Free outdoor cinema returns to Edinburgh this June with blockbuster weekend

Edinburgh’s much-loved free outdoor movie weekend, Square Cinema, returns this June, bringing three days of big-screen entertainment to the heart of the city.

Article Source: Essential Edinburgh
Last Updated: 13 May 2025 14:44

Enjoy recent blockbusters, family favourites, and cult classic films in the heart of Edinburgh 13 – 15 June 2025

Edinburgh’s much-loved free outdoor movie weekend, Square Cinema, returns this June, bringing three days of big-screen entertainment to the heart of the city in one of the UK’s biggest free outdoor cinema events.

Set in the picturesque surroundings of St Andrew Square Garden, the three-day event is funded by Essential Edinburgh with LNER continuing their headline support. It all kicks off this year on Friday June 13th with a packed line-up!
Family audiences are in for a treat with daytime screenings including Wicked, a Paddington double bill with Paddington 2 and Paddington In Peru, Inside Out 2, The Wild Robot and Moana 2.

Later in the day, the programme shifts to Hollywood blockbusters and cult classics including The Lost Boys, Chicago, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Mrs Doubtfire, Twisters, and Gladiator 2, all shown in a relaxed, picnic-style setting.

Don’t live locally to Edinburgh? Don’t worry, if you enter the Square Cinema competition on-line you can be in with a chance of winning a fantastic luxury weekend-stay in Edinburgh for four! Enjoy 1st class travel and entry to Square Cinema’s First Class Lounge provided by partners LNER, a two-night stay in the sumptuous George Hotel just seconds away from St Andrew Square Garden, A £300 gift card for Multrees Walk – Scotland's luxury shopping destination – with a lunch and dinner being provided by Bar+Block Steakhouse Edinburgh and Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill, and entry to The Edinburgh Dungeon to top it off.

Emily Campbell Johnston, Senior Manager Marketing & Communications for Essential Edinburgh, said: “Over fourteen years, our outdoor film screenings produced by Unique Events have evolved into one of the largest free outdoor cinema events in the UK – attracting locals and visitors alike to enjoy our wonderful city centre.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with LNER, working together to create happy memories for all, and this year to also offer audio-described screenings. It’s a fantastic, free event that truly has something for absolutely everyone – come rain or shine – from daytime family fun to movie-lovers at night.

“Square Cinema is always fabulous fun and offers a wonderful communal film experience. It brings people into the city centre and they can then enjoy all that is on offer, helping drive footfall and provide a welcome boost for local businesses.”

Jake Orros, Community Partnerships Manager at LNER, added:
“We are delighted to continue our headline sponsorship of this special outdoor event that brings people into the heart of Edinburgh. In 2025, we’re proud to introduce a new community partnership element, further strengthening our commitment to inclusivity and connection.”

Entry to Square Cinema remains free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Concessions available within Square Cinema include drinks from Heineken 0%, food tasters from Dishoom, and sweet treats such as ice cream, popcorn, and confectionery from Alandas.

To be as inclusive as possible, all films will be shown with subtitles, and select films will be audio-described. For full entry terms and conditions, or to reserve a headset for audio-described screenings, please visit www.squarecinema.co.uk

SQUARE CINEMA PROGRAMME 2025*
Friday 13 June:
4:30pm Moana 2 (2024) – Cert PG (Audio Described Available)
6:30pm The Meg (2018) – Cert 12
8:35pm The Lost Boys (1987) – Cert 15 (Audio Described Available)

Saturday 14 June:
11am The Wild Robot (2024) – Cert U
1pm Paddington 2 (2017) – Cert PG (Audio Described Available)
3:15pm Mrs Doubtfire (1993) – Cert 12A
5:45pm Chicago (2002) – Cert 12A
8:00pm Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy (2024) – Cert 15 (Audio Described Available)

Sunday 15 June:
11am Inside Out 2 (2024) – Cert U
12:50pm Paddington in Peru (2024) – Cert PG
2:50pm Wicked - Sing-along (2024) – Cert PG (Audio Described Available)
5:45pm: Twisters (2024) – Cert 12 (Audio Described Available)
8:00pm Gladiator 2 (2024) – Cert 15
*Film titles and times may be subject to change

Competition Prize and Entry Details
Win a luxury weekend in Edinburgh for four people to attend Square Cinema with LNER from 13th to 15th June 2025.
For your chance to win 1st class tickets for four to travel to Edinburgh with LNER, a weekend stay in Edinburgh City Centre at Edinburgh The George, a £300 gift card to spend on Multrees Walk, lunch at Bar+Block Steakhouse Edinburgh, dinner at Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill and entry to The Edinburgh Dungeon, simply complete the entry form on the Square Cinema website: https://www.edinburghcitycentre.co.uk/square-cinema-comp/.

Prize List
• LNER 1st Class return tickets for four (4 adult or family of 4 ticket option) to travel to Edinburgh from Friday 13th - Sunday 15th June 2025.
• Two King Premium rooms that are interconnecting provided by Edinburgh The George, for Friday 13th - Sunday 15th June 2025.
• A £300 gift card to spend at a brand of choice* at Multrees Walk, Scotland's Luxury Shopping Destination.
• £150 credit to spend at Bar + Block Steakhouse on Princes Street, Edinburgh, during your stay.
• Dinner at Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill - Churrasco Experience for four guests, bottle of Catena Paraje Altamira Malbec, Dry-Aged Tomahawk and Brazilian Sweet Treats to finish your experience - during your stay.
• Entry for four to The Edinburgh Dungeon to enjoy the darker side of Edinburgh during your stay
• Access to the Square Cinema with LNER's 1st class Lounge across the event weekend.

T&Cs apply.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

GreenFox Energy powers up Party at the Palace with first solar festival stage in Scotland

Party at the Palace will host Scotland’s first solar-powered festival stage, the GreenFox Energy Breakthrough Stage, twinning clean energy and the joy of live music.

Gilded Balloon announce a star studded line up for special 40th anniversary shows

Gilded Balloon has unveiled a huge line-up of comedy stars to take part in a special ‘40 Years of Fringe’ in conversation series, to celebrate the venue’s 40th anniversary.

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces 2025 Festival Footprint

Ahead of its programme launch on 2 July, EIFF venues will include Filmhouse, Cameo Cinema, Vue Omni and a new pop-up screen at National Galleries Scotland: National.

New dining chapter begins at Edinburgh restaurant inspired by famous author

One of Edinburgh’s most popular city centre restaurants has started a new dining chapter at its famous Castle Street venue.

Garner Hotels Debuts in Scotland with the Opening of Garner Hotel Edinburgh in Haymarket

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) today announces the opening of Garner Hotel Edinburgh - Haymarket, a 195-room flagship hotel bringing a fresh energy to the city’s West End.

Edinburgh pupils discover the world of beekeeping with educational day at Fort Kinnaird

Pupils from local Edinburgh primary schools swapped the classroom for beekeeping as they had the chance to visit Fort Kinnaird’s thriving beehives for a day buzzing with educational fun.

Magic of Christmas set to make Edinburgh sparkle this Winter

Edinburgh started to unwrap its annual Christmas present, with the announcement of this year’s festive celebration dates and a first hint of what to expect this year.

Nicola Benedetti brings the Edinburgh International Festival to NHS Hospital with Live Performance

Edinburgh International Festival Director and Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti performed alongside guitarist Plínio Fernandes as part of a series of NHS Festival Sessions.

Cineworld announces 1 pound Family Films all summer long

Cineworld has today announced £1 Family Films, running every week from July 25, so that families can be more childish together all summer long.

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland

Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.

How funkiest charity shop in Edinburgh is helping homeless

The Bothy Boutique in central Edinburgh is the retail arm of The Breakfast Bothy, a small grassroots charity supporting people in the community who are experiencing homelessness.

Five star campsite near Edinburgh named best in Scotland

Drummohr Camping and Glamping Site at Musselburgh was named Camping Site of the Year in the 2025 Scottish Hospitality Awards.

Fringe Happening at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

With the Fringe Festival right on the doorstep, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is once again hosting a fantastic array of shows and activities!

Newtongrange Primary School ends academic year on a high with prestigious UNICEF UK Gold Award

Pupils at Newtongrange Primary School have even more reason to celebrate the end of a successful academic year, having just been awarded the UNICEF UK Gold Award.

First Look inside newly refurbished Filmhouse cinema

Edinburgh’s landmark cinema Filmhouse has today revealed images of its new screens and spaces ahead of its public reopening tomorrow Friday 27 June.

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

Widest ranging exhibition of Italian Renaissance drawings in 50 years to be staged in Edinburgh

Drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Titian will be among 45 Italian Renaissance drawings going on display in Scotland for the first time this October.

Inspiring climate action through the Edinburgh Climate Festival

Edinburgh Climate Festival returns on 28th June. A free festival that aims to celebrate & inspirate climate action in our local communities.

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

Pret gets ready for Pride with free glow up and goodies

This weekend, in celebration of Edinburgh Pride, Pret A Manger is turning up the sparkle with an in-shop glow-up station!

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

Fist Look: Inside new Cafe Calton which offers stunning Panoramic views of Edinburgh

Cafe Calton, located at the top of Calton Hill and offering panoramic views of Edinburgh, has opened in Edinburgh.

Casting announced for the new production of Miss Saigon at Edinburgh Playhouse

Michael Harrison, in association with Cameron Mackintosh, is delighted to announce the full casting for a major UK and Ireland tour of MISS SAIGON, including a run at Edinburgh Playhouse.

Scottish Legend Dougie MacLean to Lead Opening Weekend Big Singalong at the Edinburgh International Festival

A lineup of world-class musicians at the forefront of their fields are today added to the Edinburgh International Festival programme.

East Lothian community revives woodland ecosystem with help from Loganair GreenSkies fund

A community-owned woodland in East Lothian is undergoing a remarkable transformation thanks to a grassroots replanting project supported by Loganair’s GreenSkies Community Fund.

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh Celebrates Pride Week in Support of LGBT Health and Wellbeing

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is proud to announce its vibrant celebration of Edinburgh Pride, honouring the city's LGBTQIA+ community.

Free Surf Lessons for Kids at Lost Shore Surf Resort this July

Lost Shore Surf Resort, Scotland’s most exciting new holiday destination, is making waves for families this summer - with free surf lessons and sessions for kids throughout July.

EIFF to present World Premiere of NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab Short Films

Edinburgh International Film Festival has announced that the six short films created as part of the inaugural NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab will have their World Premieres this year.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

Free outdoor cinema returns to Edinburgh this June with blockbuster weekend

Edinburgh’s much-loved free outdoor movie weekend, Square Cinema, returns this June, bringing three days of big-screen entertainment to the heart of the city.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings