Films alfresco: 5 outdoor cinema experiences to savour in Stockholm this summer

There's something extra special about watching a fabulous film under the open sky. And luckily for us Stockholmers, the Swedish capital has us covered this summer. Across the city, open-air cinemas are in place for us to enjoy this August.

Located on the island of Lidingö, the open-air Bio Larsberg is a perfect place to celebrate the last days of summer. From the 28-29 August, this stunning location hidden under the trees and overlooking the water will come to life. Sing along to West Side Story (2021), revisit Gotham in Joker (2019), or fall in love all over again with Timothèe Chalamet in Call Me by Your Name (2017). And do it all while enjoying some Indian or Greek street food from the nearby food trucks. To get there, go eco-friendly and take the bike: the venue will have their very own parking valet especially for bicycles – and if you can demonstrate that you cycled there, you get free popcorn in the shop.

Larsbergsvägen 10, Lidingö

Every Sunday in August, the rooftop bar at Hotel Six, transforms into a luxurious outdoor cinema: Bio under stjärnorna. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with the city’s skyline as a backdrop and where the guests' comfort and service are in focus. We recommend booking ahead to get one of the comfy seats, so that you not only get to enjoy the film but can also eat a tasty meal of grilled chili-marinated chicken tacos straight from the hotel’s restaurant while you recline. Wash them down with the range of sophisticated drinks sent from the bar.

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On the screen this August there are a variety of classics such as Seven (1995) with Brad Pritt and Morgan Freeman, and the movie that gave Leonardo DiCaprio his big break – What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993), helmed by Swedish director Lasse Hallström.

It’s a perfect Sunday activity to enjoy with your friends or even just solo. The best part? After the film ends you can just stay where you are, order more from the bar, and enjoy a true Stockholm summer night.

Brunkebergstorg 6, Stockholm

For the last 30 years, the Stockholm Film Festival has organised a programme of open-air screenings for the summer, appropriately named Sommarbio. This year, it’s located in the trendy hang-out park Rålambshovsparken, where all the hip inner-city locals spend their summer afternoons. Between 17-21 August, they're showing some beloved classics on the outdoor big screen – from Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park (1993) to Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away (2001) and the Wachowskis' The Matrix (1999).

The majority of visitors bring their own picnic blankets, but the venue also has a few chairs to lend out on a first come first served basis. Sommarbio usually has sponsors handing out free snacks before the films begin, but if not, they have light beverages to buy and a charming popcorn machine on site. Be sure to keep your eyes open while you're lining up for snacks – this is classic Stockholm summer activity and it's been known to attract the odd celebrity, with Young Royals’ Edvin Ryding receiving the Rising Star Award on stage at last year's outing.

Rålambshovsparken, Stockholm

The Järva Film Festival is a local gem for Stockholm westsiders – a secret that's almost too good to share. For years, the family-orientated event, organised by the non-profit organisation The Global Village, has gatherered the neighbourhood together to view a selection of leading films from the past few years.

This year, the screenings bring together Pixar movies Luca (2021) and Soul (2020), as well as award-winning King Richard (2021) and, the Festival de Cannes competitor Papicha (2019) - a perfect blend voted for by the local residents. The films run during the first week of August.

Related: 5 unmissable outdoor activities to try in the Stockholm archipelago this summer

Some visitors come prepared for an entire afternoon of film, while others join having walked by the event after their football game on the nearby field. Bring your own blanket, a small picnic and if you get really hungry there's always a food truck at your disposal. It’s a community fuelled atmosphere where everyone is welcome.

If you have a desire for documentaries, especially about nature and mountains, then this open-air event is for you. For one day on 20 August, The Banff Mountain Film Festival allows you to travel and explore everything from the depths of the Atlantic to the mountains of Nepal. The Canadian festival travels globally, stopping by Stockholm this summer before continuing to Uppsala and Gothenburg. They also build their very own flea market especially for outdoor gear for a true outdoor celebration and allowing anyone encouraged by the films to stock up for an adventure of their own.

You might notice that Banff shares the same date and location as Sommarbio above, so get ready for a full-on film marathon that day. Bring your favourite snacks from the nearby supermarket or favourite café, and just sit back, relax and get ready to be inspired.

Rålambshovsparken, Stockholm