Dinnertime Films

Dinnertime Films is a recurring film screening series at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Garden that invites guests to spend an entire evening on the grounds. Each event begins with self-guided tours of the mansion, gardens, greenhouse, and any special exhibition on view, followed by dinner at the Merriweather Café and a feature film screening. The series offers a mix of classic cinema and documentary titles, with selections changing week by week. Patrons can choose to attend one or more of the four scheduled screenings across spring and fall.

Series name: Dinnertime Films

Venue: Hillwood Estate, Museum and Garden, located in Washington, D.C.

Date range: Wednesday, May 13 through Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (four individual dates)

Schedule and films:
- Wednesday, May 13 – *Sunset Boulevard* (1950), a classic Hollywood drama directed by Billy Wilder. Evening runs from 5:30 to 9:20 pm.
- Wednesday, May 20 – *Keeper of Time* (2022), a documentary about horology and the art of timekeeping. Evening runs from 5:30 to 9:00 pm.
- Wednesday, May 27 – *Secret Mall Apartment* (2024), a documentary exploring a hidden residence inside a shopping mall. Evening runs from 5:30 to 9:00 pm.
- Wednesday, October 28 – *The Pajama Game* (1957), a musical comedy based on the Broadway hit. Evening runs from 5:30 to 9:15 pm.

Showtimes: All screenings begin at 5:30 pm, with the end time varying depending on the film’s length (generally between 9:00 and 9:20 pm).

Tickets: Pricing for each individual film screening ranges from $7 to $22. The exact tier depends on member status or other factors; no price was listed for the series as a whole. Tickets can be purchased per evening.

Run time: Film lengths differ by title; the event duration includes self-guided tours, dinner, and the screening itself.

Ages: No age restrictions are provided, but the content of classic films and documentaries is generally family-friendly; discretion is advised for younger children.

Dinner and tours: Guests are encouraged to arrive early to tour the mansion, gardens, greenhouse, and any current special exhibition before dining at the Merriweather Café. Dinner is available separately and is not included in the ticket price.

Note: The series is divided into two subcategories: Dinnertime Classics (for films like *Sunset Boulevard* and *The Pajama Game*) and Dinnertime Documentaries (for *Keeper of Time* and *Secret Mall Apartment*). All screenings are part of the overarching Dinnertime Films program at Hillwood.