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Best Outdoor Movies In The Twin Cities

Do you have a lingering case of the winter blues? Are you weirdly excited to start and finish the series of The Jeffersons? If you're having trouble from breaking free from Rosetta Stone and the habitual need to learn something new, I have good news: warm weather is coming.

Dust off that can of bug spray and shake out those lawn blankets. If you're into watching movies, why not take it outside? Here is a list of some of the best places to see a movie under the stars. My experiences at each of these places are all unique, however, all will add to your fun of getting out of the house. Here are several of the best, in no particular order.

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Brit's Summer Movie Series

1110 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-332-3908
Website | Directory

Awesome place for a first date. If you don't run into someone you know, you may leave with a few newbies in your Facebook friend requests. The comfortable atmosphere allows for the ability to chat with those around you and the rooftop is one of the coolest places downtown Minneapolis to watch a move outside. Make room at a table or on the lawn and enjoy the show. Call to check for movie schedule.

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Solera

900 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-338-0062
Website | Directory

Another great downtown rooftop is at Solera. If you enjoy Spanish decor and Tapas, put Solera on the top of your list. The best part of this restaurant is its amazing rooftop view of the city. When seated, all you see are the lights reflecting off the high-rise buildings around you. The movies they play here are pretty random. If you're up for a little spontaneity, just go the night you know they are showing a movie, regardless if you know what's playing. Call for movie schedule.

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Walker Art Center's Music and Movies in Loring Park

1382 Willow St.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-375-7635
Website | Directory

Okay, so I know this location does not begin playing movies until August, however, I want to you put this on your busy summer calendar. Music and movies in the park continues after a one-year hiatus. Many gather to watch a musical performance, which is then followed by a movie on a big screen around dusk. This is really cool. Get ready for a lot of people watching and don't worry about the loud couple chatting next to you. The speakers are really loud and it all adds to the excitement. Hope for a great sunset. Mondays, from August 1 through 22.

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Cottage View Drive-in

9338 E. Point Douglas Rd. S.
Cottage Grove, MN 55016
651-458-5965

Website | Directory

I saw two movies here last summer, back-to-back . Though it was all my boyfriend's idea, I'll tell you, he scored big. I've been to drive-in theaters in the past but this one has the best raised parking the further back you are (to improve visability) as well as some of the best popcorn-ever. Be ready to tune in your radio to what's being featured and roll down your windows. Opens April 22.

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Vali-Hi Drive-in

11260 Hudson Blvd. N.
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
651-436-7464
Website | Directory

I grew up on the East side of the metro and I started going here in high school. This is definitely a classic movie venue of the Twin Cities and I have not stopped going back. The real bonus of this location is the back of the screen faces the sunset. If you're into multitasking, watch the colors in the sky at dusk while enjoying a great flick. Open every night beginning April 29.

W.A. Frost
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Patrick's Cabaret Summer Cinema

3010 Minnehaha Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
612-724-6273
Website | Directory

If you are more of an "artsy" type and look for unique, independent films, check out this place. I went here last summer and enjoyed the diversity in film selection and overall creativity. This experience, will for certain, be something to talk to your friends about. Try something different. Oh, did I mention the movie is free?

-Justin Reis is a WCCO intern studying broadcast journalism at the University of Minnesota. His passion for finding the "best" in the Twin Cities is inspired by his role as a group fitness instructor and interests ranging from "anything artistic" to "anything social." Please leave a comment on what you think of his recommendations.

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