Extraordinary Cinema: Top Gun

On August 15, 2026, the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage presents a free outdoor screening of *Top Gun: Maverick* on the REACH Video Wall as part of the Extraordinary Cinema series. The film centers on Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a decades-long Navy aviator and test pilot who has avoided promotion in order to stay in the cockpit. When he is called back to TOPGUN to train a detachment of elite graduates for a highly specialized mission, he comes face to face with Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, the son of his late friend and radar intercept officer, “Goose.” Confronting his past and his deepest fears, Maverick leads the young pilots toward a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those chosen to fly it. The screening takes place outdoors, and guests are welcome to bring their own seating and picnic fare, though many logistics and restrictions apply.

The event is open to the public with no tickets or registration required. Seating is limited for guests with disabilities and is provided on a first-come, first-served basis, while other attendees may bring personal chairs and blankets. The film itself features subtitles rather than open captions, and the Kennedy Center’s Accessibility Office is available for questions or accommodation requests. Because the screening is outdoors, the schedule may change or be canceled due to inclement weather, including heat advisories or rain, so visitors should check the Kennedy Center website on the day of the event for any updates.

When: August 15, 2026.
Venue: Kennedy Center, REACH Video Wall (outdoor screening).
Admission: Free; no tickets or registration required.
Film: *Top Gun: Maverick*, starring Tom Cruise and Miles Teller, with a plot focused on Maverick training a new generation of pilots and reconciling with the son of his late friend Goose.
Seating: A limited number of seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis for guests with disabilities; other guests may bring their own blankets and chairs. Personal chairs must be no taller than 36 inches.
Picnic policy: Guests may bring a picnic to outdoor spaces during non-event times; coolers must be 16 quarts or smaller.
Concessions: A variety of food and refreshing beverages will be available for purchase on-site.
Prohibited items: No grills, glass containers, personal fireworks, unmanned aircraft or drones, items that block other visitors’ views, or firearms (as this is federal land) are permitted. Outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited; alcohol may only be consumed within the operating perimeter of Kennedy Center authorized food and beverage providers.
Pets: Welcome.
Accessibility: The film is presented with subtitles, not open captions. For accessibility questions or accommodation requests, contact the Accessibility Office at (202) 416-8727 or by email.
Weather policy: The screening may be canceled or relocated due to inclement weather, including heat advisories or rain; check the Kennedy Center website on the day of the screening for updates.
Note: *Top Gun: Maverick* was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Original Song, and won Best Sound.