Pass the popcorn, please. Nothing screams “summer” like hitting the town for a bit of nighttime cinema under the stars, stretched out on a freshly cut lawn or kicking back in the bed of a truck.
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 ten outdoor movie theaters that will have you feeling like the star in your own motion picture.
- Location: 1051 Merriam Ln., Kansas City, KS
- Open: Fridays + Saturdays
- Cost: $15 per person
- Additional features: Pull up at the world’s first 4K drive-in cinema experience, and watch from inside your vehicle using your car stereo for sound or bring a lawn chair. Bring cash only for tickets and snacks — children under 11 are free + dogs are welcome.
- Location: 291 E. Kentucky Rd., Independence, MO
- Open: Dates vary
- Cost: $22 per car
- Additional features: Experience double features with all showings starting at 9 p.m. Drive up in your car and tune in with FM radio to listen, plus grab a bag of popcorn at the concession stand.
- Location: 8731 N. Stoddard Ave., KCMO
- Open: Every third Saturday
- Cost: Free
- Additional features: Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and check the event page for additional deals at nearby businesses from 6 to 10 p.m.
- Location: Electric Park + Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park
- Open: Select Fridays starting May 26
- Cost: Free
- Additional features: Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, family, and dogs to these showings (with free parking) that start at dusk — around 8:30 p.m.
- Location: 408 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO
- Open: Every Saturday starting on June 3
- Cost: $5
- Additional features: Bring your own chair to the back parking lot with movies starting at sundown and seating available 45 minutes prior. All well-behaved furry friends are welcome.
- Location: Bennett Park Baseball Field + Liberty Community Center
- Open: Select Fridays starting June 16
- Cost: Free
- Additional features: Grab lawn chairs + blankets — and even your picnic basket, sans alcohol — and take part in an outdoor movie experience that includes fun and games at 6 p.m. before the movie starts at dusk, around 8 p.m. Popcorn and water will be provided.
- Location: The Kansas City Public Library, 14 W. 10th St., KCMO
- Open: Friday nights
- Cost: Free
- Additional features: Stay tuned for the 2023 season. RSVP for a skyline cinema experience on the rooftop terrace, and BYO seating, blankets, food + non-alcoholic beverages. Showings start at dusk around 8:45 p.m.
Movies in the Park is a great way to see classic films. | Photo by Wendy Delzeit + @cityoflenexa
- Location: Meadowbrook Park + Heritage Park
- Open: Friday nights
- Cost: Free
- Additional features: Stay tuned for the 2023 season. Bring your own chairs, blankets, and snacks with concessions available, including beer + wine. Start times depend on the sunset.
- Location: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
- Open: Dates + times vary
- Cost: $42 members, $58 non-members
- Additional features: Stay tuned for the 2023 season. Screenings start 10-15 minutes after sunset.
- Location: Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
- Open: Saturday, September 16, 5-10 p.m.
- Ticket prices: Free
- Additional features: This dairy-themed event features ice cream treats from local dairy farmers and food from The Melt Truck, Burg & Barrel Food Truck, and Jack’s Kettle Corn. The movie begins at 8 p.m.