of course, heading to Moonlight isn't just about the movies shown, as fun as getting a sneak peek of upcoming flicks or sharing the joyous glow of watching iconic favourites on a big screen is. It's also about the experience, which is why you're allowed to start getting excited without knowing which films you'll be watching — and why you should be blocking out December through to April in your calendar. Tickets are on sale now.
MOONLIGHT CINEMA 2016-17 DATES:
Sydney: December 1 – April 2 (Belvedere Amphitheatre in Centennial Park)
Melbourne: December 8 – April 2 (Central Lawn at Royal Botanic Gardens)
Brisbane: December 8 – March 5 (New Farm Park at Brisbane Powerhouse)
Adelaide: December 1 – February 19 (Botanic Park)
Perth: December 3 – April 2 (Kings Park and Botanic Garden)
Moonlight Cinema's 2016-17 season starts screening around the country from December 1. For more information and to buy tickets, visit moonlight.com.au.