What Rooftop Cinema Club Is
Rooftop Cinema Club is a membership program that screens films on rooftops in select cities across the United States. Members pay an annual fee to attend outdoor movie nights, typically held during warmer months. The screenings happen on actual rooftops — usually in downtown areas or near waterfronts — and the experience includes a curated film selection, a social atmosphere, and often food and drink options.
The club operates in multiple cities, with each location running its own schedule and membership structure. You do not need to be a member to attend individual screenings; you can buy single tickets. But membership offers discounts on tickets and sometimes perks like reserved seating or early booking access.
Key Takeaways
- Rooftop Cinema Club charges an annual membership fee that varies by city, typically ranging from $50 to $100, and gives you discounted admission to screenings.
- You can attend individual screenings without membership by purchasing single tickets at the gate or online, though the per-ticket cost is higher.
- Screenings run seasonally, usually from spring through fall, and the specific schedule depends on which city's location you plan to visit.
- Most rooftop venues allow you to bring your own food and blankets, though some have restrictions on outside alcohol or require you to purchase from their concession stand.
- You should check the weather forecast before attending, as many screenings are cancelled or rescheduled if rain is expected.
Membership Costs and What You Get
Annual membership fees vary by location. In cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Austin, membership typically costs between $50 and $100 per year. Some locations offer monthly membership options if you prefer not to commit to a full year upfront. When you join, you receive a discount code or member card that reduces the price of each ticket you purchase.
The discount is usually between $3 and $8 per ticket, depending on the city. If you plan to attend more than five or six screenings in a season, membership generally pays for itself. Members also sometimes get early access to book tickets before they go on sale to the general public, which matters for popular films or opening-night events.
Membership does not include a free ticket each month or any other perks beyond the discount. You still pay for each screening you attend. Some locations offer group discounts or special packages during their off-season if you want to purchase multiple tickets at once.
How to Buy Tickets and Attend a Screening
Tickets are sold online through the Rooftop Cinema Club website or app, and also at the gate on the night of the screening if seats remain available. Online booking usually opens one to two weeks before the screening date. Prices for non-members typically range from $15 to $20 per ticket, depending on the film and the city.
You should arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the listed start time. The rooftop opens early so you can claim a spot, set up your blanket or chair, and grab food or drinks from the concession stand. Screenings usually start at dusk, which means the exact start time shifts throughout the season as sunset times change.
Bring a blanket, cushion, or low-back chair for seating. Most venues do not provide seating, though some have limited bench seating or standing room. Dress warmly — rooftops can be breezy and cool even on warm evenings. Bring a light jacket or sweater, especially if you are attending in spring or fall.
What You Can and Cannot Bring
Most Rooftop Cinema Club locations allow you to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. You can pack snacks, sandwiches, or a picnic dinner. However, outside alcohol is typically not permitted — the venue usually requires you to purchase beer, wine, or cocktails from their concession stand if you want to drink.
Check the specific rules for your city's location before you go, as policies vary. Some rooftops are stricter about outside food if they have a full restaurant or catering partner. Blankets, pillows, and low camping chairs are welcome. Tall chairs, tables, and anything that blocks other people's view are usually not allowed.
Leave pets at home unless the screening is specifically marked as pet-friendly, which happens occasionally. Drones, professional cameras, and recording equipment are prohibited. You can take photos and videos for personal use, but commercial recording is not permitted.
Seasonal Schedule and Weather Considerations
Rooftop Cinema Club operates seasonally in most cities, typically from April or May through September or October. The exact season depends on the local climate and sunset times. You can find the full schedule for your city on the website or app, usually posted two to three months in advance.
Screenings are cancelled or rescheduled if rain is forecast or if weather conditions become unsafe. The venue will notify you by email or through the app if a screening is postponed. You can reschedule your ticket to a different date or request a refund, depending on the cancellation policy.
Check the weather forecast the day before and the morning of the screening. Even if the forecast looks clear, rooftop venues sometimes make last-minute calls if conditions change. Arrive prepared for temperature drops after sunset, and bring a rain jacket just in case, even if rain is not in the forecast.
Which Cities Have Rooftop Cinema Club
Rooftop Cinema Club operates in multiple U.S. cities, with Los Angeles, New York, Austin, and San Francisco being among the largest and longest-running locations. The company has expanded to other cities in recent years, but the list changes. Some locations open seasonally and then close; others become permanent fixtures.
Visit the official Rooftop Cinema Club website to see the current list of active locations and their schedules. Each city's page shows the rooftop venue address, the current film lineup, ticket prices, and membership options specific to that location. If your city does not currently have a location, you can sign up for a waitlist or check back the following season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a member to attend a screening?
No. You can buy a single ticket at the gate or online without membership. Members straightforward pay less per ticket. If you plan to attend only one or two screenings, buying individual tickets is cheaper than paying for membership.
What happens if it rains on the night of a screening?
The venue will cancel or reschedule the screening if rain is expected or if conditions become unsafe. You will be notified by email or through the app. You can move your ticket to another date or request a refund, depending on the venue's policy.
Can I bring my own drinks and snacks?
Most locations allow outside food and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcohol must be purchased from the venue's concession stand. Check your specific city's rules on the website before you go, as some venues have stricter policies.
What time should I arrive before the screening starts?
Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to claim a good spot, set up your blanket or chair, and purchase food or drinks. Screenings start at dusk, so the exact start time varies throughout the season as sunset times change.
Is there assigned seating or reserved spots?
Most locations are first-come, first-served for general admission. Members may have access to reserved seating or premium spots depending on the city. Check your membership details or the website for your specific location's seating policy.