Laneway Cinema at The Rocks
12
Nov
25
Feb
Movie Magic

Laneway Cinema at The Rocks

Experience Sydney's favourite free outdoor cinema! Every Wednesday night, enjoy a free movie screening under the stars, surrounded by historic charm and cosy seating.
When
Wednesday,
12 Nov 2025
Wednesday,
25 Feb 2026

Looking for the perfect Wednesday night activity in Sydney? Discover Laneway Cinema, a unique free outdoor movie experience nestled on the corner of Playfair St and George St in The Rocks. Surrounded by historic cobblestone lanes and heritage buildings, this pop-up cinema offers a magical night out under the stars.

Relax into a cosy bean bag or comfy deck chair and enjoy a diverse line-up of films on a the outdoor screen. Grab a drink or some delicious popcorn from the pop-up cart and immerse yourself in the charm of Sydney’s most atmospheric cinema setting.

Whether you're after a date night, a midweek catch-up with friends, or a solo movie escape, Laneway Cinema at The Rocks is the perfect way to unwind.

🎟️ How to Get Tickets

Entry is free, but for the best seats in the house, we recommend registering for your free ticket in advance. Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 5.30pm with the movie commencing at 7pm.

Tickets are released every Monday for the following week's Wednesday screening. Come back to this page to book your tickets closer to the date. 

Getting here
Laneway Cinema is located on the end of Playfair St in The Rocks. The Rocks is a short stroll from Circular Quay and well connected by train, ferry, bus and light rail. There are also nearby parking stations and plenty of scenic walking routes along the harbour. Find out all the details on how to get to The Rocks here.

January - Movie Marathons

To ring in the New Year, we're bringing a first to Laneway Cinema - Movie Marathons! This is your chance to enjoy your favourite flicks back to back. This month we're supporting Sydney Cats & Dogs Home and including a very special cat and dog friendly screening on Wednesday 21 January. 
Wednesday 21 January
Mean Girls & Jaw Breaker - Bring your furry friend!
Bring your furry friend to this very special cat and dog friendly screening of Laneway Cinema. 

This is a pet friendly screening in support of Sydney Dogs & Cats Home. Please note all animals must be on a lead and supervised at all times. Please clean up after your animals and be respectful of others. 


Mean Girls: Cady joins a public school in Illinois. Her two classmates warn her to stay away from a coterie of girls led by queen bee Regina, but Cady joins them. However, she gets smitten with Regina's ex-love.

Jawbreaker: Three popular girls from high school accidentally kill their best friend on her birthday. As they conspire to cover up the murder, the ensuing police investigation turns their lives upside down.


 
Find out more
Wednesday 28 January
Friday & The Barbershop
Friday: Two friends, an unemployed slacker and a small-time drug dealer, find themselves indebted to a gangster. They set out to secure money to save themselves from being killed.

The Barbershop: 
Calvin Parmer Jr struggles to run his father's barbershop and secretly sells it. However, he soon realises its significance through his employees' personal stories and jokes.
Find out more

Sydney Dogs & Cats Home

Sydney Dogs & Cats Home is Sydney’s only charity pound and community facility dedicated to reuniting, rehabilitating and rehoming lost, abandoned and neglected animals through lifesaving veterinary treatment, safe shelter and community education programs. Their new home in Kurnell is about to open! Help support their Housewarming Appeal to help make this house a home - from creature comforts like toys, treats and blankets, and essential finishing touches like cat pods and kennels, this is your chance to support. 

February – Indie Darlings & Mardi Gras Film Festival

This February, movie lovers are in for a real treat with not one, but two themes plus some short films! We’re kicking off the month with two weeks of Tropfest Short Films screening from 5.30pm, followed by a feature screening at 7pm of two indie favourites – Donny Darko & Lady Bird.

Tropfest is the world’s largest short film festival is back the FREE event is taking place on February 22nd at Centennial Park known for spotlighting bold, original stories from emerging filmmakers. It’s where fresh voices become industry favourites and where audiences get a front‑row seat to the future of cinema.

Wednesday 4 & 11 February
Tropfest Short films
Don’t miss the chance to catch three of Tropfest’s standout short films on the big screen. Enjoy Lemonade Stand (dir. Alethea Jones), Carmichael & Shane (dir. Alex Weinress), and Two Piece (dir. Greta Nash) — a curated 20‑minute showcase of award‑winning storytelling and unforgettable characters.
Find out more
Wednesday 4 February
Donnie Darko
A troubled teen is guided by a mysterious figure in a rabbit suit as he unravels a mind‑bending story of time travel, destiny, and dark suburbia.
 
Book tickets
Wednesday 11 February
Lady Bird
A strong‑willed teen navigates family, friendship, and identity in a heartfelt coming‑of‑age story set in early‑2000s Sacramento.
Book tickets
Wednesday 18 February
Mardi Gras Film Festival - Love and Other Catastrophes (30th anniversary)

Marking its 30th anniversary, this queer Australian classic follows Mia, an ambitious film student, and her housemate Alice as they fumble through love, commitment, and academic pressures.

Celebrated for its early and authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ stories on screen, the film remains a milestone in Australian cinema—proof that omnia vincit amor… love conquers all.

Book tickets
Wednesday 25 February
Mardi Gras Film Festival - The Naked Civil Servant

Adapted from Quentin Crisp’s best‑selling autobiography, The Naked Civil Servant charts his boldly flamboyant coming‑of‑age as an openly gay man in the deeply intolerant pre‑war years.

Book tickets

Minus18

Minus18 is Australia’s champion for LGBTQIA+ youth, working to create a nation where young people are safe, empowered and supported.

Through digital campaigns and partnerships, they raise awareness of the two‑thirds of LGBTQIA+ youth who still experience abuse, amplifying their voices and increasing visibility. Their LGBTQIA+ education programs transform awareness into action, offering training, workshops and resources that help communities champion inclusivity everywhere.

Minus18’s life‑affirming programs tackle social isolation by creating spaces where LGBTQIA+ young people can belong, while empowering them to become the next generation of LGBTQIA+ leaders.

FAQ

Yes, the cinema is free to attend. Register for a free ticket to secure your seat. Limited seating for walk-ins are also available. 

You are welcome to bring in food and non-alcoholic beverages.

If you are heading in early, come in and grab a seat and dine nearby at one of over 50 places to eat and drink in The Rocks. Hooked & Harvest and Snake Bark are located in The Rocks Square Laneway Lounge just a two minute walk away. You can also pick up some takeaway to enjoy during the movie. Drinks are also available to purchase at the pop-up bar. 

Yes! We love dogs and we know you do to. We just ask that all pooches are on a leash and remain under your control. Please be considerate of those guests that may not love dogs as much.

Yes! If you require accessible access, please register for a ticket and email laneway@arclighteventco.com.au for further information on access.

Pop-up or external furniture, glass and BYO alcohol are not permitted on site.

All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Each movie screening will vary, please check the website for details prior to registering for a ticket. Screenings will range from G up to MA15+ and viewers discretion is advised.

If you need to leave the cinema for the bathroom or to collect some delicious take-away, please see one of the friendly staff and they can provide you with a pass out token.

Laneway Cinema is a free outdoor cinema and may be impacted by weather. Please stay up to date on our Instagram and Facebook.