Cinespia Cemetery Screenings at Hollywood Forever
One way we like to lean into the summer season is by catching an outdoor movie screening under the stars. Nothing beats packing a picnic, grabbing a nice spot on the grass with your favorite people, and settling in for an evening of classic Hollywood entertainment at one of many Cinespia cemetery screenings.
From May through October, Cinespia hosts outdoor screenings at one of three Los Angeles venues: The Greek Theater, Los Angeles State Historic Park, and the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. With a roster of cult classics and old favorites, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The fee is competitive with a regular theater ticket, yet you get to spread out, BYOB, and relax on a cool summer night.
We love movies and recently went to a showing of The Devil Wear’s Prada at the iconic setting of the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. This is a historical landmark and final resting place for many of Los Angeles’s historical figures, pioneers, and celebrities. At the turn of the century, it was purchased by new owners who saved it from years of neglect and disrepair. Restoration began and new management turned it into a revered setting for many cultural events including music concerts and Cinespia movie nights. If you have never walked these grounds, it is a day’s adventure on its own. Celebrities such as Mickey Rooney, Toto from The Wizard of Oz, Mel Blanc, Chris Cornell, and Judy Garland are buried there (to name a few).
Seeing an outdoor movie at any of Cinespia’s venues is an event. We recommend you pack a picnic, show up early, and settle in as you wait for the daylight to wane. The movie starts after dark, which means it starts later in June than it does in late August, but there is plenty of preshow entertainment. At our screening, there was a DJ, dance floor, concession stands, movie-themed photo booths where you can buy a print to take home as a souvenir, and a hilarious celebrity guest introduction by comedian Kathy Griffin.
The season is coming to a close but there are still a few weekends left through the end of October. Even better, the movie selection segues into a few horror flicks to get you in the Halloween spirit.
If you miss out this year, don’t worry because they do have year-round screenings at a few historic downtown movie palaces often closed to the public. These movies are regularly shown in 35mm and you get all of the perks of the photobooths, DJ’s, bars, and concessions. The outdoor season usually picks up again in May.
What You Need to Know
The gates generally open around 6:15 PM, which gives you plenty of time to secure a spot and enjoy some downtime before the movie starts after dark, which can be as early as 8:00 PM or as late as 9:00 PM. Seating is first come first serve, so the early birds are usually rewarded for their planning ahead. There are plenty of restrooms located on site and helpful staff around the seating area to guide you. Check the rules about bringing pets because as of this writing, only ESA and service dogs are permitted on leashes.
There is a DJ who will play music before and after the show, there is usually a dance floor, concessions, drinks, and don’t miss out on the themed photobooth. This is Hollywood, so no detail is spared at these thematic photo-ops. Pose as your favorite character and purchase a print to take home as a memorable keepsake. There are restrooms located on site.
Getting to Cinespia at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Hollywood Forever Cemetery is located at 6000 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90038. You can take public transportation, Uber, or drive. There is no stopping permitted on Santa Monica Blvd. until the gates open. Definitely check to see when the gates open, and if you can time it just right, great! Otherwise, parking enforcement will send you on your way. Once the gates open and you are in line to enter the venue from Santa Monica (if you purchased on-site parking), be prepared to wait — and don’t be that car who cuts the line.
Parking at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
If you purchase an on-site parking pass, then you can park on the cemetery grounds and walk directly over to the picnic area on the lawn. The on-site parking option opens at gate time, and absolutely no stopping is permitted on Santa Monica Blvd. before the gates open as we mentioned above.
Once gates are open and you get in the line of cars to get in, just sit back and relax. It could be a while. But don’t worry, you’ll get there. Put on some tunes, play some movie trivia, partake in some serious people watching, and enjoy the company.
Additional parking is available at the Hollywood Production Center Lot (1149 N. Gower) and the Lemon Grove Parking structure (900 N Van Ness). It’s not that much more in terms of cost to pay for the on-site parking, and since it’s so convenient, we went ahead and splurged.
What to Bring to Cinespia Cemetery Screenings
We bring a typical picnic set-up. Chairs, blanket, snacks, and a bottle of wine (or two). Hard liquor is not allowed, but cold beer is. You can bring blankets and chairs with low backs no higher than 21″.
The good folks at Cinespia recommend that if you are seated on a blanket to layer it over a tarp or get yourself a waterproof blanket as the grass can get damp and dewy later in the evening. Should you forget a blanket, the Cinespia store sells blankets with tarp bottoms near the photobooth stand. Candles and open flames are not permitted, but we had some electric candles on hand to place on our trusty travel table.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Picnic in Los Angeles
Other Things to Note for the Cinespia Cemetery Screenings
Cinespia movie screenings are at multiple venues. They have showings at the Greek Theater, Los Angeles State Historic park, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery as well as historic theaters in Downtown LA. It is easy to get excited about a particular showing without paying close attention to the designated venue. You don’t want to show up at the wrong location!
Case in point: last year we got tickets to Pretty In Pink and assumed it was at Hollywood Forever when in fact it was screening at the Los Angeles State Historic Park. We were not disappointed, though because it was a beautiful spot to watch a movie and featured the Downtown Los Angeles skyline as the backdrop.
Did you recently see a movie at a Cinespia event? Send us a note and tell us about your experience oe tag us on Instagram!
