Nothing says spring and summer like outdoor movies — and there are many opportunities to catch free and low-cost films around town after the sun goes down.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night activity — like a scene out of your favorite rom-com — or just want to hang out with friends, we’ve got you covered with 10+ outdoor screenings that will have you feeling like the star in your own motion picture.
🌳 Movies with a view
From parks to pools, enjoy a variety of new movies, classic films + animated favorites all summer long.
- Movie in the Pool | Friday, July 25 | Sar-Ko-Par Aquatic Center | $3+ | Drift on a tube in the shimmering water or keep it dry with a seat on the pool deck as you watch “Luca,” Disney’s adorable coming-of-age tale about sea monsters in the Italian Riviera.
- Off the Wall | Select nights, June-Sept. | Kansas City Public Library — Central Branch | Free | Check back in for this annual series’ line-up, featuring flicks screened on its downtown rooftop.
- Summer Movie Night at the Arboretum | Select Fridays, May-Oct. | Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens | $7 | Catch feel-good flicks like “Wicked,” “10 Things I Hate About You,” “A Bug’s Life,” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” after enjoying yard games and movie trivia.
- Summer Outdoor Movies in the Park | Select Saturdays, June- July | Zona Rosa | Free | Bring a blanket that fits the whole family for a screening under the stars of “Wicked,” “Moana 2,” and “Coco.”
- WeekEnder | Select Fridays, July-Aug. | Crown Center | Free + free parking | Swing by this beloved annual fest for live music, food trucks, and a silver screen line-up including “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Clueless.”
🍺 Movies with a brew
Level up your movie experience with local brews, taproom bites + other fare at these food-friendly events.
- Backyard Movies | Saturdays, June-Sept. | Screenland Armour | $5 | Hit up the concession stand inside for killer bites to-go or take your own intermission with an adult Capri Sun at Rewind Video.
- Movies in the Square | Saturdays, July-Oct. | Park Place | Free | Adult bevs are allowed when purchased at Bamboo Penny’s and adjacent restaurants before the show.
- Movie Nights on The Lawn | Saturdays, May-Oct. | Legends Outlets | Free | Order carryout from any number of nearby eateries + find your perfect cocktail, refreshing beer, or hard seltzer inside Yard House or Dave & Buster’s mobile bar.
- Tivoli Under the Stars | Fridays, June-Oct. | The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art | $36 for two, $61 for four | Preorder your snack selection when buying tickets, though we encourage revelers to stop by Bloch Lobby beforehand for Sips & Snacks.
📽️ Movies that come to you
Want to have the theater come to you? Local businesses Backyard Box Office and FunFlicks offer special packages for inflatable outdoor movie screenings so you can have a movie night in your own backyard.