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

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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.

  • Aug. 4, 2026: "Best in Show" – Pre-show entertainment: Best Dressed Pet Photo Contest with Denver Animal Shelter ft. DJ CYN
  • Aug. 18, 2026: "Shaun of the Dead" – Pre-show entertainment: Kevon Ward, special effects master from the SyFy competition series "Face Off"

 

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!

  • Aug. 3, 2026: "Bridesmaids"
  • Aug. 10, 2026: "Jurassic Park"

 

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.

  • July 30, 2026: "A League of Their Own"
  • Aug. 6, 2026: "10 Things I Hate About You"
  • 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!

  • July 23, 2026: "Shrek" at 8:30 p.m.
  • 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.

  • Aug. 21, 2026
  • 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!

  • July 23, 2026: "Anchorman"
  • July 30, 2026: "White Chicks"
  • Aug. 6, 2026: "Shrek"
  • Aug. 13, 2026: "The Hangover"
  • Aug. 20, 2026: "Pitch Perfect"
  • 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.

  • Aug. 21, 2026: "The Greatest Showman" 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 concessions 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.

  • July 24, 2026: "National Treasure"
  • Aug. 14, 2026: "Shrek"
  • Sept. 4, 2026: "Wicked: For Good"

 

Outdoor Movies Near Denver

Movie Nights at Infinity Park in Glendale

Enjoy free flicks in Glendale this summer during Movie Nights at Infinity Park. Movie-goers are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets and pack their own coolers with whatever they need to enjoy the show! Food will also be available for purchase from an on-site food truck. Dogs are welcome to attend, but organizers ask that you keep your four-legged friends on the Festival Plaza on the south side of the stadium. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the movies begin at 7 p.m.

  • Aug. 3, 2026: "Cars"
     

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! 

  • July 31, 2026: "The Incredibles" + Family Campout
  • 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!

  • Aug. 14, 2026: "Goat" (Legacy Ridge Golf Course)
     

Summer Neighborhood Movie Series in Northglenn

In partnership with Neighborhood Nights, Northglenn's streets will transform into open-air theaters. Families and friends gather under the stars, bringing blankets and snacks for a unique outdoor cinema experience that fosters community connections and lasting memories. Stay tuned to see when Neighborhood Nights will be coming to your neighborhood!

  • July 23, 2026: "Hook" at 8 p.m.
  • July 30, 2026: "Super Mario Brothers" at 7:30 p.m.

 

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.

  • Aug. 7, 2026: "Lilo & Stitch" (live action)
     

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.

  • July 30, 2026: "IF"
  • Aug. 6, 2026: "Elio"
  • Aug. 13, 2026: "Monsters University" – drone show after movie

 

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. 

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