Cinespia

The Setting

Walk through the gates of Hollywood Forever Cemetery on a Saturday evening in summer and you enter a scene that looks like a cross between a massive picnic and a block party. Fairbanks Lawn, named for Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Jr. whose crypt sits adjacent, spreads out before the white wall of the Cathedral Mausoleum. People stake out spots with blankets and low beach chairs. Some groups arrive with elaborate spreads featuring cheese boards, charcuterie, and bottles of wine. Others keep it simple with sandwiches and beer.

The cemetery itself dates to 1899 and holds the remains of Hollywood royalty: Rudolph Valentino, Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille, Mickey Rooney. Paramount Pictures sits just beyond the southern edge. You can wander the grounds before the film starts, passing ornate crypts and quiet reflecting pools.

Before the Show

Gates open about 90 minutes before showtime. Lines form early down Santa Monica Boulevard, especially for popular titles. Once inside, people spread out across the lawn in zones marked by staff. A no-chair section occupies the center. Chair zones frame the sides, where low-backed seats (maximum 21 inches from seat to top) are allowed.

A DJ booth pumps music across the field. People dance near the stage or mill around the Cinespia shop, which sells picnic blankets, prints, and other souvenirs. The photo booth setup changes weekly to match each film. Staff build elaborate backdrops and props. For Clueless screenings, you pose in plaid skirts. For Grease, pink ladies jackets come out.

Food vendors sell hot dogs, popcorn, kettle corn, and other snacks. A bar serves beer and wine. But most people bring their own supplies. The rules allow outside food, beer, and wine. No hard liquor. Glass is fine. Coolers are common.

The Movie Experience

As darkness falls, the crowd settles. DJs fade the music. Trailers play on the massive screen. Then the feature begins, projected in crisp digital clarity against the mausoleum wall.

The communal viewing transforms familiar films. Comedies get bigger laughs. Horror moments draw collective gasps. Audiences cheer at iconic lines and applaud at the end. Celebrity guests sometimes introduce screenings. Drew Barrymore has shown up for E.T. Paul Reubens appeared for Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.

Films range from 1930s classics to 1990s favorites. Recent seasons have included Everything Everywhere All at Once, Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Shining, and Chicago. Some nights feature special themes: Pride screenings, Fourth of July fireworks, Halloween all-nighters.

The atmosphere stays relaxed. People get up to use restrooms (port-a-potties line one edge). Groups chat during slower scenes. Kids run around before settling down. By the time credits roll around 11pm, blankets are packed and people file out through cemetery paths back to Santa Monica Boulevard.

The Slumber Party

Once a season, Cinespia hosts an all-night Slumber Party event. Two films screen back to back, running past 2am. Extended DJ sets, dance parties, additional photo ops, and giveaways fill the breaks. People show up in pajamas or dress as characters from the films. It sells out immediately every year.

Practical Notes

Parking gets tricky. On-site parking costs extra and requires purchase in advance. Everyone in your vehicle needs a general admission ticket. Off-site lots at Hollywood Production Center (1149 N Gower) and Lemon Grove (900 N Van Ness) offer alternatives. Street parking in the neighborhood is limited and subject to resident restrictions. Many people Uber, bike, or carpool.

Temperatures drop after sunset. Bring layers even on warm days. The grass gets damp, so waterproof blankets help. Low chairs provide more comfort than sitting on the ground for three hours. Arrive 60-90 minutes early if you want a prime spot close to the screen.

All tickets are general admission. No refunds or exchanges. Events happen rain or shine unless conditions become unsafe. Children over three need tickets. Only service animals are permitted.

The experience works best when you embrace the picnic aspect. Pack good food, bring friends, and settle in early. The hours before the film starts matter as much as the movie itself.