Many of us have been to Moonlight Cinema before but this summer, Melburnians are spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor cinemas, with dozens sprouting up in the city, the 'burbs and in holiday destinations.

We counted at least 30, from one-off community fundraisers to full-blown programmed events like the new Shimmerlands festival at the University of Melbourne, which runs until the end of February. Some have a selection of food trucks and music performances prior to screenings.

Small pop-up cinema companies have made it easy for councils and venues to put on screenings. They bring all the gear, provide crew and front of house, sort out film licensing, screen it and pack it all up again for around $1500 to $2000. Venues recoup the cost through sales of tickets, food and drinks.

Gus Berger started Blow Up Cinema six years ago after putting on his own events in novel locations – including a screening of Chopper (2000) in the watchtower of Old Melbourne Gaol. Since then demand for his services has skyrocketed.

"God, it's so busy [this summer]," he says. "We pick up new clients every year."

There are some films that are just made for the romance of a summer evening, like Oscars favourite La La Land, complete with singing and dancing by the twinkling lights of Hollywood.

Not all small-time cinemas can get the latest releases due to licensing arrangements. But that's just a great opportunity to show old favourites.

The picturesque Coombe winery in the Yarra Valley is trying out a one-off outdoor cinema screening for the first time. They've chosen Dirty Dancing (1987) – because it's a staff favourite.

Aussie classics like The Castle (1997) and Crackerjack (2002) are also popular. The Kingsville-Spotswood RSL launched its cinema this summer on the unused, patchy bowling green out back, kicking things off with Spotswood (1992). Punters can buy cheap drinks from the bar, bring their own food or buy a sausage, with entry at the low price of $10.

"It brought in not just local people but people who've lived here before," says the venue's secretary Rosa McKenna. "It was quite emotional – somebody who was in the movie came, too."

Top tips for open air cinemas

• Plan ahead and book early to avoid disappointment for one-night only shows, as some cinemas have limited capacity.
• Check the screening time and arrive with plenty of time to spare if you want good seats.
• Be mindful of the venue's food and drinks policy. Some will allow you to bring a picnic, others will have food and drinks available for purchase.
• If you want to snack and chat during the film, choose a cinema with speakers. Some are "silent" cinemas that provide viewers with a set of headphones.
• Most venues will have a wet weather policy and provide refunds or exchanges in the case of bad weather.
• Don't forget: insect repellent; extra clothing or a blanket; something to sit on if not already provided by the venue.

New this summer

Shimmerlands, University of Melbourne, Parkville. After five years at Abbotsford Convent, the Shadow Electric team have a new venue screening a range of new releases and classics, with an emphasis on arthouse, cult and music documentaries. Don't miss Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner in the 1992 romantic thriller The Bodyguard on Valentines Day.

• Screen: 12 metres. Sound: Speakers. Seating: Provided.  Refreshments: Food trucks and bar. No BYO. Ages: 18+ only. Tickets: $22. Until: February 25.

Backlot Rooftop Drive-in, Docklands. Private cinema Backlot has opened up its rooftop to the public, showing a small selection of new release and classic films. There's an outdoor seated section for people who don't have cars. Ticket prices are low and come with spectacular city views.

• Screen: 12 metres. Sound: FM radio and headphones. Seating: In your car, or deck chairs provided. Refreshments: Candy bar and BYO. Ages: All. Tickets: $40 per car, $10 per seat. Until: February 1.

Queens Park Outdoor Cinema, Moonee Ponds. MooBoo Events, which also runs free public screenings in parks for Maribyrnong City Council, is now showing family-friendly films for free at Queens Park. As if the free tickets weren't enough, co-sponsor Bulla is giving away ice-creams, and there are online competitions to win beanbags.

• Screen: 8 metres. Sound: Speakers. Seating: BYO or win a beanbag. Refreshments: Rotating food trucks, free ice-cream, BYO. Ages: All. Tickets: Free. Until: February 14.

Barkly Square Outdoor Cinema, Brunswick. Run by Blow Up Cinema, the shopping centre better known to locals as Sparkly Bear is showing sophisticated, contemporary classics like The Big Lebowski and Amelie.

• Screen: 5 metres. Sound: Headphones. Seating: Provided. Refreshments: Centre restaurants open. No bar. No BYO. Ages: All. Tickets: $10. Until: January 28.

South Wharf Pop-up Outdoor Cinema, South Wharf. Restaurant and bar The Common Man is screening films on its lawn for free, though prepaid packages of food and beverages will get you a reserved seat.

• Screen: 7 metres. Sound: Speakers. Seating: Provided. Refreshments: Available for purchase. No BYO. Ages: 15+ or with an adult. Tickets: Free. Until: February 27

Palace Westgarth Outdoor Cinema, Northcote. Westgarth's brand new open air cinema is super cosy, seating just 30 people, and doubles as a beer garden during the day. A great place to see new releases like La La Land under the stars.

• Screen: 5 metres. Sound: Headphones. Seating: Provided. Refreshments: Available for purchase. No BYO. Ages: All. Tickets: $21.50. Until: TBC.

Out of town

Stringybark Cinema, Balnarring; Barefoot Cinema, Point Nepean; Coombe Outdoor Cinema, Coldstream; Rosalind Park Pop-up Cinema, Bendigo; Furphy Outdoor Cinema, Little Creatures Canteen, Geelong.