There’s something about watching a movie outdoors that just makes everything feel a little more magical.
Maybe it’s the way popcorn tastes better under an open sky or how the film feels larger than life when projected on a screen outside. Or maybe it’s the fact that in Denver, outdoor movie season means a mash-up of mountain views, cold beers, food trucks and some seriously well-curated film lineups.
And this summer is a film buff’s dream. Shrek is having a major moment (seriously, he’s showing up everywhere). Bridesmaids, Top Gun: Maverick and Wicked are also screening at multiple locations. And there’s no shortage of all-ages crowd-pleasers, from Moana 2 to Inside Out 2 to The Wild Robot. Whether you're craving nostalgia, a cult classic under the stars or something fresh from Hollywood, there’s a park, drive-in or plaza ready to roll film.
From drive-ins with funnel cakes to rooftops with themed cocktails, we round up the very best places to catch an outdoor movie around Denver this summer in alphabetical order. Just don’t forget the bug spray!
88 Drive-In Theatre
Thursdays through Sundays
8780 Rosemary Street, Commerce City
The metro area's last surviving drive-in theater delivers a triple feature of nostalgia, affordable tickets and greasy concession stand glory in its 49th season. For $10 per person (kids under 12 are free), you get a night of cinematic immersion this summer featuring new releases like How to Train Your Dragon (2025) and Final Destination: Bloodlines. Originally opened in 1972, the 88 has beaten back redevelopment pressures and continues to serve generations of movie lovers. Before you go, make sure you have a working FM radio, as that is the only way to hear the action.
Avanti’s Movie Nights
Thursdays through September 4
3200 North Pecos Street, Denver
This food and beverage hotspot turns its rooftop patio into an energetic cinema every Thursday night, pairing fan-favorite flicks with themed cocktails and unbeatable skyline views. The 2025 lineup runs the gamut from Top Gun: Maverick to Mean Girls, with costume contests and drink specials that match each week’s movie. These free screenings can fill up fast, so it’s wise to arrive early and grab something delicious from one of the food vendors inside.
Backcountry Outdoor Movie Series
Saturdays, June 28 through August 2
6005 Ron King Trail, Littleton
Set against the rugged backdrop of the Backcountry Wilderness Area, this six-week series is all about family fun and conservation. Films such as The Goonies, Twisters and Moana 2 are shown outside while guests spread out in their cars. Proceeds benefit the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund, making this event as feel-good as it is fun. With only 45 vehicles allowed each night, the vibe is intimate, relaxed and community-focused. Got a film you want to see? The August 2 screening is Voter’s Choice, so head to its social media to make your voice heard.
EPRD Buchanan Park Family Movie Nights
Select Wednesdays, June 18, through Friday, August 1
Buchanan Park Ball Fields, Evergreen
These free movie nights combine small-town charm with big-screen excitement. The events begin as early as 4 p.m., with food trucks, games and music keeping the energy high until dusk. 2025’s lineup includes family-friendly hits like Finding Nemo, Wicked and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Surrounded by mountains and stars, it’s an ideal summer outing for all ages.
Film on the Rocks at Red Rocks
Through August 18
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison
Nothing beats the cinematic grandeur of Red Rocks. Celebrating its 26th season, Film on the Rocks pairs live entertainment with classic films in one of the world’s most iconic outdoor venues. Featuring cinematic classics like Legally Blonde and Willy Wonka, it’s an electric combination of nature and nostalgia. Film on the Rocks continues to draw thousands for good reason. Come for the iconic scenery, stay for the joyful weirdness of watching Shrek 2 with 9,000 other people.
Flix & Kicks in Brighton
Through Thursday, August 14
Carmichael Park and Founders Plaza, Brighton
This series mixes concerts and movies for double the fun. Free and open to all, it features rotating venues, pre-movie activities and a little something for every taste. Highlights include Wonka, Despicable 4 and Wicked, plus bands like Chicano Heat and Grizzly Gopher. Bonus: there’s a drone show in August, just to keep things extra lit.
Monday Night Movies at Edgewater Public Market
Mondays, July 14 through October 6
5505 West 20th Avenue, Edgewater
Back now for its fifth year, these laid-back lawn screenings are about building community through shared popcorn and good vibes. From Almost Famous to Good Will Hunting to Rebel Without a Cause, this lineup is arguably the most intellectually stimulating in the area due to the wide variety of films programmed. Local food vendors power the event, and lawn chairs are strictly banned (soft seating only!) to keep things cozy. Well-behaved dogs on leashes and chill vibes are welcome.
Movie Nights at Infinity Park in Glendale
Through Monday, October 13
950 South Birch Street, Glendale
Infinity Park transforms into a lively outdoor theater with a mix of cult comedies, animated favorites, and crowd-pleasers like Toy Story, The Fast and the Furious and Madagascar. Food trucks and bring-your-own-cooler policies make this a laid-back, tailgate-style affair. Plus, dogs are welcome — just stick to the designated pet area on the south side of the stadium. With movie nights running into October, this is one of the longest-lasting series on the list.
Movies & Music in the Park at Parfet Park in Golden
Friday, July 11, and Friday, August 8
719 10th Street, Golden
Parfet Park comes alive on summer evenings with free concerts followed by family-friendly movies. It's a full night of entertainment, including screenings of films like Air Bud and music by The Man Cub, as well as ice cream trucks and fresh popcorn for purchase. Nestled against Clear Creek, it’s a feel-good fest in the foothills.
Movies at McGregor
Friday, June 27, through Saturday, August 23
McGregor Square, 1901 Wazee St, Denver
Just steps from Coors Field, McGregor Square’s movie nights feel like a downtown block party. The LED screen ensures a crisp image even before sunset, and drink specials pair perfectly with themed evenings like “Ladies Night” or “Musical Night.” This year’s selections include A League of Their Own, a Top Gun double feature on July 4, Wicked and a Shrek double feature to close the season. Grab a spot on the lawn or a plaza table — both are first come, first served.
Movies in the Park in Westminster
Through Friday, August 29
Various Westminster parks
The City of Westminster brings the movie magic to different parks around town, with pre-show music and concessions kicking off around 7 p.m. Family favorites like Moana 2, Elemental and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 make this series a great pick for parents and kids alike. Each location adds its own charm, from school lawns to parks to golf courses. It's a suburban summer staple that feels fresh every time.
Movies on the Green in Central Park
Through Friday, August 15
South Green, 29th Avenue and Roslyn Street, Denver
This Central Park series brings together neighbors for Friday flicks like Hook, The Wild Robot and The Lost City, along with popcorn stands and occasional food trucks. The vibe is friendly, casual, and perfect for unwinding at the end of the week. Best of all, proceeds from concessions go to local nonprofits. It’s a community-driven night that supports a good cause — and gives great movie vibes.
RiNo Movie Night
Third Thursdays, June 19 through October 16
Lot on Larimer, 2631 Larimer Street, Denver
RiNo’s movie nights blend urban grit with classic cinema flair. Think Ratatouille and 10 Things I Hate About You screened under murals, all for free. Bring your own chair, snacks and a sense of adventure. It’s the arts district’s answer to rooftop cinema and way more punk rock.
Summer Cult Film Series
Sunday, July 13, and Sunday, August 10
Junkyard Social Club, 2525 Frontier Avenue Suite A, Boulder
For those who like their movies with a side of weird, Junkyard’s cult film nights deliver. Featuring cult classics like The Thing and Young Frankenstein, the series includes drinks, food and just the right amount of thrills. The twelve-foot screen and cozy lawn setup create an intimate viewing experience. It’s spooky, silly, and singularly Boulder.
Summer Neighborhood Movie Series in Northglenn
Thursday, July 17, through Thursday, August 7
Various locations, Northglenn
These events transform neighborhood parks into pop-up cinemas, complete with live music, city council meet-and-greets and food truck coupons. Each week’s event features a new movie, like Paddington in Peru and Inside Out 2, and a different band. It’s less about spectacle and more about togetherness. For a grassroots, family-first vibe, this is hard to beat.
Sunset Cinema
Through Tuesday, August 19
Sculpture Park, Denver Performing Arts Complex
This event by Denver Film brings high-production flair to Denver’s Arts Complex with curated films and themed activations. This year’s titles include Forrest Gump, The Greatest Showman, The Princess Bride, The Goonies and Bridesmaids, plus cocktails, costumes and pre-show performances. It's free, but registration is encouraged, and seats fill up quickly.
Maybe it’s the way popcorn tastes better under an open sky or how the film feels larger than life when projected on a screen outside. Or maybe it’s the fact that in Denver, outdoor movie season means a mash-up of mountain views, cold beers, food trucks and some seriously well-curated film lineups.
And this summer is a film buff’s dream. Shrek is having a major moment (seriously, he’s showing up everywhere). Bridesmaids, Top Gun: Maverick and Wicked are also screening at multiple locations. And there’s no shortage of all-ages crowd-pleasers, from Moana 2 to Inside Out 2 to The Wild Robot. Whether you're craving nostalgia, a cult classic under the stars or something fresh from Hollywood, there’s a park, drive-in or plaza ready to roll film.
In fact, outdoor cinema is booming so much that Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom and Amp Champ Pro AV have teamed up to form the Colorado Outdoor Movie Company, a new venture aiming to bring inflatable screen magic to even more neighborhoods, HOAs and communities. They've done everything from backyard parties to full-fledged film festivals with some truly impressive AIRSCREEN setups, and they intend to broaden their offerings with the new partnership.
From drive-ins with funnel cakes to rooftops with themed cocktails, we round up the very best places to catch an outdoor movie around Denver this summer in alphabetical order. Just don’t forget the bug spray!
88 Drive-In Theatre
Thursdays through Sundays
8780 Rosemary Street, Commerce City
The metro area's last surviving drive-in theater delivers a triple feature of nostalgia, affordable tickets and greasy concession stand glory in its 49th season. For $10 per person (kids under 12 are free), you get a night of cinematic immersion this summer featuring new releases like How to Train Your Dragon (2025) and Final Destination: Bloodlines. Originally opened in 1972, the 88 has beaten back redevelopment pressures and continues to serve generations of movie lovers. Before you go, make sure you have a working FM radio, as that is the only way to hear the action.
Avanti’s Movie Nights
Thursdays through September 4
3200 North Pecos Street, Denver
This food and beverage hotspot turns its rooftop patio into an energetic cinema every Thursday night, pairing fan-favorite flicks with themed cocktails and unbeatable skyline views. The 2025 lineup runs the gamut from Top Gun: Maverick to Mean Girls, with costume contests and drink specials that match each week’s movie. These free screenings can fill up fast, so it’s wise to arrive early and grab something delicious from one of the food vendors inside.
Backcountry Outdoor Movie Series
Saturdays, June 28 through August 2
6005 Ron King Trail, Littleton
Set against the rugged backdrop of the Backcountry Wilderness Area, this six-week series is all about family fun and conservation. Films such as The Goonies, Twisters and Moana 2 are shown outside while guests spread out in their cars. Proceeds benefit the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund, making this event as feel-good as it is fun. With only 45 vehicles allowed each night, the vibe is intimate, relaxed and community-focused. Got a film you want to see? The August 2 screening is Voter’s Choice, so head to its social media to make your voice heard.
EPRD Buchanan Park Family Movie Nights
Select Wednesdays, June 18, through Friday, August 1
Buchanan Park Ball Fields, Evergreen
These free movie nights combine small-town charm with big-screen excitement. The events begin as early as 4 p.m., with food trucks, games and music keeping the energy high until dusk. 2025’s lineup includes family-friendly hits like Finding Nemo, Wicked and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Surrounded by mountains and stars, it’s an ideal summer outing for all ages.
Film on the Rocks at Red Rocks
Through August 18
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison
Nothing beats the cinematic grandeur of Red Rocks. Celebrating its 26th season, Film on the Rocks pairs live entertainment with classic films in one of the world’s most iconic outdoor venues. Featuring cinematic classics like Legally Blonde and Willy Wonka, it’s an electric combination of nature and nostalgia. Film on the Rocks continues to draw thousands for good reason. Come for the iconic scenery, stay for the joyful weirdness of watching Shrek 2 with 9,000 other people.
Flix & Kicks in Brighton
Through Thursday, August 14
Carmichael Park and Founders Plaza, Brighton
This series mixes concerts and movies for double the fun. Free and open to all, it features rotating venues, pre-movie activities and a little something for every taste. Highlights include Wonka, Despicable 4 and Wicked, plus bands like Chicano Heat and Grizzly Gopher. Bonus: there’s a drone show in August, just to keep things extra lit.
Monday Night Movies at Edgewater Public Market
Mondays, July 14 through October 6
5505 West 20th Avenue, Edgewater
Back now for its fifth year, these laid-back lawn screenings are about building community through shared popcorn and good vibes. From Almost Famous to Good Will Hunting to Rebel Without a Cause, this lineup is arguably the most intellectually stimulating in the area due to the wide variety of films programmed. Local food vendors power the event, and lawn chairs are strictly banned (soft seating only!) to keep things cozy. Well-behaved dogs on leashes and chill vibes are welcome.
Movie Nights at Infinity Park in Glendale
Through Monday, October 13
950 South Birch Street, Glendale
Infinity Park transforms into a lively outdoor theater with a mix of cult comedies, animated favorites, and crowd-pleasers like Toy Story, The Fast and the Furious and Madagascar. Food trucks and bring-your-own-cooler policies make this a laid-back, tailgate-style affair. Plus, dogs are welcome — just stick to the designated pet area on the south side of the stadium. With movie nights running into October, this is one of the longest-lasting series on the list.
Movies & Music in the Park at Parfet Park in Golden
Friday, July 11, and Friday, August 8
719 10th Street, Golden
Parfet Park comes alive on summer evenings with free concerts followed by family-friendly movies. It's a full night of entertainment, including screenings of films like Air Bud and music by The Man Cub, as well as ice cream trucks and fresh popcorn for purchase. Nestled against Clear Creek, it’s a feel-good fest in the foothills.
Movies at McGregor
Friday, June 27, through Saturday, August 23
McGregor Square, 1901 Wazee St, Denver
Just steps from Coors Field, McGregor Square’s movie nights feel like a downtown block party. The LED screen ensures a crisp image even before sunset, and drink specials pair perfectly with themed evenings like “Ladies Night” or “Musical Night.” This year’s selections include A League of Their Own, a Top Gun double feature on July 4, Wicked and a Shrek double feature to close the season. Grab a spot on the lawn or a plaza table — both are first come, first served.
Movies in the Park in Westminster
Through Friday, August 29
Various Westminster parks
The City of Westminster brings the movie magic to different parks around town, with pre-show music and concessions kicking off around 7 p.m. Family favorites like Moana 2, Elemental and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 make this series a great pick for parents and kids alike. Each location adds its own charm, from school lawns to parks to golf courses. It's a suburban summer staple that feels fresh every time.
Movies on the Green in Central Park
Through Friday, August 15
South Green, 29th Avenue and Roslyn Street, Denver
This Central Park series brings together neighbors for Friday flicks like Hook, The Wild Robot and The Lost City, along with popcorn stands and occasional food trucks. The vibe is friendly, casual, and perfect for unwinding at the end of the week. Best of all, proceeds from concessions go to local nonprofits. It’s a community-driven night that supports a good cause — and gives great movie vibes.
RiNo Movie Night
Third Thursdays, June 19 through October 16
Lot on Larimer, 2631 Larimer Street, Denver
RiNo’s movie nights blend urban grit with classic cinema flair. Think Ratatouille and 10 Things I Hate About You screened under murals, all for free. Bring your own chair, snacks and a sense of adventure. It’s the arts district’s answer to rooftop cinema and way more punk rock.
Summer Cult Film Series
Sunday, July 13, and Sunday, August 10
Junkyard Social Club, 2525 Frontier Avenue Suite A, Boulder
For those who like their movies with a side of weird, Junkyard’s cult film nights deliver. Featuring cult classics like The Thing and Young Frankenstein, the series includes drinks, food and just the right amount of thrills. The twelve-foot screen and cozy lawn setup create an intimate viewing experience. It’s spooky, silly, and singularly Boulder.
Summer Neighborhood Movie Series in Northglenn
Thursday, July 17, through Thursday, August 7
Various locations, Northglenn
These events transform neighborhood parks into pop-up cinemas, complete with live music, city council meet-and-greets and food truck coupons. Each week’s event features a new movie, like Paddington in Peru and Inside Out 2, and a different band. It’s less about spectacle and more about togetherness. For a grassroots, family-first vibe, this is hard to beat.
Sunset Cinema
Through Tuesday, August 19
Sculpture Park, Denver Performing Arts Complex
This event by Denver Film brings high-production flair to Denver’s Arts Complex with curated films and themed activations. This year’s titles include Forrest Gump, The Greatest Showman, The Princess Bride, The Goonies and Bridesmaids, plus cocktails, costumes and pre-show performances. It's free, but registration is encouraged, and seats fill up quickly.
