Melbourne’s much-loved Moonlight Cinema will mark its 30th birthday this summer with a program shaped entirely by audiences. Returning to the Royal Botanic Gardens from Wednesday 3 December 2025 to Sunday 5 April 2026, the open-air cinema invites movie lovers to vote for their nostalgic favourites as part of The People’s Program.
Since its debut in 1995 with a screening of Pulp Fiction, Moonlight Cinema has become a defining part of Melbourne’s summer. Over the years, more than five million people have stretched out on picnic rugs beneath the stars, from first dates to proposals, with beloved titles like Love Actually and Dirty Dancing drawing record crowds.
To celebrate three decades of outdoor cinema magic, audiences can now vote online for the films they most want to see return to the big screen. The top picks will be screened across January to March, turning this milestone season into a collective love letter to movie-going in Melbourne’s gardens.
“For three decades, Moonlight Cinema has been a quintessential summer ritual for millions of Australians,” said John Boero, General Manager of Entertainment Operations, EVT.
“The People’s Program gives fans the chance to help shape the season and enjoy their most-loved films under the stars, where Moonlight magic happens.”
The upcoming summer season will also feature festive screenings of Love Actually, Elf, Home Alone and The Holiday, alongside new releases including Wicked: For Good, Eternity, and family favourites Zootopia 2 and Moana 2.
Tickets for the November and December program are now on sale at moonlightcinema.com.au.
Moonlight Cinema Melbourne
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
3 December 2025 – 5 April 2026
