Free and Cheap Summer Movies in Twin Cities Parks & Theaters

Children watching movie at Nicollet Commons Park in Burnsville Minnesota: "Free Summer Movies"

Summer movies in the park are a classic choice to enjoy together — especially outside where they are free and you can even pack large popcorns and large drinks for pennies! And for an indoor option to beat the summer heat, movie theaters with free or bargained price summer programs are also scattered around the Twin Cities.

For year-round cheap movies: Twin Cities Cheap Flicks.

2024 Twin Cities Free Summer Movies - By Region of the Metro Area

Popular screenings in 2024 include Mario Bros., Wonka, Trolls and Elemental; but look for your favorite classic film, too. Don’t forget to bring your own kids’ snack packs (some parks sell concessions, but not all), a blanket or lawn chairs, and bug spray!

Outdoor Movies Make a Late Night. Keep in mind that movies start at dusk and can include a good half-hour of ads before the main movie starts. Dusk in June and July is around 9pm. If your children are small, you may want to bring sleeping bags and pillows and pick a grown up movie to enjoy while they sleep.

Free Summer Movies in Minneapolis & St Paul

Minneapolis Movies in the Parks 

MPRB screens flicks weekly across its lovely parks system. Note that not all of Minneapolis movies are kid-friendly movies, but you’ll find plenty that are perfect for the whole family. The shows begin at dusk. Movies early June. 2024 TBA.

Minneapolis Movies at the Commons

425 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55488
Bring a lawn chair or blanket downtown to enjoy a movie at the commons on Wednesdays at dusk. 2024 TBA. 

Minneapolis Movie Night at Target Field Station

335 N 5th St, Minneapolis, MN
Bring your own seating and find a spot on the green grass outside the Twins’ ballpark. 7-9pm. FREE.

  • 2024 TBA

This list is courtesy of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and is subject to change and weather dependent. The public can subscribe to updates or follow MPRB on social media for changes and cancellations. We will share 2024’s list here when it is released.

Boy at Lake Harriet Park Movie Night, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Sometimes FREE summer music is followed by a FREE Movie.

St Paul Movies in the Park

St Paul screens free summer movies across several recreation centers, community centers and at the historic Pavilion at Como Park. Movies start at dusk. Arrive early for pre-show activities and family fun. 2024 TBA.

St Paul Union Depot Drive-In Movies

Lot D, 392 E Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55101
Bring your whole family — even your dog — for one price. Union depot will have food trucks on site for drive-in movies throughout the summer. You’ll need a radio to tune in the audio. $15/car.

  • 2024 TBA

This list is courtesy of the City of St. Paul and is subject to change and weather dependent. Learn more here. We’ll add the full list here  when it is released.

Free Summer Movies in the Twin Cities North Metro

Brooklyn Center

Movies are schedule to start at dusk. Titles will be listed on Facebook @BrooklynCenterRec closer to the movie date.

  • 2024 TBA

Champlin

  • Sept 6, 2024 – Save the Date. More details TBA.

Columbia Heights

  • 2024 TBA. McKenna Park, 4757 7th St NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421.

Coon Rapids

  • Friday, May 24, 2024 – Trolls Band Together with concessions available for purchase at 7:45. Movie to begin at 8:45pm. Sand Creek Park, 1008 Northdale Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55448.

Fridley

  • June 14, 2024 – Outdoor Movie at Community Park, 7000 University Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432 following the Fridley ’49er Days Car Show. More details TBA.

Maple Grove

Town Green Park, 7991 Main Street N, Maple Grove, MN
Friday Movies at Dusk take place at Town Green as part of Maple Grove’s Sounds of Summer:

  • July 12, 2024 – Super Mario Brothers Movie (PG)
  • July 19, 2024 – The Little Mermaid (2023) (PG)
  • July 26, 2024 – Elemental (PG)
  • August 2, 2024 – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (PG)
  • August 16, 2024 – Wonka (PG)
  • August 23, 2024 –  Kung Fu Panda 4 (PG)
  • August 30, 2024 – The Barbie Movie (PG-13)

Children playing music on the music playground at Town Green Park, Maple Grove, Minnesota

Osseo

Boerboom Park, 416 Central Ave, Osseo, MN 55369
2024 Tuesday Night Music & Movies in Boerboom Park. Beginning June 11, 2024, free live music and movies screened at dusk on most Tuesdays June through August. These events are weather dependent.

  • 2024 Schedule TBA

Robbinsdale

Sanborn Park, 42nd Avenue North, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Feature start times are at dusk and end when the movie ends. 2024 summer movie schedule:

  • 2024 TBA.

Roseville

Roseville Oval, 2661 Civic Center Dr, Roseville, MN 55113
Roll In Movies – family-friendly Friday night movies on the outside OVAL score board. Showtime 7:30pm.

  • June 7, 2024 – The Super Mario Bros.
  • July 12, 2024 – Elemental
  • August 2, 2024 – The Mighty Ducks

Free Summer Movies in the Twin Cities East Metro

Stillwater

101 Water Street S., Stillwater, MN 55082
Stillwater Summer Tuesdays feature free movies in downtown Lowell Park. The Farmers Market opens at 5pm with lots of fun things to do and live music from 6-8pm. Movies begin 10 minutes after sunset. 

  • 2024 TBA

Woodbury

Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125
The Starlight Cinema Outdoor Movie Nights will be presented at Ojibway Park. This is a free event featuring kids movies; activities start at 7pm and movie is screened at dusk. 2024 dates include:

  • 2024 TBA.

Free & Cheap Summer Movies in the Twin Cities South Metro

Bloomington

8800 Chalet Road, Bloomington, MN 55438
Bloomington Summer Movies on the Hill presents free outdoor flicks screened at Hyland Hills Ski Area’s grassy amphitheater. Bring blankets or chairs. Food & happy hour sales begin at 4pm, the movie at dusk.

  • 2024 TBA

Summer Kids Series

B&B Theatres – Mall of America, 401 South Avenue, Bloomington, MN 55425
10am matinees individual tickets Tuesday-Thursday each week. $5 each or $3 for Backstage Pass members (free to join):

  • 2024 TBA

Burnsville

Nicollet Commons Park, 12600 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, MN 55337
Friday Night Flicks on the Bricks is Burnsville’s free summer kids movies. Seating begins at 7:30pm, show begins at dusk.

  • 2024 TBA

Children watching a Free Summer Movie at Nicollet Commons in Burnsville, Minnesota

Hastings

20 Ramsey St, Hastings MN
Summer Movies in the Park are shown on a 16-foot screen down by the riverfront. Amphitheater seating or bring your own chairs and blanket for the grassy lawn. Arrive an hour prior for free activities. 6:30 to 8pm starts, please see link for details.

  • 2024 TBA

Inver Grove Heights

Oakwood Park, 3534 78th St. E. – 78th and Clayton
Featuring pre-movie entertainment, a bounce house, games and ice cream for sale. Movie begins at dusk.

  • July 2024 TBA

Richfield

Veterans Memorial Park Bandshell, 636 East 66th Street, Richfield, MN 55423
Part of Lil’ Sparkler Family Night, DC League of Super Pets screening starts at 9:10pm. Arrive as early as 5pm to participate in other family fun and stick around after for a laser light show.

Rosemount

Central Park Amphitheater, 2893 145th St W, Rosemount, MN 55068
Bring your own seating for a free movie at the Central Park amphitheater. Movies begin around dusk. Find more information in the annual recreation brochure.

  • August 10, 2024 – Trolls Band Together

Shakopee

Huber Park, Fillmore St N, Shakopee, MN 55379
Catch an outdoor movie as part of the city’s Huber Park Performance & Event Series. The free Saturday movies start at sunset. Bring your own seating.

  • August 17, 2024 – TBA
  • September 21, 2024 – TBD
  • October 5, 2024 – TBD

Free Summer Movies in the Twin Cities West Metro

Eden Prairie

Staring Lake Park, 14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Free Movies in the Park screened outdoors at Staring Lake Amphitheater. Pre-show entertainment begins at 7:30, movie at 9pm. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. 

  • 2024 TBA

Edina

Centennial Lake Park, 7499 France Ave. S. Edina, MN 55435
Movies in the Park presents Sunset Fridays at Centennial Lake Park. There’s so much to enjoy and explore at this location including lawn games, paddle boats, live music and a farmers market. Please check the link for the full calendar of summer events.

  • 2024 TBA

Minnetonka

Civic Center Amphitheater, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345 
Free Movies in the Park in 2024. Bring your blankets and chairs. Movies start at sunset during the following dates:

  • Thursday, August 29, 2024 – Wonka (PG)
  • Friday, September 6, 2024The Little Mermaid (PG)
  • Friday, September 13, 2024Migration (PG)

New Hope

New Hope Performance Center, 4401 Xylon Avenue North, New Hope, MN 55428
Free movies will be screened around at the New Hope Performance Center. Start time is around 9:15pm.

  • June 13, 2024 – Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (PG-13)
  • August 1, 2024Cool Runnings (PG)
  • August 22, 2024 – Coco (PG)

St Louis Park

Saint Louis Park traditionally offers Outdoor Family Movies in the fall. More 2024 details TBA in late summer.


Free & Cheap Summer Movies in the Theater – Twin Cities

AMC Summer Movie Camp 

$3 plus tax deal for ticket and Kidspack popcorn & drink. You will want to check the link for a participating AMC theater near you. Ongoing Wednesdays, 2024 TBA. 

Riverview Theater

3800 42nd avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Our favorite retro local theater has traditionally offers Summer Kids Matinees. $1.00 general admission seats. Please check their website before heading out as movie times are subject to change.

  • 2024 TBA

Twin Cities Cheap Flicks - Summer Movie Deals for Families

Find More: Cheap Family-Friendly Flicks at Local Movie Theaters

Marcus Theatres Summer Kids Dream – Family Film Series

Marcus Southbridge Cinema, 8380 Hansen Avenue, Shakopee, MN 55379
Elk River Cinema, 570 Freeport – Elk River Mall, Elk River, MN 55330
Marcus Oakdale Cinema, 5677 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale, MN 55128
Marcus Rosemount, 15280 Carrousel Way, Rosemount, MN 55068
Marcus Hastings Cinema, South Frontage Road, Hastings, MN 55033
Marcus Shakopee Cinema, Shakopee Town Square, Shakopee, MN 55379

Free kids movies all summer long at participating Marcus Theatres. You do need to get an e-voucher prior to the show! Otherwise, you can purchase a $15 passport to see all the films. Grab popcorn and drink specials for just $3 each plus tax.

  • 2024 TBA

Emagine Free Kids Summer Film Series

4423 US-12, Delano, MN 55328
2055 Cliff Road, Eagan, MN 55122
18635 Ulysses St NE, East Bethel, MN 55011
20653 Keokuk Ave., Lakeville, MN 55044
9375 Deegan Avenue, Monticello, MN 5536
13692 Rogers Drive, Rogers, MN 553742
101 W 1st Street, Waconia, MN 55387
1180 County Rd J, White Bear Lake, MN 55127
9900 Shelard Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55441

Cheap $3 kids movies throughout the summer running from June through August. Availability is limited so get there early. The theaters will also be offering $5 Magic Pack snack combos.

  • 2024 TBA 

Science Museum of Minnesota Omnitheater

120 W. Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul, MN 55102
A free movie under the IMAX dome every time you visit makes getting a Science Museum of Minnesota membership totally worth it.  Plus you get the whole museum, too.


Family Road Trips and Vacations:

While, we wouldn’t expect anyone to drive distances for movies we can see in the Twin Cities, if you happen to be visiting family, camping or just visiting these fun nearby destinations on the right days, catch a free or cheap summer movie at these locations:

Franconia Film Screenings | Shafer

Outdoor movies are a part of Franconia’s summer entertainment schedule. These movies aren’t always appropriate for all ages, but might make a good date night or evening out with teens.

  • 2024 TBA

Cinemark Movie Clubhouse | Mankato

Cinemark River Hills Movies 8, 1850 Adams Street, 15 River Hills Mall, Mankato, MN 56001
Got a reason to be in Mankato this summer on a Wednesday?  During 8 weeks of summer from June through August, the Summer Movie Clubhouse will offer kids movies for $1.50 per ticket plus tax. Plus get $1 off deals on kids snack packs or small popcorn and drink combos. Summer Movie Clubhouse showtimes

  • 2024 TBA

Bonus Family Fun in Mankato: 10 Things To Do In Mankato, Minnesota with Kids

Free Summer Movies Series 2024 | New Ulm

The Lyrics 3 Cinema, 1 N German St, New Ulm, MN 56073
If you are visiting New Ulm on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday during the summer?  Watch free 10am matinees. All ages are free and doors open at 9am with special kiddie meals available. :

  • 2024 TBA 

Bonus Family Fun in New Ulm: 10 Things To Do in New Ulm, Minnesota

Regal Summer Movie Express

Regal Theaters are in 47 States – but not Minnesota or Wisconsin
Regal Cinemas are all over the country, but there are none near us. Summer Express tickets are $1 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you are traveling and need an air-conditioned break, we’ll post the 2024 lineup when it has been announced.

Bonus Family Travel Fun: Disney Vacation Discounts: Theme Park Tickets for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts

Get inspired with our huge list of summer activities!

Keep busy all summer with this list of Free Activities

11 thoughts on “Free and Cheap Summer Movies in Twin Cities Parks & Theaters”

  1. Watching movies with your family or friends on weekends is probably the best form of entertainment one could have in this modern era. Well, the only problem is that you must be ready to burn a whole in your pocket or wallet due to the hefty prices of tickets at theatres. In addition to this, it’s not possible for everyone to take time out of this work schedule and head over to the theatre or wait for your favorite Tv show or Movie to be aired on Television

    1. Exactly! And that is why we love the free summer movies the parks put out. Often these are the same movies that were in the theatre at Christmas. I hope you had a chance to get to some of these this summer. Also, keep an eye on our calendar, because there are often free movies at parks and malls over the winter months.

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