Cambridge free open-air cinema dates and films

BE beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-06-29 18:51 3 min read

Screens in the City returns to Cambridge from Thursday 13 August to Sunday 16 August, bringing free open-air cinema screenings to two city locations: next to the Clayton Hotel on Station Road and the University of Cambridge’s Downing Site.

The event is free to attend, but advance booking is required because demand is expected to be high. Screenings begin at 1pm each day, with evening films listed at 6.30pm. The programme is aimed at the general public and families, with animated shorts, family films and familiar evening titles across the four-day run.

Cambridge BID is delivering Screens in the City as part of its summer events programme. Visitors are encouraged to bring picnic blankets or deck chairs, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Two Cambridge sites will host the summer screens

The first two days will take place at CB1 on Station Road, next to the Clayton Hotel, CB1 2FB. The screen then moves to the University of Cambridge’s Downing Site, on the lawn outside the Courtyard Building, CB2 3ER, for the weekend.

Both venues are being turned into open-air cinemas with giant screens and a summer setting for daytime and early evening screenings. The Downing Site location is described by organisers as an enclosed oasis in the city centre, giving the 2026 edition a second setting beyond the station area.

Food and drink will not be provided as a listed event feature in the source information, but visitors are being encouraged to pick up snacks, treats or takeaway food from Cambridge city centre cafes, restaurants and retailers before settling in.

Film schedule from Thursday to Sunday

The Sunday evening audience choice film has not yet been announced. For families planning the day around younger viewers, the early slots lean heavily on short animated titles and family films, while the 6.30pm screenings bring in better-known evening choices.

Booking is free but required in advance

All screenings are free to attend, according to the event listing, but entry is not simply walk-up. Advance booking is required due to anticipated demand, and ticket release announcements will be shared through @lovecambridge_ on social media.

The practical details to plan around are clear: bring a picnic blanket or deck chair, arrive knowing that seating is first-come, first-served, and check the correct location before travelling. Thursday and Friday screenings are next to the Clayton Hotel on Station Road, while Saturday and Sunday screenings are at the University of Cambridge’s Downing Site.

Source: Visit Cambridge Events

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This preview is based on the published Visit Cambridge event information for Screens in the City.

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• Checked the listed event dates of 13 to 16 August 2026.
• Matched the two venue locations to Station Road and the University of Cambridge Downing Si...
• Checked that all screenings are listed as free with advance booking required.
• Used the published film schedule without adding unlisted transport or accessibility detail...

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Visit Cambridge Events

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Cambridge

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2026-06-29 18:51

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#Cambridge#Cambridge BID#Clayton Hotel Station Road#Free Family Events#Open-air cinema#Screens in the City#University of Cambridge Downing Site

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