Moonlight Cinema: AAMI Gold Grass experience

A mainstay in the summertime social calendar in Melbourne, the Moonlight Cinema conjures images of plush picnic rugs, cushions, yummy snacks and vino, and the faint scent of Aerogard to ward off mozzies. Now in its 27th season, the much-beloved outdoor cinema has an exciting line-up of fan favourites, preview screenings and acclaimed cinema. Even though the heat has dipped, and the nights are a tad milder, the March program is a blockbuster. Let’s take a look.

The immediate stand-outs of the March program include Easy A (2 March), the 1980s cult-favourite The Princess Bride (4 March), the star-studded Scream VI (8 March) with Courteney Cox, Henry Czerny, Jenna Ortega, Hayden Panettiere and Samara Weaving, Triangle of Sadness (9 March) – probably one of the best films of 2022, Top Gun: Maverick (12 March), the iconic The Devil Wears Prada (14 March) and Tár (16 March), starring the incredible Cate Blanchett.

Milk Bar attended the screening of Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody and was fortunate enough to experience the AAMI Gold Grass. Sitting in prime position in the second row, we watched the movie from the comfort of a bean bed, and enjoyed a food and beverage package, which included a bottle of Nepenthe Altitude Pinot Gris, butter flavoured popcorn and a 450ml bottle of sparkling water, and a Connoisseur Gourmet Ice Cream stick. There are a range of flavours on offer, including the yummy Salted Pretzel.

Compared to years past, the menu options felt a little skimmed. The main food options included a range of pies – classic Angus beef, braised beef, plant-based, Thai chicken curry – and sausage rolls. For those with a sweet tooth, you can purchase churros, a chocolate brownie or a Nanna’s apple pie. I would recommend BYO snacks.

Thanks to the official Green Partner, Garnier, over 400 Moonlight Cinema screenings nationwide are powered by 100% renewable energy from solar panels. Also, patrons can learn more about Garnier’s ‘Green Beauty’ commitments by visiting the Garnier Green Cart. Those with an AAMI Gold Grass ticket will also receive a handy face mask sheet, courtesy of Garnier.

Moonlight Cinema is still the superior outdoor cinema experience in Melbourne. Situated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, there’s a great buzz, you can bring your doggo and watch a flick under a starry night with the twinkling city skyline in the background.

The Melbourne leg of Moonlight Cinema ends Sunday 26 March. Take a look at the program here and purchase tickets here.

Moonlight Cinema
Central Lawn, Royal Botanic Gardens, enter via Gate D
Screening until Sunday 26 March 2025
moonlight.com.au