Free Outdoor Movies: Toronto’s Best Summer Entertainment Is Coming Back in June
The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show (TOPS) is back for its 15th anniversary, bringing the magic of outdoor cinema to communities across Toronto. This year’s festival, themed “When We Were Young,” promises to be a nostalgic journey through the trials and tribulations of youth, featuring a diverse selection of short and feature films that celebrate the wonder of childhood and the process of growing up.
A Brief History of TOPS
The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show began as the Christie Pits Film Festival (CPFF) in 2011, founded by Artistic & Executive Director Emily Reid.
What started as a small community event in the natural amphitheater of Christie Pits Park quickly grew into a beloved summer tradition. By January 2015, the organization had incorporated as a not-for-profit under the name Toronto Outdoor Picture Show, and in 2020, it achieved charitable status.
Over the past decade, TOPS has expanded its programming to several communities across Toronto, with an annual attendance of over 25,000.
Festival Overview
From June 12 through August 24, 2025, TOPS will host over 20 evenings of open-air cinema at three iconic parks: Fort York, Christie Pits, and Corktown Common.
The festival kicks off at Fort York with Baz Luhrmann’s hyper-stylized adaptation of Romeo + Juliet, starring young Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.
This opening weekend will also showcase Steve McQueen’s Lovers Rock, Jane Schoenbrun’s I Saw the TV Glow, and a 30th anniversary screening of Amy Heckerling’s cult classic Clueless.
Event Details
- Fort York: June 12-17, 2025
- Venue: Walled Fort of Fort York National Historic Site.
- Admission: Free/PWYC (Pay What You Can)
- Showtime: Sundown (~9 PM)
- Amenities: Food and alcoholic beverages for sale (no outside alcohol permitted), BYOBlanket & Chairs, films screened with captioning.
- Christie Pits: Sundays from July 6 to August 24, 2025
- Corktown Common: Thursdays from July 3 to August 7, 2025
Accessibility and Community Engagement
TOPS events are accessible and open to the public, ensuring no barriers to entry. The festival is free for all, supported by charitable donations. This year, anyone who donates $15 or more will have the opportunity to vote on the festival’s closing night film in August.
Curated Programming
The “When We Were Young” programme is curated by Artistic & Executive Director Emily Reid, along with a team of programming contributors. The selection includes groundbreaking films from the past decade, middle-aged Gen X and Millennial favorites, and venerable classics from cinematic eras past.
This diverse lineup invites audiences to lay a blanket in the grass and reminisce about the times when they were young.
Community Impact and Support
The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show is more than just a film festival; it’s a community event that brings people together. The shared experience of watching a movie under the stars, surrounded by friends, family, and neighbors, creates a sense of togetherness that is truly special. As one attendee put it, “There is something very special about sitting in a park with hundreds of strangers, watching a movie as one large collective. The audible laughter, gasps, and clapping; the shared snacks and blankets; the feeling of togetherness. Whenever I attend TOPS, I am reminded that there is community in the city of Toronto”.
The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show continues to be a cornerstone of Toronto’s summer calendar, offering high-quality, diverse, and engaging outdoor cinema experiences. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time attendee, TOPS 2025 promises to be a memorable celebration of film and community.
For more information and the complete schedule of films, visit topictureshow.com
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