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.
2023 Twin Cities Free Summer Movies - By Region of the Metro Area
Popular screenings in 2023 include Puss and Boots: Last Wish; Lyle, Lyle Crocodile; Encanto; and DC League of Super-Pets; 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 start June 1, 2023.
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 June through August 2023. Movies start at dusk. Free admission.
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.
Date | Location | Movie |
6/1/2023 | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | |
6/2/2023 | KiKi | |
6/3/2023 | LaLa Land | |
6/6/2023 | Turning Red | |
6/7/2023 | The Lost City | |
6/8/2023 | The Bad Guys | |
6/9/2023 | The Mighty Ducks | |
6/10/2023 | Puss and Boots: The Last Wish | |
6/12/2023 | DC League of Super-Pets | |
6/13/2023 | Shazam: Fury of the Gods | |
6/14/2023 | Fantastic Mr. Fox | |
6/15/2023 | A League of Their Own | |
6/16/2023 | Just Mercy | |
6/17/2023 | Soul | |
6/20/2023 | The Goonies | |
6/21/2023 | King Richard | |
6/22/2023 | Black Adam | |
6/23/2023 | 42: Jackie Robinson | |
6/24/2023 | Jurassic World Dominion | |
6/26/2023 | Best In Show | |
6/27/2023 | Puss in Boots: The Last Wish | |
6/28/2023 | Black Daddy: The Movie | |
6/29/2023 | Ghostbusters (original) | |
6/30/2023 | Sumner Field | Vivo |
7/1/2023 | Dog | |
7/3/2023 | Encanto | |
7/5/2023 | Knives Out | |
7/6/2023 | Puss in Boots: The Last Wish | |
7/7/2023 | The Woman King | |
7/8/2023 | Top Gun: Maverick | |
7/10/2023 | School of Rock | |
7/11/2023 | The Upside | |
7/12/2023 | Black Adam | |
7/13/2023 | Space Jam: A New Legacy | |
7/14/2023 | Jurassic World Dominion | |
7/15/2023 | Ferris Bueller’s day off | |
7/17/2023 | Minnesota Twins: 1991 World Series-Game 6 | |
7/18/2023 | Turning Red | |
7/19/2023 | Best in Show | |
7/20/2023 | Minions, the rise of Gru | |
7/21/2023 | Puss in Boots: The Last Wish | |
7/22/2023 | Coach Carter | |
7/24/2023 | Pinochio (2019) | |
7/25/2023 | The Italian Job | |
7/26/2023 | Top Gun: Maverick | |
7/27/2023 | DC League of Super-Pets | |
7/28/2023 | The Bad Guys | |
7/29/2023 | Encanto | |
7/31/2023 | Top Gun: Maverick | |
8/1/2023 | Thor: Love & Thunder | |
8/2/2023 T | Where the Crawdads Sing | |
8/3/2023 | Cruella | |
8/4/2023 | Vertigo | |
8/5/2023 | Ocean’s Eleven | |
8/7/2023 | Encanto | |
8/8/2023 | Hoodwinked | |
8/9/2023 | Strange World | |
8/10/2023 | Spider-man: No Way Home | |
8/11/2023 | School of Rock | |
8/12/2023 | Encanto | |
8/14/2023 | Jurassic World Dominion | |
8/15/2023 | Black Panther: Wakanda forever | |
8/16/2023 | Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark | |
8/17/2023 | Lightyear | |
8/18/2023 | Mulan (1998) | |
8/19/2023 | Bohemian Rhapsody | |
8/21/2023 | The Best in Show | |
8/22/2023 | Mr. Right | |
8/23/2023 | Till | |
8/24/2023 | Frankenweenie | |
8/25/2023 | Grease | |
8/26/2023 | Black Adam | |
8/28/2023 | Black Panther: Wakanda Forever | |
8/29/2023 | Space Jam: A New Legacy | |
8/30/2023 | Miss Congeniality | |
8/31/2023 | Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank | |
9/1/2023 | DC League of Super-Pets | |
9/2/2023 | Black Panther: Wakanda Forever |
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.
This list is courtesy of the City of St. Paul and is subject to change and weather dependent. Learn more here.
Date | Location | Movie |
July 13, 2023 | Sibley Manor | DC League of Super Pets (PG) |
July 21, 2023 | El Rio Vista Recreation Center | Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG) |
July 28, 2023 | Phalen Beach House | 1985 (PG-13) |
Aug 4, 2023 | Harriet Island (at the Target Stage) | Napoleon Dynamite (PG) |
Aug 11, 2023 | Phalen Beach House | E.T. (PG) |
Aug 25, 2023 | Edgcumbe Recreation Center | Mario Movie (PG) |
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.
- July 17, 2023 – Lions Park, 5501 Russell Ave N, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
- July 28, 2023 – Evergreen Park, 7112 N Bryant Ave, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
- August 3, 2023 – Centennial Park, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
- August 14, 2023 – Northport Park, 5600 France Ave N Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
Champlin
- June 9, 2023 – Spiderman No Way Home in conjunction with Father Hennepin Days. Outdoor movie in the park starts at dusk with an intermission for festival fireworks. Mississippi Crossings Performance Area, 307 East River Parkway, Champlin, MN 55316.
- August 25, 2023 – Movie in the Park – Top Gun: Maverick begins around 8:40pm. Come early for a giant nerf battle and food trucks. Full event runs 5-11pm. Andrews Park, 7200 117th Avenue N, Champlin, MN 55316.
Coon Rapids
- May 26, 2023 – Lyle Lyle Crocodile with concessions available for purchase at 7:45. Movie to begin at 8:45pm. Sand Creek Park, 1008 Northdale Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN.
Fridley
- June 16, 2023 – Outdoor Movie at Community Park, 7000 University Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432 following the Fridley ’49er Days Car Show.
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 2023:
- July 14, 2023 – Lightyear
- July 21, 2023 – Lyle, Lyle Crocodile
- July 28, 2023 – Minions: Rise of Gru
- August 4, 2023 – Aladdin
- August 11, 2023 – Tom & Jerry
- August 18, 2023 – Incredibles 2
- August 25, 2023 – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
- September 1, 2023 – Top Gun: Maverick
- September 8, 2023 – Dear Evan Hansen
- September 22, 2023 – Good Will Hunting
- September 29, 2023 – Jurassic World Dominion
Osseo
Boerboom Park, 416 Central Ave, Osseo, MN 55369
2023 Tuesday Night Music & Movies in Boerboom Park. Free live music and movies screened at dusk. Most Tuesdays June through August. These events are weather dependent.
Robbinsdale
Sanborn Park, 42nd Avenue North, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Feature start times are at dusk and end when the movie ends. 2023 summer movie schedule:
- July 8, 2023 – Movie in the Park event part of Robbinsdale Whiz Bang Days
- Sept 15, 2023 – 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 9, 2023 – Encanto
- July 14, 2023 – Minions: Rise of Gru
- August 4, 2023 – Zootopia
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. 2023 summer movies for the whole family will be on these dates:
- July 11, 2023
- July 18, 2023
- July 25, 2023
- August 1, 2023
- August 8, 2023
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. 2023 dates include:
- June 15, 2023 – Minions: Rise of Gru
- June 29, 2023 – The Bad Guys
- July 13, 2023 – Tangled
- July 27, 2023 – Lyle, Lyle Crocodile
- August 10, 2023 – Puss In Boots: The Last Wish
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.
- June 21, 2023 – Puss In Boots: The Last Wish
- July 21, 2023 – Hook
- August 9, 2023 – DC League of Super-Pets
- September 8, 2023 – Hocus Pocus
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):
- June 6-8, 2023: Mummies
- June 13-15, 2023: DC League of Super-Pets
- June 20-22, 2023: The LEGO Movie 2
- June 27-29, 2023: Smallfoot
- July 4-6, 2023: Space Jam
- July 11-13, 2023: Scoob!
- July 18-20, 2023: The LEGO Batman Movie
- July 25-27, 2023: Tom & Jerry
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.
- June 23, 2023 – Vivo
- July 7, 2023 – Lyle, Lyle Crocodile
- July 28, 2023 – Lightyear
- August 11, 2023 – Puss In Boots (Part of Friday Night Boogie)
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.
- June 16, 2023 – Minions: Rise of Gru
- July 14, 2023 – Onward
- August 18, 2023 – DC League of Super-Pets
- September 15, 2023 – The Mitchells vs. The Machines
Inver Grove Heights
Oakwood Park, 3534 78th St. E. – 78th and Clayton
Featuring pre-movie entertainment by the Bazillions, a bounce house, games and ice cream for sale. Movie begins at dusk.
- July 7, 2023 – The Secret Life of Pets 2
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 12, 2023 – Puss In Boots: The Last Wish
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 movie starts at sunset.
- August 19, 2023 – TBD
Free Summer Movies in the Twin Cities West Metro
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.
- June 9, 2023 – Top Gun: Maverick
- July 21, 2023 – Jungle Cruise
- August 18, 2023 – Strange World
Minnetonka
Civic Center Amphitheater, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345
Free Movies in the Park in 2023. Bring your blankets and chairs. Movies start at sunset during the following dates:
- August 31, 2023 – Lyle, Lyle Crocodile
- September 8, 2023 – Puss In Boots: The Last Wish
- September 15, 2023 – Minions: Rise of Gru
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 15, 2023 – Top Gun: Maverick
- July 13, 2023 – Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets
- August 24, 2023 – Minions: Rise of Gru
St Louis Park
Saint Louis Park will be offering Outdoor Family Movies in the fall in 2023. More details TBA in late summer.
Free & Cheap Summer Movies in the Theater – Twin Cities
Riverview Theater
3800 42nd avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Our favorite retro local theater has announced its 2023 Summer Kids Matinees. $1.00 general admission seats. Please check their website before heading out as movie times are subject to change.
- June 20-23, 2023 – Kung Fu Panda
- June 24-29, 2023 – How To Train Your Dragon
- July 4-6, 2023 – Puss In Boots
- July 11-13, 2023 – Minions: Rise of Gru
- July 18-20, 2023 – Puss In Boots: The Last Wish
- July 25-27, 2023 – Shrek 2
- August 1-3, 2023 – Trolls: World Tour
- August 8-10, 2023 – The Croods: A New Age
- August 15-17, 2023– Sing 2
- August 22-24, 2023 – The Bad Guys
- August 29-31, 2023 – The Secret Life of Pets
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.
- June 13-17, 2023 – Shrek 2
- June 20-24, 2023 – The Bad Guys
- June 27-July 1, 2023 – Lyle, Lyle Crocodile
- July 4-8, 2023 – The Amazing Maurice
- July 11-15, 2023 – Minions: Rise of Gru
- July 18-22, 2023 – Mummies
- July 25-29, 2023 – DC League of Super-Pets
- August 1-5, 2023 – Puss In Boots: The Last Wish
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.
- June 3, 2023 – The Dark Crystal (PG)
- July 8, 2023 – The Shining (R)
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 19th through August 10th, 2023, 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 in 2022:
- June 25, 2023 – Minions: Rise of Gru
- June 28, 2023 – Sonic the Hedgehog
- July 5, 2023 – Mummies
- July 12, 2023 – The Bad Guys
- July 19, 2023 – Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank
- July 26, 2023 – DC League of Super-Pets
- August 2, 2023 – Lyle, Lyle Crocodile
- August 9, 2023 – Puss In Boots: The Last Wish
Bonus Family Fun in Mankato: 10 Things To Do In Mankato, Minnesota with Kids
Free Summer Movies Series 2023 | 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. See the 2023 schedule below:
- May 30-June 1, 2023 – Peter Rabbit 2 or Smallfoot
- June 6-8, 2023 – Angry Birds Movie 2 or DC League of Super-Pets
- June 13-15, 2023 – Hotel Transylvania 3 or The Lego Movie 2
- June 20-22, 2023 – Lyle, Lyle Crocodile or Space Jam: A New Legacy
- June 27-29, 2023 – Goosebumps 2 or Pokemon Detective Pikachu
- July 4-6, 2023 – The Croods: A New Age or Puss In Boots: The Last Wish
- July 11-13, 2023 – Trolls World Tour or Minions: Rise of Gru
- July 18-20, 2023 – Despicable Me or Sonic the Hedgehog 2
- July 25-27, 2023 – Sing 2 or Clifford the Big Red Dog
- August 1-3, 2023 – The Bad Guys or PAW Patrol: The Movie
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 2023 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!
Events We Hope to See Return in 2023
Apple Valley
AMC Summer Movie Camp: $4 plus tax deal for ticket and Kidspack popcorn & drink. Ongoing Wednesdays.
Brooklyn Park
FREE movies in three parks, projected on the Historic Eidem barn, and at Zanewood Recreation Center. Learn more in the summer edition of Brooklyn Park’s Get Up & Go catalog.
Burnsville
Paragon Theaters Free Summer Movies at Burnsville Odyssey, Tues-Thurs.
Eagan
Bring your own seating to Eagan parks for free outdoor movies. Showtimes begin at dusk.
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.
Farmington
Movies in the Park with pre-show kids entertainment and movie at dusk.
Maplewood
Movie Nights at the Farm at Bruentrup Heritage Farm.
Minneapolis
Monday Movie Nights at Target Field Station, Minneapolis. Select dates, 7pm.
Plymouth
Hilde Performance Center, 14800 34th Avenue North, Plymouth, MN 55447
Free summer movies at the Hilde Performance Center. Follow the link to see this summer’s schedule for free movies in the park.
St Paul Union Depot Drive-In
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.
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 9th, 2023 through August 17, 2023. Availability is limited so get there early. The theaters will also be offering $5 Magic Pack snack combos.
- June 9-15, 2023 – Beethoven
- June 16-22, 2023 – The Little Rascals
- June 23-29, 2023 – Peter Pan
- June 30 – July 6, 2023 – The Cat in the Hat
- July 7-13, 2023 – Home
- July 14-20, 2023 – Megamind
- July 21-27, 2023 – Trolls
- July 28 – August 3, 2023 – The Croods
- August 4-10, 2023 – Tom & Jerry
- August 11-17, 2023 – The League of Super Pets
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
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.
Engine does not have free movies anymore. They are $2 now :(.
Thank you for clarifying that, Amy. We added the price to that entry.
Hi there,I read your new stuff named “FFTC’s Guide to Free and Cheap Summer Movies – Family Fun Twin Cities” on a regular basis.Your humoristic style is witty, keep doing what you’re doing! And you can look our website about proxy free list.
Oh! It’s October. I’m sorry you missed all the summer movies – maybe next year. In the meantime, Anne has also gathered a list of cheap movie theaters for year-round family movies HERE.
I have read so many articles on the topic of the blogger lovers but this article is genuinely a nice post, keep it up.
Thanks. What other articles on Twin Cities summer movies have you read? We’d love to share the links with our readers!
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Thank you for sharing!
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