An aerial view of the Denver sculpture park at sunset during an outdoor movie screening

1 / 1

Outdoor Summer Movies in Denver

There's no better way to spend a cool summer night in the Mile High City than enjoying a great movie in the great outdoors, whether on a blanket in the grass or from the comfort of your car. A highlight of this year's free Sunset Cinema Series in Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex is a drone show following the film on July 3, 2026.

Outdoor Movies in Denver

Sunset Cinema Series

Sunset Cinema is a free annual outdoor movie series that takes place in Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex in partnership with Denver Film. There will also be live performances before the films, along with themed food trucks, drinks and other cinema snacks available for purchase. Doors open at 6 p.m. with pre-show entertainment starting at 6:30 p.m. and films begin at 7:30 p.m. Limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring chairs, blankets, family and friends to the Arts Complex and enjoy the show! All events are free, but please register on Eventbrite.

  • See you next year. Please check back for 2027 movies.

 

Film on the Rocks at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Monday night is movie night as Film on the Rocks returns with five events throughout the summer! One of Denver's top summertime events, Film On The Rocks lets you enjoy blockbuster entertainment on the big screen in the incomparable setting of Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre in Morrison. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., live entertainment starts at 7 p.m. and films begin at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are now on sale, and they go fast!

  • See you next year. Please check back for 2027 movies.

 

Movies at McGregor

Catch movies on a massive LED screen in the plaza at McGregor Square, next to Coors Field. Lay out a blanket on the lawn or grab a table — both are free and first come, first served. Popcorn, candy, soft drinks, beer and cocktails are available for purchase. All screenings include closed captioning.

  • Aug. 20, 2026: "Super Mario Galaxy"

 

RiNo's Free Outdoor Movie Series

See a selection of free movies on the third Thursday of the month, from June through October, at 2631 Larimer St. (next to The Denver Central Market). Bring your own chairs and blankets!

  • Aug. 27, 2026: "Dazed and Confused" at 8 p.m.
  • Sept. 24, 2026: "She's the Man" at 8 p.m.
  • Oct. 22, 2026: "Beetlejuice" at 7 p.m.

 

Champagne Tiger Backyard Movie Nights

Catch a free backyard movie night at Champagne Tiger on the third Friday of each month from May through October. Bring a blanket, grab a cocktail or snack from the bar, and enjoy a surprise screening of a queer cult classic. In partnership with Rainbow Cult, each film includes fun commentary and trivia. No tickets or reservations required — just arrive by sundown.

  • Sept. 18, 2026
  • Oct. 16, 2026
     

Avanti Presents: Summer Movie Series

Join the film buffs at Avanti F and B every Thursday during the summer at 8:30 p.m. Head to the patio for themed specialty drinks, food specials, costume contests and free movies under the stars!

  • Aug. 27, 2026: "Mean Girls"
  • Sept. 3, 2026: "The Princess Bride"
     

Historic Elitch Theatre Family Film Series

See free films at Denver’s oldest cultural venue. Each screening includes themed pre‑show activities, concessions and an opportunity for families to experience the magic of the theatre at 4600 W. 37th Place. The movies start at 7 p.m.

  • Sept. 13, 2026: "Coco" at 2 p.m.

 

Movies on the Green

Grab a blanket and a lawn chair for the Movies on the Green series on The South Green in Central Park. Films are free and begin at dusk. Each event will feature a concession stand selling freshly popped popcorn, candy, sodas and bottled water to benefit a local nonprofit organization. Food trucks are often parked at these events, providing local goodies and food items.

  • Sept. 4, 2026: "Wicked: For Good"

 

EPRD Buchanan Park Family Movie Nights

Bring your own blankets or chairs and join Evergreen Park and Recreation District for free outdoor movies at Buchanan Park Ball Fields. Movies begin at 5 p.m., but you can set up any time from 4 p.m. on. Enjoy a full evening of fun with inflatable activities, face painting, yard games, ice cream, food trucks and more! 

  • Aug. 28, 2026: "Wall-E" + Environmental Love Night
  • Sept. 25, 2026: "Jurassic Park" + Retro Night
  • Oct. 30, 2026: "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial" + Trick-or-Treat Trail

 

​​Movies in the Park in Westminster

This summer, bring the whole family and watch your favorite movies on a giant, outdoor screen in various parks across Westminster. Live music, pre-show activities and food concessions start at 7 p.m. and movies begin at dusk. Bring your chair or blanket and enjoy the show!

  • See you next year. Please check back for 2027 movies.

 

Movies & Music in the Park at Parfet Park in Golden

This family-friendly series features free music and a movie on three Friday nights during the summer in downtown Golden's Parfet Park. Music begins at 7 p.m. and movies start at dusk, around 8:30 p.m.

  • See you next year. Please check back for 2027 movies.
     

Flix & Kicks in Brighton

The City of Brighton is excited to host another year of its popular outdoor “Flix and Kicks” movie and concert series this summer. All movies begin at 7 p.m. at Carmichael Park following a kids’ activity at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, and seating is first-come, first-served. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, picnics, bug spray and other amenities.

  • See you next year. Please check back for 2027 movies.

 

Drive-in Movie Theaters

88 Drive-in Theatre in Commerce City

The 88 Drive-In Theatre in Commerce City is the last remaining original drive-in in the Denver metro area and has been serving the community since 1972. Watch blockbuster movies on a giant screen Thursday through Sunday and enjoy delicious snacks from the historic snack bar. 

Dynamic Variation:

Fall & Winter

Plan Your Getaway

Outdoor Activities & Wellness

Attractions

Arts & Culture

Family Friendly

Day Trips From Denver

Sports & Recreation

Health, Fitness & Wellness

Shopping

Nightlife

Itineraries

Denver Sports Teams

Festivals & Events

Local Guide

Fall in Denver