🎬 Summer Outdoor Movies in Boston

Where to watch outdoor summer movies in Boston

Summertime means spreading out a blanket, grabbing some snacks, and enjoying a free movie under the stars. From the Hatch Shell to neighborhood parks, there are plenty of outdoor movie nights to explore across the Boston area.

We’re updating this list all season long — if you know of a screening we missed, let us know and we’ll add it!

*Updated February 2026*

Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell+ (Boston)

Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell
It’s back! WBZ NewsRadio 1030 and the DCR present this beloved summer tradition on the Esplanade. Enjoy free, family-friendly movies every Friday night at the Hatch Shell.
🎉Arrive early for games and giveaways starting at 6pm. Movies begin at sundown — bring a blanket and make an evening of it!

🎥 Free Friday Flicks + Neighborhood Park Screenings (2026 Info TBD)

🆓 Free outdoor summer movies across Greater Boston & beyond!
📍 Main screenings at the DCR Hatch Shell on Fridays — plus bonus showings at local parks throughout the week.
🍿 Bring a blanket or lawn chair! All movies begin at dusk.

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🌊 Moana 2 (1h 40m)

📅 July 11–17

• Fri, July 11 – Hatch Shell, Esplanade (Boston)

• Sat, July 12 – Salisbury Beach

• Mon, July 15 – Breakheart Reservation, Saugus

• Tue, July 16 – Castle Island, South Boston

• Wed, July 17 – Borderland State Park

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🪲 Beetlejuice (1h 32m)

📅 July 18–24

• Fri, July 18 – Hatch Shell, Esplanade

• Sat, July 19 – Salisbury Beach

• Mon, July 22 – Breakheart Reservation

• Tue, July 23 – Castle Island

• Wed, July 24 – Borderland State Park

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🧠 Inside Out 2 (1h 36m)

📅 July 25–31

• Fri, July 25 – Hatch Shell

• Sat, July 26 – Salisbury Beach

• Mon, July 29 – Breakheart Reservation

• Tue, July 30 – Castle Island

• Wed, July 31 – Borderland State Park

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😆 Despicable Me 4 (1h 35m)

📅 August 1–7

• Fri, Aug 1 – Hatch Shell

• Sat, Aug 2 – Blackstone Heritage

• Tue, Aug 5 – Red Rock

• Wed, Aug 6 – Castle Island

• Thu, Aug 7 – Houghton’s Pond

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🦔 Sonic 3 (1h 49m)

📅 August 8–14

• Fri, Aug 8 – Hatch Shell

• Sat, Aug 9 – Blackstone Heritage

• Tue, Aug 12 – Red Rock

• Wed, Aug 13 – Castle Island

• Thu, Aug 14 – Houghton’s Pond

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🛡️ Captain America: Brave New World (1h 58m)

📅 August 15–21

• Fri, Aug 15 – Hatch Shell

• Sat, Aug 16 – Blackstone Heritage

• Tue, Aug 19 – Red Rock

• Wed, Aug 20 – Castle Island

• Thu, Aug 21 – Houghton’s Pond

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🎶 Wicked Sing-A-Long (2h 40m)

📅 August 22–28

• Fri, Aug 22 – Hatch Shell

• Sat, Aug 23 – Blackstone Heritage

• Tue, Aug 26 – Red Rock

• Wed, Aug 27 – Castle Island

• Thu, Aug 28 – Houghton’s Pond

Movies start with WBZ Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell and play through the week at the following locations.  All movies begin at sundown.

For more information or cancellation due to weather, call the Free Friday Flicks Hotline: 617-787-7200 or visit wbz.com

Mayor's Summer Movie Nights in the Parks - Boston 

The Mayor's Movie Nights are part of the Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s ParkARTS program. Held in August and September, the shows begin at dusk.  Come enjoy popular films under the night skies in Boston city parks. All shows begin at dusk (approx. 7:45 p.m.)

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🎥 Boston Parks Movie Nights – August 2025
🆓 Free outdoor movies across Boston’s neighborhoods. All screenings begin at dusk.
🍿 Bring chairs, blankets, and enjoy a night under the stars in your community!

• Tuesday, August 5
  📍 Ronan Park, Dorchester
  🎞️ Captain America: Brave New World

  Monday, August 11
  📍 Jamaica Pond Sugar Bowls
  🎞️ Transformers One

  Tuesday, August 12
  📍 Healy Playground, Roslindale
  🌠 Meteor Shower Program
  🎞️ WALL-E

  Wednesday, August 13
  📍 Chandler Pond, Allston-Brighton
  🎞️ Migration

  Friday, August 15
  📍 Hynes Playground, West Roxbury
  🎞️ Paddington in Peru

  Monday, August 18
  📍 Titus Sparrow Park, South End
  🎞️ Moana 2

  Wednesday, August 20
  📍 Malcolm X Park, Roxbury
  🎞️ Mufasa: The Lion King

  Thursday, August 21
  📍 McGann Playground, Hyde Park
  🎞️ Harold and the Purple Crayon

  Tuesday, August 26
  📍 Noyes Playground, East Boston
  🎞️ The Wild Robot

  Wednesday, August 27
  📍 Barry Field, Charlestown
  🎞️ Moana 2

  Thursday, August 28
  📍 Moakley Park, South Boston
  🎞️ Despicable Me 4

  Friday, August 29
  📍 Boston Common Parade Ground
  🎞️ Wicked

All screenings begin at dusk and are free to attend. Free popcorn will be provided while supplies last. Movies will have closed captions visible on-screen where available. ​

Boston Landing Summer Movies - Brighton

Grab your blankets and popcorn —  complimentary summer movies at Boston Landing are bacj on the rolling green hills at Athlete’s Park!  

Join us under the stars for a lineup of fan favorites and new releases, all set against the perfect spring backdrop. It’s the ultimate way to wind down, hang out with friends, and soak up those warm evening vibes. See you on the lawn! 

Enjoy Pre-Movie fun, with Music, Snacks, Contests, and Giveaways for about an hour before the movie.   Wear your favorite themed outfit for the occasion!

• Thu, May 22, 2025 | 6:00–9:00 PM — 🎥 Mean Girls

• Thu, June 26, 2025 | 6:30–8:30 PM — 🎥 Happy Gilmore

• Thu, July 24, 2025 | 6:30–10:30 PM — 🎄 Elf

• Thu, August 14, 2025 | 6:00–10:00 PM — 🎞️ Guardians of the Galaxy

• Sat, September 6, 2025 | 5:00–9:00 PM — 🎶 Wicked (Sing-Along)

photo courtesy of Boston Landing

Time Out Market Monday Movie Nights - Boston

Enjoy free outdoor movies every Monday evening this summer at Time Out Market Boston's lawn at 401 Park Drive.  Enjoy free popcorn, beverages a la carte, and outdoor movies under the stars at Time Out Market Movie Night.  Here's the 2025 Movie lineup:

• Monday, June 30 – 10 Things I Hate About You

• Monday, July 7 – Finding Nemo

• Monday, July 14 – The Sandlot

• Monday, July 21 – The Parent Trap

• Monday, July 28 – Jaws

• Monday, August 4 – The Goonies

Kung Fu Films at the Chinatown Gate 

The Asian Community Development Organization (ACDC) presents Films at the Gate.  Each of the three nights of film showings includes a live performance, two short films, and the main feature.   

August 22-24, 2025

5:30PM - Games and activities for families

6:00 PM - Performances & martial arts demonstrations

7:30PM - Welcome program

8:00PM - Main feature (timing dependent on sunset for optimal viewing)

The classic films are action-packed with kung fu scenes and are accompanied by English-subtitles.

Coolidge on the Greenway: Summer Movies Series - Boston*

Experience cinema classics under the stars! The Coolidge is thrilled to be partnering with the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy once again for a free outdoor screening series this summer.  Coolidge on the Greenway screenings will take place at sunset at the Greenway's Wharf District Park (located between Milk Street and Atlantic Avenue in Boston).

Blade Runner: The Final Cut
📅 Wednesday, June 25 at sunset (Rain Date: June 26)
👨‍🏫 Intro by BU Prof. Brian Kulis (Electrical & Computer Engineering) on A.I. and replicants in sci-fi cinema.

Point Break
📅 Wednesday, July 16 at sunset (Rain Date: July 17)
👨‍🏫 Learn about the science of adrenaline before the film! (Speaker TBA)

The Blob (1988)
📅 Wednesday, August 13 at sunset (Rain Date: August 14)
👨‍🔬 Engineer Dr. Jordan R.M. Kennedy connects this gooey horror remake to the Great Molasses Flood of 1919.

🎬 MIT Open Space Programming: Summer Movie Nights

Enjoy a magical summer evening under the stars with MIT’s outdoor film series in the Kendall/MIT Open Space! Presented in partnership with The Brattle Theatre.

This family-friendly event series is free and open to the public, featuring a delightful mix of animated adventures and classic thrillers on select Fridays in July and August.

Coolidge Movies at the Speedway - Brighton* 

The Coolidge is excited to present a program of free, outdoor movie screenings hosted at the Charles River Speedway (525 Western Ave, Brighton, MA) this summer!

All Coolidge at the Speedway screenings will take place at sunset. No ticket purchase or reservations needed.

1. Josie and the Pussycats
📅 Wednesday, May 21 at sunset
🎞 A girl group finds themselves in the middle of a conspiracy to deliver subliminal messages through popular music.

2. Good Burger
📅 Wednesday, June 18 at sunset
🎞 A dim-witted teenager and his coworker try to save their burger joint from a slick competitor across the street.

3. Mean Girls
📅 Wednesday, July 23 at sunset
🎞 Cady Heron is a hit with the Plastics — until she falls for the wrong guy and finds herself in a social showdown.

4. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me
📅 Wednesday, August 20 at sunset
🎞 A haunting prequel to David Lynch’s cult TV series, tracing the final week in the life of Laura Palmer.

5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
📅 Wednesday, September 17 at sunset
🎞 Cowabunga! The heroes in a half shell debut in this pizza-fueled live-action favorite.

6. I Know What You Did Last Summer
📅 Wednesday, October 15 at sunset
🎞 One year after a tragic accident, four teens are stalked by a hook-wielding killer with a deadly secret.

 

Movie Night at Fenway Park - Boston

Celebrate the holiday spirit in July at America's Most Beloved Ballpark with a screening of Elf on the center field video board for this year's Movie Night at Fenway Park, on Thursday, July 31. 

Buddy the Elf is back! Join us for a heartwarming, hilarious holiday classic starring Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole who journeys to New York City to find his real family and spread Christmas cheer.

Tickets are just $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

 

Summer Flicks at The Pru - Boston

Lights, camera, ACTION! Prudential Center’s annual outdoor movie series is hosted in South Garden every Saturday evening from July 12th through August 23rd.

The Pru is known for its iconic colorful light displays and its wide selection of shops. But it also hosts movie nights on its South Garden! 

photo courtesy of Prudential Center

From classics to recent blockbusters, the movie selections are curated to appeal to audiences of all ages and is free to attend. All movies began at dusk, with music entertainment starting at 6:30PM.

• Sat, July 12 — 🎤 Miss Congeniality (PG-13)

• Sat, July 19 — 🧁 13 Going on 30 (PG-13)

• Sat, July 26 — 🧅 Shrek (PG)

• Sat, August 2 — 🎸 School of Rock (PG-13)

• Sat, August 9 — 🐠 Finding Nemo (G)

• Sat, August 16 — 👯‍♀️ The Parent Trap (PG)

• Sat, August 23 — 🌊 Moana (PG)
  
  
  

Aeronaut Brewing Outdoor Movie Nights on the Patio - Somerville

Aeronaut Brewing Company brings back its popular Aeronaut Outdoor Movie Nights Series for summer 2025! Every Saturday night, enjoy classic comedies, cult favorites, and crowd-pleasers projected in their lively open-air courtyard. 

Grab a drink, bring a blanket or chair, and settle in for a cozy night under the stars.

Whether you're looking for a nostalgic rewatch or a fun evening with friends and family, this series is a perfect way to spend a summer night in Somerville.

🔎 2025 Movie Lineup

Sat, Jul 26 – 10 Things I Hate About You

Sat, Aug 2 – Shrek
Sat, Aug 9 – Bring It On
Sat, Aug 16 – Anchorman
Sat, Aug 23 – Mean Girls
Sat, Aug 30 – Clueless

Sat, Sep 6 – The Hangover
Sat, Sep 13 – Zoolander

photo credit: BostonCentral

Somer Movie Fest - Somerville (Davis & Lincoln Parks)

The City of Somerville invites families and movie enthusiasts to enjoy the annual SomerMovie Fest, a beloved summer tradition featuring six free outdoor film screenings in local parks. Bring your picnic blankets, snacks, and enjoy a movie under the stars with your community. Screenings begin at dusk; arrival at least 30 minutes early is recommended to secure a good spot.

Coolidge after Midnite: Rocky Woods Double Features - Medford

Late-night programming for cinephile insomniacs with screenings of horrifying, weird, camp, avant garde, tripped-out, and cult films, often from 35mm prints.

Coolidge After Midnite is ready to serve up a slew of films and events every Friday & Saturday to satisfy your cult cinema hunger!  Screenings take place in the Rocky Woods (38 Hartford Street, Medford, MA)! Parking sold separately. Limited camping spots available, sold separately.  

Friday the 13th Double Feature
📅 Friday, June 13 at 8:00pm
🎞 A back-to-back slasher showcase: Friday the 13th (1980) and Friday the 13th (2009) in the woods — if you dare!

 

Summer Saturdays at Urban Park | Kendall Square

Come on UP to the Urban Park roof garden for monthly movie nights! Bring your blanket and join us for a FREE family friendly film series. Complimentary snacks will be served while supplies last.  DJ set starts at 4:00pm & Movie starts at 6:00pm.  See listing for dates.

Theatre Thursdays at Revere Beach

Spend a day trip at Revere Beach: the perfect spot to swim and sunbathe. But on Theatre Thursdays at Revere Beach, when the weather’s cooled off and night falls, make sure not to leave without watching a movie on the beach. 

Entertainment is from 6:00PM - 8:00PM with music and popcorn.  Movie begins at dusk. Event is FREE! All movies have a rain date on the following night (Friday). 

photo courtesy of Revere Beach Parks & Recreation

🎬 Free Summer Flicks at Patriot Place

Patriot Place invites families to enjoy its annual free outdoor movie series - Summer Flicks, held on the Gillette Stadium North End Zone Plaza, right outside the Patriots ProShop. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening with the kids!  Bring a blanket or chairs and join the fun at Patriot Place Free Summer Flicks. 

📅 Summer 2025 Movie Schedule

Sunday, June 29 – Voter’s Choice
(Vote for your favorite: Dog Man, Elemental, Paddington in Peru, or The Secret Life of Pets)
🎟️ Voting enters you to win 4 Prestige Movie Passes to Showcase Cinema de Lux!

Sunday, July 20 – Wicked (Sing-Along Version)

Sunday, July 27 – Christmas in July featuring a surprise holiday favorite

Wednesday, August 6 – Freaky Friday

photo courtesy of Patriot Place

 

============Awaiting 2025 Info===========

Summer Movie Nights at the Kroc Center - Boston*

Join us for a summer tradition that brings our community together for unforgettable evenings of fun, food, and fantastic films at the Boston Kroc field!  Summer movie nights at the Kroc features three evenings of family fun.  

Gather your family, friends, and neighbors, and join us on our field for an enchanting night of entertainment.  Activities and Games start at 6:30pm, Movie starts at Sundown.

 

Watch Wednesday Movie Nights at Anchor Boston - Charlestown*

Join us for our weekly movie night at The Anchor starting @ 9 PM. As always, our programs are always free and open to the public of all ages!  The Anchor’s open-air courtyard is the best place to lay back and enjoy your favorite flicks all summer long.

Seating at 8:30pm, movie starts just after sunset.

With our comfortable lounge seating, free-standing tables, and bar it is a great place to relax. All with views of Boston from the Charlestown Naval Yard. Enjoy delicious food and beverage options while you watch at The Anchor's full bar and kitchen.

 

Movie Night on the LOT - Dorchester*

Join us for Movie Nights on The LOT! Admission is free, but drinks and snacks are available for purchase. Come early to enjoy games before the movie showing.

Summer Movie Series at Christopher Columbus Park (TBD)*

Pack a picnic to take to Christopher Columbus Park for one of these Sunday night films, which will begin at dusk.  Free popcorn courtesy of Joe’s American Bar & Grill.  Sunday Night Movie Series at Christopher Columbus Park

 

CX Movie Nights at Maria Baldwin Open Space at CX - (TBD)*

CX Movie Nights returns to Cambridge Crossing in partnership with the Brattle Theater and East Cambridge Business Association (ECBA) for a free double-feature movie series, taking place on June 30 and July 28 from 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm on Dawes Field
300 Water Street, Cambridge - located next to 350 Water Street (the Sanofi building)

Enjoy a family and pet-friendly night of movies, popcorn, and food trucks.

photo courtesy of CX

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Drive-In Movies Near Boston

In addition, more and more venues have started offering special Drive-In movie options, so take a look at our guide to what's been announced so far to see where you and your family can enjoy a drive-in movie near you this summer.

While not free, you can usually get into a Drive-in movie for one price per carload, and experience a big screen movie from the comfort of your own car with friends and family. 

Mendon Twin Drive In (Milford)

Wellfellet Drive-In (Cape Cod)

More Ideas for Summer Fun!

Find Fun Things to Do on our events calendar as Summer Begins in Boston.  From a myriad of Boston Beaches, Spray Parks & Pool, Waterparks and more, you'll find lots of ways to stay cool during a Boston Summer. 

Summer is also the season of Boston fireworks displays so be sure to check our handy guide to find a display by date or by town, near you. 

There are so many fun things to do for free in Boston - check out our guide for more money-saving ideas for family fun.

You can find lots more family-friendly Boston events each week on the BostonCentral calendar and our popular things to do this week newsletter.

 

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Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral for over 25 years.  She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places to visit in the Greater Boston area.