Hollywood Forever Outdoor Movie: E.T. (May 23)

Cinespia is opening its 2026 cemetery season on Saturday, May 23, with an outdoor screening of Steven Spielberg’s “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles. The event is part of the company’s 25th season of movie screenings at the landmark venue, according to Cinespia and Time Out. (cinespia.org) Gates are scheduled to open at 6:45 p.m., with the film set to begin at 8:30 p.m., and tickets are listed at $24. Organizers say the night includes the picnic-style setup that has become a signature of the series, along with pre-show entertainment. ### What, exactly, is happening at Hollywood Forever tonight? (timeout.com) Saturday’s event is a screening of the 1982 film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” directed by Spielberg, on the lawn at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Cinespia’s event page describes it as the opening night of the company’s 25th season and lists the running time at 120 minutes. Hollywood Forever Cemetery has long served as one of Cinespia’s best-known venues, and Time Out included the May 23 screening in its roundup of Los Angeles weekend events. Time Out also identified “E.T.” as one of the first three cemetery screenings announced for 2026, alongside “Moulin Rouge!” on May 24 and “Mulholland Drive” on May 30. (cinespia.org) ### When should people arrive, and what does admission cost? Cinespia’s listing says gates open at 6:45 p.m. and the movie starts at 8:30 p.m. The same listing shows a $24 ticket price for the May 23 event. (cinespia.org) The gap between gate time and showtime leaves room for the pre-film programming that accompanies many of the company’s cemetery screenings. Cinespia’s event materials for “E.T.” say the evening includes DJ sets and a free photobooth before the movie begins. ### What kind of setup does Cinespia say to expect? Time Out said moviegoers at Hollywood Forever should plan to pack a picnic for the cemetery screenings, adding that the events typically include DJ sets, dance parties and a photo booth. (timeout.com) The publication described the series as one of the city’s recurring summer attractions. (cinespia.org) Cinespia’s own event copy for “E.T.” points to the same social format, with pre-show music and on-site attractions before the screening starts. A separate season preview published by SoCalPulse also said attendees should expect DJ sets and a free photobooth for the May 23 opener. (cinespia.org) ### Why is this screening tied to Cinespia’s 25th season? Cinespia said the 2026 program marks its 25th season of outdoor screenings. In a season announcement cited by The Pride LA, founder John Wyatt said, “Reaching 25 years is both surreal and incredibly meaningful,” and thanked Los Angeles audiences for their support. (timeout.com) Cinespia’s website says the Los Angeles-based organization stages more than 30 events a year across several venues, including Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The company describes its audience as numbering in the hundreds of thousands over the years. (cinespia.org) ### What comes next after “E.T.”? Time Out’s 2026 listings show “Moulin Rouge!” scheduled for Sunday, May 24, and “Mulholland Drive” for Saturday, May 30, as the next two Hollywood Forever cemetery screenings after “E.T.” Cinespia’s calendar materials also list “Moulin Rouge!” as part of the same opening weekend. (thepridela.com) For people looking for the next step after Saturday’s screening, the company’s event pages and Time Out’s Los Angeles listings carry the current schedule and ticket details. (cinespia.org) (timeout.com) (cinespia.org)