Moonlight Cinema is back on the lush lawns of Kings Park for the 2025/26 summer season, and it remains one of Perth’s most magical ways to enjoy a movie under the stars. Set in May Drive Parkland, the big screen lights up the park from December through to March, turning balmy evenings into relaxed, family-friendly nights out. It’s the kind of outing that feels like a mini holiday without leaving the city.
Gates generally open at 6pm, with films starting around 8pm once the sun sets, giving families plenty of time to settle in, enjoy a picnic and let the kids stretch their legs before the movie begins. The cinema usually runs Tuesday to Sunday over summer and is closed on select public holidays such as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and Australia Day, so it’s worth double‑checking dates before you go on the Kings Park events page or the Moonlight website itself. Popular sessions and new releases often sell out, so booking online ahead of time is strongly recommended rather than relying on purchasing tickets at the box office on the night.
One of the biggest drawcards for families is how flexible Moonlight Cinema is when it comes to food. You’re welcome to BYO a full picnic – think homemade snacks, pizza, a thermos of hot chocolate and even your own drinks, including alcohol, in line with current venue guidelines. There’s also onsite catering, with food trucks and stalls serving up easy favourites such as hot chips, burgers, pizzas, nachos, churros and ice creams. The venue is cashless, so remember to bring a card or digital payment rather than cash.
Seating is very much “choose your own comfort”. Standard ticket holders can spread out on a large picnic rug or bring low‑lying beach chairs so they don’t block the view of those behind. If you’d rather travel light, you can hire the classic Moonlight bean beds when you arrive; numbers are limited and they are incredibly popular with both kids and adults, so aim to be there soon after gates open if you’ve got your heart set on one. Even on warm days, it can feel quite cool once the sun drops over Kings Park, so pack jumpers, extra blankets and maybe some thick socks to keep little toes warm. Insect repellent is another handy addition to the bag at this time of year.
If you want to turn your visit into more of a special treat, Moonlight also offers premium seating options during the season. The Singapore Airlines Gold Grass section gives you a prime viewing area with deluxe bean beds and food and drink delivered directly to your seat, so there’s no need to queue at the bar once you’ve settled in. There are also other upgraded experiences in some seasons, such as the Connoisseur Lounge, which pairs reserved seating with a gourmet ice cream, and occasional hosted packages featuring grazing boxes and cocktails. These options book out quickly on peak nights and are especially popular for date nights, birthdays or a child‑free catch‑up with friends.
For families, the program is packed with crowd‑pleasers. Across the 2025/26 season you can expect a mix of brand‑new releases, family favourites and a sprinkling of festive films in the lead‑up to Christmas. Recent line‑ups have included big-ticket kids’ titles like Moana 2, Zootopia 2, How to Train Your Dragon and other animated blockbusters, alongside Christmas classics such as Love Actually, Elf, Home Alone and The Holiday. There are always plenty of options scheduled during the school holidays, making it a great reward night or a way to break up a long week of holiday activities.
The pre‑movie time can be just as enjoyable as the film itself. Many families spread out with picnic rugs and card games, while the kids enjoy a bit of freedom, playing on the grass at the back of the seating area or having a quick explore of May Drive Parkland before the movie begins. It’s a relaxed, social atmosphere – you’ll see everything from couples sharing a quiet glass of wine to big family groups and groups of teens on their first “independent” movie outing.
Moonlight Cinema does update its policies, movie program and special experiences each season, so it’s a good idea to check the latest information, including session times, what you can bring, and details of premium seating, directly on the official website at Moonlight Cinema Perth or via the Kings Park events listing at Moonlight Cinema | Kings Park.
You’ll find Moonlight Cinema at May Drive Parkland, Kings Park. If you’re looking for a relaxed, summery way to enjoy Perth’s warm evenings with the kids, a night at Moonlight Cinema should definitely be on your 2025/26 family bucket list.
For more info and session times see their website.
Find more top family friendly outdoor cinemas in Perth here.
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After spending 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie McNichol made the move to Perth in 2010. As the Co-Founder and Editor of Buggybuddys, she has been able to use her experience and passion for helping families to create a trusted online resource for parents across Perth.
Jennie is the proud mother of two daughters, aged 16 & 14 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.
