Last updated: 27 June 2025
One of our absolute favorite activities in the summer are the open air movie nights. You got a massive screen, the beautiful lake, your favorite snackies and drinks, and all your people gathered around – it’s a recipe for a good time. We’re excited to share our roundup of all the open-air cinema events happening across the city this summer. Just remember, movies kick off a bit late, usually around 9:15 PM – 10:00 PM, once the Geneva sun finally dips!
- For Everyone
- For the True Film Buffs & Francophiles
- For Family Nights
- For Those Looking for a Night Out
Allianz Cinema | Eaux-Vives
📅 Dates: 30 June – 24 August 2025
📍 Location: Quai Gustave-Ador (next to Plague des Eaux-Vives)
🎟️ Cost: CHF 17 for adults, CHF 17 for children (16 & under) and AVS
🎬 Full Program: The full program, packed with the newest summer Hollywood blockbusters like F1, Mission Impossible, Superman, and Lilo & Stitch, is available here.
Why we’re buzzing: If you’re after the latest Hollywood blockbuster film, then Allianz Cinema is going to be your go-to. Here, you get to watch the biggest hits on a huge screen under the open skies, with a backdrop of the sunset over the lake. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind movie theater experience. There’s an onsite restaurant that’s perfect for grabbing dinner or an aperitif, and a refreshments stand loaded with movie snacks like popcorn and ice cream.
🔥 Hot tip: Seating isn’t assigned, so you’ll want to get there early to claim a good spot. No one wants to get stuck in the front row 🙈
🔥🔥 Hot tip #2 (A Must for movie-goers in Switzerland): Before you hit “purchase”, always double-check the film’s language! You’ll see VOdf (original voiceover, meaning English for most films) OR VF (French voiceover). Trust us, you don’t want to accidentally hear Stitch speaking in French.
CinéTransit | Perle du lac
📅 Dates: 10 July – 17 August 2025
📍 Location: Perle du lac (in front of the Museum of the History of Science)
🎟️ Cost: Absolutely FREE
🎬 Full Program: Get ready for an amazing, wonderfully diverse slate of films! This year’s lineup features something for everyone, from beloved classics like Paddington 2 and The Mitchells vs. The Machines, to cult favorites and major Hollywood blockbusters such as Pulp Fiction and E.T. Find the complete schedule and all the details here
Why we’re buzzing: If you’re going to hit up just one open-air cinema in Geneva, make it CinéTransit. This event is probably the most popular in town, as its very central location means it always draws a large crowd. The vibes? Festive and fun. There’s nothing quite like sharing laughs, gasps, and even a collective tear or two with hundreds of other movie goers. Their film selection is always top-notch, offering that perfect mix of feel-good gems and iconic blockbusters we all love.
CinéTransit really caters to the large expat community here in Geneva. Movies shown in English will have French subtitles, while all French movies will have English subtitles. You can doublecheck the languages and subtitles for each on their website!
🔥 Hot tip: You should definitely bring a picnic blanket or even a small folded chair to sit on. Packing your own snacks is a must!
Ciné Signal | Bernex
📅 Dates: 4 – 6 July 2025 (just 3 special nights)
📍 Location: Bernex (Esplanade du Signal de Bernex)
🎟️ Cost: Absolutely FREE
🎬 Full Program: Get ready for some fantastic cinema with Riverboom, Saint-Jacques… La Mecque, and the classic Thelma & Louise. Find more details here.
Why we’re buzzing: Calling all French-speaking cinéphiles (or anyone looking for a super charming way to practice their French)! If you’re into art-house films or just something a little less mainstream, Ciné Signal in Bernex is your perfect pick. They’ve teamed up with the awesome Black Movie Festival this year, which means you’ll also get to enjoy some cool short films before the main feature. It’s a much more intimate and charming affair compared to some of the bigger, bustling open-air cinemas, making it feel extra special.
🔥 Hot Tip: While there will be lounge chairs available, quantities are limited! As always, your best bet is to arrive early to snag a comfy seat and enjoy the pre-film atmosphere.
Open-Air Cinema: Thônex
📅 Dates: 5 July – 23 August 2025
📍 Location: Screenings popping up at different locations around Thônex
🎟️ Cost: Absolutely FREE
🎬 Full Program: Get ready for screenings of cult films, classics, comedies and more! Check out the full program here
Why we’re buzzing: Instead of one fixed location, Thônex is bringing the big screen to different corners of the area, which is a nice way to explore new spots. Their program is packed with cult classics and really leans into family-friendly films like Grease, Rio, and Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone. So, if you’re a parent looking for some charming, free, and easy summer fun with your little ones, this is definitely an option to mark down on your calendar.
Lancy Fait Son Cinéma | Lancy
📅 Dates: 17 July – 15 August 2025
📍 Location: Get ready to explore the different parts of Lancy! Screenings are happening at different locations around town.
🎟️ Cost: Absolutely FREE
🎬 Full Program: Expect a mix of French-language and family friendly films like Flow, Migration, and Irréductible, perfect for a chill night out. Find the full program here
Why We’re Buzzing: Lancy is part of the “traveling cinema” club, bringing a diverse series of films right to different areas of the commune! We love that the backdrops are going to be so varied, from cool urban spots to lush, green parks. This event is perfect for a relaxed family night out, featuring a great selection of French-language and family-friendly films that everyone can enjoy. It’s an awesome way to explore Lancy’s neighborhoods while catching a movie under the stars!
Cinéma en plein air | Plan-les-Ouates
📅 Dates: 4 July – 20 August 2025
📍 Location: Parc sous les marronniers (Across from the Mayor’s office in Plan-les-Ouates)
🎟️ Cost: Absolutely FREE
🎬 Full Program: Three screenings of French-language and family friendly films, Barbie, Sauvages, Un p’tit truc en plus. Find the full program here
Why We’re Buzzing: This is the perfect event if you’re looking for an excuse to visit Plan-les-Ouates (no hate) for a relaxed summer movie night. It’s the perfect excuse to pack a picnic and the kids, and just chill out in a gorgeous park while enjoying some quality cinema. It’s exactly the kind of easy summer evening we love!
Cinétoiles | Carouge
📅 Dates: 3 July – 28 August 2025 (Thursday nights)
📍 Location: Le Catalpa Bar
🎟️ Cost: Free but reservation for a seat is required in advance info@lecatalpa.ch
🎬 Full Program: A nice mix of quirky classic Hollywood films that you probably haven’t seen in ages such as: E.T., Darjeeling Limited, Big Fish, and more! Check out the full schedule here.
Why We’re Buzzing: Cinétoiles at Le Catalpa Bar is on our “must-do” list this summer. This place is the spot for a super fun, vibey summer night out. You’ve got comfy lounge chairs (80 of them!), cool silent party headphones for the film, and popcorn all ready to go. But honestly, the real magic happens before the movie! The screen is set right outside Le Catalpa Bar, making it the perfect pre-movie destination. Cocktails, ice-cold beers, and all the good stuff available (and highly encouraged!) at the bar. It’s the ideal spot to grab an apéro with your besties, soak in the atmosphere, and get into the mood before diving into the film.
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