Sunset, a Blanket, a Film, Friends . . .

For weeks now, a few small, quaint outdoor movie showings across Washington have entertained the scattered crowd or two. But it is only with the kickoff of that mother of all summer-movie events, Screen on the Green, that the season really arrives.

Screen on the Green is first and foremost a scene; given the eclectic lineup, you will want to actually see maybe one or two. But the young-employed-and-somehow-still-broke crowd arrives weekly just the same, lugging blankets and picnic baskets stuffed with brie and sangria for an evening out with friends. The more the better. That is its charm.

On Monday night, the series kicks off with yet another Bond film, 1962's "Dr. No." Later, watch for Robert Redford in "The Candidate" (July 21) and the highlight/closing film, the original "Superman" with Christopher Reeve (Aug. 11). Sunset on Mondays through Aug. 11 (people start staking out spots around 5:30). The Mall between Fourth and Seventh streets NW. 877-262-5866 for rain updates; for a schedule, visit http://cityguide.aol.com/washington/screenonthegreen.

So what's on off the Mall?

· Alexandria's Comcast Outdoor Film Festival. The fifth annual screening series, on a 40-foot screen, is July 18-19, with "Bee Movie" the first night and "Transformers" the second night. Free. Restaurants open at 7 p.m., movies at dusk, about 8:30 p.m. Ben Brenman Park, 5000 Duke St., Alexandria. 703-883-4686.

· Stars on the Avenue returns to downtown Bethesda from July 29 to Aug. 2, with films that range from family-friendly ("The Wizard of Oz") to nerdy-art-kid date fare ("An Inconvenient Truth" and "Annie Hall"). Free. Shows begin at 9 each night. Woodmont Triangle, Norfolk and Auburn avenues, Bethesda. For details, visit http://www.bethesda.org/specialevents/movies/outdoor-movies.htm.

· Aug. 2 marks the start of the area's only nostalgia-tinged drive-in movie series, Starlight Cinema, at a Fairfax County parking lot Saturday nights in August. Bring your family; movies include "Bee Movie" (yes, again), and "Shrek the Third." Go early for music, food and children's activities. Free. 7:30 p.m. Saturdays Aug. 2-30. Trinity Office Building, 5875 Trinity Pkwy., Centreville. 703-324-7469.

· Another biggie is the Comcast Outdoor Film Festival at Strathmore, raising money for the National Institutes of Health children's charities. Held Aug. 15-24, the screenings include, ahem, "Bee Movie," but also the retro spoof "Airplane!" and the classic "Ghostbusters." Free. Field opens at 6:30 p.m., movies start at 8:30. 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. 301-816-6958 or for details, visit http://www.filmfestnih.org.