Image credit: American Express Openair Cinemas Bondi
American Express Openair Cinemas Bondi has kicked off its 2018 season, running for the next six weeks until 4 March 2018.
Given I was there opening night, I thought it would be rude if I didn’t share what’s in-store.
The movie line-up at Bondi Openair Cinema
This year’s line-up of movies is your usual mix of box office hits and cult classics.
I saw The Greatest Showman and absolutely loved it. But, that could be because I’m in love with Zac Efron (sorry Jude). Admittedly, Hugh Jackman does belt out a decent tune too. The Greatest Showman will again make an appearance on the Bondi Openair Cinema big screen Friday 2 February and Thursday 8 February 2018.
Other movies to watch out for (in my book) are:
- Pitch Perfect 3 – 6, 10 and 25 February
- I, Tonya – 1 and 2 March
- The Post – 15 and 21 February
- Crazy Stupid Love – Valentine’s Day
Location: Bondi Beach
Spending an evening at the outdoor movies is so quintessentially summer, and there’s no place in Sydney that says summer quite like Bondi Beach. Which makes the Bondi Openair Cinema a match made in movie heaven – on the same level as Kate and Leo.
You’ll find the pop-up movies in a fenced off area along the south-eastern side of Bondi Pavilion. The perfect spot, where you can hear both the crash of the ocean and the procession of motorbikes lapping Campbell Parade. Although, while ambient, you should definitely be able to mute the surrounding noises when Hugh is in song.
Lounger, picnic rug or grass?
The usual deal, if you’re rolling general admission, you’ll need to bring a picnic rug or blanket, or you’ll get a prickly bottom from sitting on the grass.
My recommendation is to cough up the extra for a Star Lounge ticket ($40pp) or hire a lounger ($9 online or at the door), but that’s because sitting cross-logged on the floor takes me back to primary school.
What’s to eat and drink?
Salt, Meats and Cheese will keep you fed throughout the movie with the likes of truffle and bolognese fries, charcuterie boards and a range of pizzas on offer. Although, when I was there pizzas were taking an hour, so best not leave your pizza order to the last minute. Alternatively, you can bring your own picnic basket of goodies.
Unlike other open air cinemas, you can’t bring alcohol from home, but you can purchase Geisen wine, SOFI Spritz and 4Pines craft beer from the outdoor bar.
Truffle fries from Salt, Meats and Cheese
Bring your dog
While you may not be able to BYO alcohol, you can BYO dog. If you don’t have a four-legged friend, this is your opportunity to get in your year’s quota of pats – as I did.
American Express customer benefits
If you’re an American Express card holder, you get the right VIP treatment with FREE blanket hire and 15% off selected tickets (provided you pay with your AMEX).
Plus, you can purchase a ticket to the American Express Invites Lounge ($30pp) and get your own lounger, cushion, blanket, ice-cream, popcorn and glass of Geisen wine.
Other useful info…
- Gates open at 6pm and the movie starts after sunset, which is about 8:30pm. Fingers crossed you’ll get a glorious Bondi sunset like we did.
- The event is 100% cashless, so cards are required. Yep, not a time to use up your loose change.
- For sociamedialites, the hashtag is #openaircinemas and handle @openaircinemasau
- The toilets are outside the venue in Bondi Pavilion – very important information in my world.
- Bring a poncho – you can never trust Sydney’s weather.
- Tickets start at $13.
You can’t see out summer without at least one moonlight cinema experience, and there’s no better place than Bondi. So, what are you waiting for, get your butt down to the beach.
American Express Openair Cinemas Bondi | Next to Bondi Pavilion, Bondi Beach, New South Wales
openaircinemas.com.au/bondi
