This summer, grab the blankets, pack the cooler, spritz on the bug spray and head to the nearest outdoor movie screening for some fun and free family-friendly entertainment. Be sure to check your local community events calendar for more dates and movie listings, but here are a few places where you can catch a film under the stars.

British Columbia

Castlegar, B.C.
Location: Castlegar and District Recreation Complex (soccer field), 2101 6th Avenue
Date: July 1, 2012
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Celebrate Canada Day with an outdoor BBQ and a free screening of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax.

Burnaby, BC
Location: 8888 University Drive, The Meadow at SFU (Burnaby Mountain Campus)
Date: July 21, 2012
Time: 9 p.m.
Head to Simon Fraser University to enjoy a free screening of Big Miracle.

Alberta

Stony Plain, Alta.
Location: 4202 50 Street, Stony Plain, AB
Date: August 23, 2012
Time: TBA
Enjoy family friendly Hollywood blockbusters on the big screen at Heritage Park. All the proceeds from the refreshments sold support the Town of Stony Plain FFC Youth Centre. Movies are still to be announced, so check the website to see what’s scheduled for this summer.

Edmonton, Alta.
Location: 2331 – 66 street, Mills Woods Town Centre
Time: 9:45p.m.
Date: July 27, 2012
Inspired by the classic drive-in environment, go early to secure a spot front row and centre for a free screening of The Smurfs.

Saskatchewan

Regina, Sask.
Location: Victoria Park
Time: Dusk
Date: Starts July 4 and runs every Wednesday night until August 1
Head downtown and enjoy newly released movies and some favourite oldies on the giant screen in the heart of Victoria Park. This year’s line up is still to be announced so check the website soon.

Shaunavon, SK
Location: Memorial Park, Between 1st St E and 2nd St E, & between 5th Ave and 4th Ave
Time: 9:20 p.m.
Date: June 9, 2012
Cozy up in the grass and laugh along to Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax.

Manitoba

Winnipeg, Man.
Location: Lyric Lawn, Assiniboine Park
Time: Early screening: 7 p.m., Late screening: 9:15 p.m.
Date: August 4, 10, 17 and 24
Catch two films each Friday night in August on Lyric Lawn. Among this year’s films are Happy Feet 2, Tangled and E.T.

Ontario

Smith Falls, ON
Location: Rideau Canal in Centennial Park (under the Smith Falls water tower)
Time: Dusk
Date: June 28 to August 30
The 10-week series of screenings takes place every Thursday night. Pre-show activities start at 7 p.m. This year’s line up includes We Bought a Zoo, Beauty and the Beast, Puss and Boots, Star Wars and more.

Toronto, ON
Location: Downsview Park
Time: 9 p.m.
Date: June 29, 2012
Downsview Park invites you to enjoy a free screening of Dr. Seuss: The Lorax. Check the site for other dates throughout the summer.

Quebec

Morin-Heights, Que.
Location: Camping & Cabines Nature August 11 185, rue Bennett
Time: Dusk
Date: August 4, 2012 (in french), August 11 (in English)
Arrive at the location 30 minutes before sun down and enjoy a shuttle bus that takes you deep into the forest to enjoy a film on a big widescreen projector. This is a rain or shine event so don’t forget the ponchos and the bug spray. The movie is still to be announced.

Newfoundland

Mount Pearl, Nfld.
Location: Centennial Park
Time: 8:30p.m.
Date: August 9, 2012
Bring a non-perishable food item and enjoy a night in the park with your family and friends. In case on inclement weather, the movie will take place the next night. The title is still to be announced so check back soon.

New Brunswick

Sussex, NB
Location: Burton Park
Time: 8:30p.m.
Date: July 12 and 26, August 9 and 23
Gather in Burton Park and enjoy family movies like Jack and Jill, The Muppets, Treasure Buddies and The Smurfs. Concessions will be available with all proceeds going to the Sussex and District Minor Baseball Association.