Every Outdoor Movie in Denver This Summer

Summertime in the Mile High is all about getting outside. Just like springtime, and autumn, and wintertime. Damn, it’s nice living here. Anyways, why not continue the trend for movie night? Don't waste precious summer hours inside a packed theater with overpriced popcorn or splayed out on your couch rewatching Friends. Instead, head to one of these events where you can eat your own popcorn -- and even whole picnics -- under the stars while watching a ton of great modern and classic films. Bonus: many of these events are totally free… and many offer food/drinks (read: alcohol).

Note: Many of these movies will start “at dark,” so plan to get there around 8pm or a little before to secure a nice spot.

Sony pictures entertainment

April 19-Sept 2
88 Drive in Theatre

The city’s last remaining original drive in theatre is open rain or shine daily all summer long with a fully stocked snack bar for popcorn, candy and more. Tickets are $8 per person.
Time: The showings very, most start after dark

July 13
Founders Green Park at Stapleton

Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to this free event where you can purchase snacks from the concession stand as well as ice cream and Asian fusion food from a selection of food trucks.
Time: At dark (so around 8/8:30pm)

July 13
Big Dry Creek Park

This free film is shown on a giant screen in the park with activities and concessions available before the show.
Time: 7pm

July 13
Island Kingdom Water Park at Elitch Gardens

Cap off your day at the water park with a “dive-in” movie night. This event is free with any park admission.
Time: 7:30pm

July 13-15 & 20-22
Denver Mart Drive In

Tickets are $10 for this classic drive-in double feature experience. Prior to the show, stop by the Mart Café for dinner and drinks including boozy beverages for those 21 and up. Kids under 6 are free.
Time: 7pm

July 14
O’Brien Park in Parker

Free, family-friendly, and includes games, food vendors, and live music before the show. Picnics are also welcome.
Time: Get there early to secure your spot (6-9pm)

July 19 
Southlands Town Square

This free family-friendly event on the green starts at dusk. You can also purchase alcoholic beverages at participating Town Square restaurants to be enjoyed in the Town Square area during the film.
Time: Movies start around sunset

July 20
Island Kingdom Water Park at Elitch Gardens
Cap off your day at the water park with a “dive-in” movie night. This event is free with any park admission
Time: 7:30pm

July 23
Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Featuring a local comedian and music from the School of Rock National All-Stars before the show, this is one of the best (and cheapest) ways to get in a Red Rocks experience this summer. Tickets are $15 and alcoholic beverages and food are available for purchase at the show.
Time: 7pm

disney
Disney Pixar Studios

July 23
Infinity Park

Make Monday better with a free movie under the star in a stadium setting. You can bring blankets and chairs, and picnics are welcome as well. Food and beverages are also available to purchase on site.  
Time: Doors at 6:30, movie at 7:30

July 25
Southlands Town Square

This free family-friendly event on the green starts at dusk. You can also purchase alcoholic beverages at participating Town Square restaurants to be enjoyed in the Town Square area during the film.
Time: Movies start at sundown

July 25
E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park in Northglenn

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic (but no booze!) to this free, family-friendly event.
Time: Flicks will kick off at duck (between 7:30 and 8:30pm)

July 27
Island Kingdom Water Park at Elitch Gardens

Cap off your day at the water park with a “dive-in” movie night. This event is free with any park admission.
Time: 7:30pm

August 1
Southlands Town Square

This free family-friendly event on the green starts at dusk. You can also purchase alcoholic beverages at participating Town Square restaurants to be enjoyed in the Town Square area during the film.
Time: Movies start at sundown

August 1
E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park in Northglenn

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic to this free, family-friendly event.
Time: Flicks will kick off at duck (between 7:30 and 8:30pm)

August 3
Founders Green Park at Stapleton

Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to this free event where you can purchase snacks from the concession stand as well as ice cream and Asian fusion food from a selection of food trucks.
Time: Movies will begin at dark

a wrinkle
Walt Disney Pictures

August 3
Parfet Park in Golden

Free and family-friendly with live bands before the movie screens at dusk on a giant inflatable screen. Food from local vendors will be available for purchase, and picnics are welcome as well. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
Time: Bands start at 7, movies around 8:30pm

August 3
Island Kingdom Water Park at Elitch Gardens

Cap off your day at the water park with a “dive-in” movie night. This event is free with any park admission.
Time: 7:30pm

August 3
Civic Green Park in Highlands Ranch

This free show start at dusk, bring a lawn chair or blanket. Kids that come dressed as their favorite character will have the chance to take a photo with a princess so remember your camera too.
Time: 8:30pm

August 4
O’Brien Park in Parker

Free, family-friendly, and includes games, food vendors and live music before the show. Picnics are also welcome.
Time: Show up early to claim a spot (6-9pm)

August 6
Infinity Park

Make Monday better with a free movie under the star in a stadium setting. You can bring blankets and chairs, and picnics are welcome as well. Food and beverages are also available to purchase on site.
Time: Doors at 6:30, movie at 7:30

August 7
Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Featuring a local comedian and music from Stelth Ulvang’s Fetching Band before the show, this is one of the best (and cheapest) ways to get in a Red Rocks experience this summer. Tickets are $15 and alcoholic beverages and food are available for purchase at the show.
Time: 7pm

August 8
Southlands Town Square

This free family-friendly event on the green starts at dusk. You can also purchase alcoholic beverages at participating Town Square restaurants to be enjoyed in the Town Square area during the film.
Time: Movies start at sundown

August 8
E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park in Northglenn

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic (but no booze!) to this free, family-friendly event. The film will be shown with Spanish subtitles and there will be pre-movie activities like games, a live DJ, contests, and food trucks.
Time: Flicks will kick off at duck (between 7:30 and 8:30pm)

August 10
Parfet Park in Golden

Free and family-friendly with live bands before the movie screens at dusk on a giant inflatable screen. Food from local vendors will be available for purchase, and picnics are welcome as well. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
Time: Bands start at 7, movies around 8:30pm

August 10
Civic Green Park in Highlands Ranch

Bring a lawn chair or blanket for this free show that starts at dusk. Snacks will also be available for purchase from Cornzapoppin.
Time: 8:30pm
 

August 13
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Featuring a local comedian and music from RedRockAndA before the show, this is one of the best (and cheapest) ways to get in a Red Rocks experience this summer. Tickets are $15 and alcoholic beverages and food are available for purchase at the show.
Time: 7pm

August 15
E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park in Northglenn

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic (but no booze!) to this free, family-friendly event.
Time: Flicks will kick off at duck (between 7:30 and 8:30pm)

August 17
Parfet Park in Golden

Free and family-friendly with live bands before the movie screens at dusk on a giant inflatable screen. Food from local vendors will be available for purchase, and picnics are welcome as well. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
Time: Bands start at 7, movies around 8:30pm

August 17
Civic Green Park in Highlands Ranch

Bring a lawn chair or blanket for this free show that starts at dusk. Snacks will also be available for purchase from Cornzapoppin.
Time: 8:30pm

August 18
Centennial Center Park

Family activities, free popcorn, and food and beverages for purchase will be available before the free show starts at dusk.
Time: 7-9:30pm

August 24
Founders Green Park at Stapleton

Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to this free event where you can purchase snacks from the concession stand as well as ice cream and Asian fusion eats from a selection of food trucks.
Time: At dark (so around 8/8:30pm)

Westminster City Park
This free film is shown on a giant screen in the park with activities and concessions available before the show.
Time: 7pm

August 3
Parfet Park in Golden

Free and family-friendly with live bands before the movie screens at dusk on a giant inflatable screen. Food from local vendors will be available for purchase, and picnics are welcome as well. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
Time: Bands start at 7, movie begins around 8:30pm

September 8
O’Brien Park in Parker

Free, family-friendly, and includes games, food vendors and live music before the show. Picnics are also welcome.
Time: Show up early to claim a spot (6-9pm)

Sign up here for our daily Denver email and be the first to get all the food/drink/fun in town.

Molly Martin is a freelance writer in Denver, Colorado who is always on the lookout for fun things to do. Follow her Mile High adventures @mollydbu on Twitter and Instagram.