A Guide to Free and Cheap Summer Movies in Twin Cities Parks

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.

2022 Twin Cities Free Summer Movies – By Region of the Metro Area

Popular screenings in 2022 include Encanto, Luca, Sing 2 and Soul, but look for your favorite classic, too. Don’t forget your to bring your own kids’ snack packs, a blanket or lawn chairs, and bug spray!

Free Summer Movies in Minneapolis & St Paul

Minneapolis Movies in the Parks 

2022 screenings starts June 3rd with Back to the Future at Armatage Park. MPRB screens flicks most nights of the week 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.

• Find the full movie schedule here.

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. Movies start at dusk. Free admission.

• June 1 – Ratatouille
• June 8 – The Princess Bride
• June 15 – School of Rock
• June 22 – Twilight
• June 29 – Crazy Rich Asians
• July 6 – Edward Scissorhands
• July 13 – Hidden Figures
• July 20 – Black Panther
• July 27 – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
• August 3rd – In the Heights
• August 10 – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
• August 17 – Respect
• August 24 – West Side Story
• August 31 – The Greatest Showman

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. 

• July 21 – Highland Pool House, 1333 Montreal Ave, St Paul, MN 55116 – Jumanji: The Next Level
• July 28 – West Minnehaha Recreation Center, 685 W Minnehaha Ave, St Paul, MN 55104  – Up
• July 29 – El Rio Vista Recreation Center, 179 Robie St E, St Paul, MN 55107 – Encanto
• Aug 4 – Rice & Arlington Fields, 1500 Rice St, St Paul, MN 55117 – Major League
• Aug 10 – Sibley Manor, 1300 W Maynard Drive, St Paul, MN 55116 – Luca
• Aug 12 – Lake Phalen Beach House, 1400 Phalen Drive, St Paul, MN 55106  – 1985
• Aug 19 – Como East Pavilion, 1151 Como Ave, St Paul, MN 55108 – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
• Aug 26 – Edgcumbe Recreation Center,320 Griggs St S, St Paul, MN 55105  – Sandlot
• Sept 9 – Lake Phalen Beach House, 1400 Phalen Drive, St Paul, MN 55106  –  Peewee’s Big Adventure
• Sept 16 – Highland Golf Course, 1403 Montreal Ave, St Paul, MN 55116 – Happy Gilmore
• Sept 23 – Harriet Island Target Stage, 110 Harriet Island Rd, St Paul, MN 55107 – Napoleon Dynamite

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Free Summer Movies in the Twin Cities North Metro

Brooklyn Park

Zanewood Recreation Center, 7100 Zane Ave North, Minneapolis, MN 55429
Historic Eidem Farm, 4345 101st Ave North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Central Park, 8440 Regent Ave North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Bass Creek Park, 6665 Boone Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
Norwood Park, 8100 Newton Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444

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.

• June 24 – Zanewood Summer Kickoff – Movie TBD @ Zanewood – 6pm
• July 29 – Brooklyn Park Night Out – Encanto (and family activities) @ Central Park – Dusk
• Aug 19 – Soul @ Bass Creek Park – 8:45pm.
• Sept 9 – Movie on the Barn: Clifford the Big Red Dog @ Historic Eidem Farm – 8pm.
• Sept 23 – Luca @ Norwood Park – 7:30pm.
• Oct 29 – Halloween Town @ Zanewood – 7:30pm.

Champlin

Andrews Park, 7200 117th Avenue N., Champlin, MN 55316
Come early for games and food trucks. Sing 2 begins at dusk. August 19, 2022, 6pm-10pm.

Coon Rapids

Sand Creek Park, 1008 Northdale Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN
Movie in the Park with concessions beginning at 7:45pm. May 27, 2022, 7:45 p.m. – Encanto.

Maple Grove

Town Green Park, 7991 Main Street N, Maple Grove, MN
Friday Movies at Dusk take place at Town Green beginning mid-July 2022. Titles are listed on the website.

Osseo

Boerboom Park, 416 Central Ave, Osseo, MN 55369
2022 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 with an August 30th rain date:

• June 14: Luca (Teddy Bear Band opens)
• June 21: Jungle Cruise
• June 28 – Space Jam: A New Legacy
• July 12 – Clifford the Big Red Dog
• July 19 – Boss Baby: A Family Business (preceded by the Raptor Center)
• July 26 – Ghostbusters Afterlife
• Aug 16 – Peter Rabbit 2
• Aug 23 – Sing 2

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. Aug 11, 18 & 25, 2022.

Robbinsdale
Sanborn Park, 42nd Avenue North, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Free Movies at Sanborn Park. Feature start times are at dusk and end when the movie ends. 2022 summer movie schedule:

• Aug 18 @ 8:20pm: Back to the Future
• Sept 16th @ 7:30 pm: Up
• Oct 7th @ 7:00pm: Frankenweenie

Roseville

Roseville Oval, 2661 Civic Center Dr, Roseville, MN 55113

Family-friendly Friday night movies on the outside oval score board. Showtime 7:30pm.

• June 10 – Soul
• July 15 – Sing 2
• August 5 – Luca
  

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Free Summer Movies in the Twin Cities East Metro

Stillwater

101 Water Street S., Stillwater, MN 55082
Summer movies will be held Tuesdays in downtown Stillwater the Farmers Market will open at 5pm with lots of fun things to do and live concert from 6-8pm. Movies begin 10 minutes after sunset. 2022 movies for the whole family will be on these dates:

• July 5
• July 12
• July 19
• July 26
• August 2
• August 9

Woodbury

Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125
The Starlight Cinema Outdoor Summer Children’s Series will be presented at Ojibway Park. This is a free event featuring kids movies; activities start at 7pm and movie is screened at dusk. 2022 dates include:

• June 9 – Encanto
• June 23 – Boss Baby 2
• July 7 – Clifford the Big Red Dog
• July 21st – Luca
• Aug 4 – Sing 2
  

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Free & Cheap Summer Movies in the Twin Cities South Metro

Bloomington

Summer Movies on the Hill

Hyland Hills Ski Area, 8800 Chalet Road, Bloomington, MN 55438
Bring blankets or chairs for the grassy amphitheater. Food & happy hour sales begin at 4pm, the movie at dusk.

• June 15 – Encanto
• July 13 – The Princess Bride
• August 10 – Sing 2
• September 9 – Hook

Friday Night Live

Normandale Lake Bandshell, 5901 West 84th Street, Bloomington, MN 55438
A Moonlight Movie in the Park on Friday, July 15, 2022 from 6-9pm. Title to be selected by popular vote.

Summer Kids Series

B&B Theatres – Mall of America, 401 South Avenue, Bloomington, MN 55425
10am matinees individual tickets $3 Tuesday-Thursday each week.

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 24 – The Boss Baby – Family Business
• July 8 – Raya and the Last Dragon
• July 29 – Space Jam: A New Legacy
• Aug. 12 – Encanto (Part of Friday Night Boogie)

Eagan

Viking Lakes, 2645 Vikings Cir, Eagan, MN 55121
Rahn Park, 4425 Sandstone Dr, Eagan, MN 55122
Bring your own seating to Eagan parks for free outdoor movies. Showtimes begin at dusk.

• July 22 – Remember the Titans @ Viking Lakes (8:30pm Start; 9pm Showtime)
• August 27 – Luca @ Rahn Park (8pm Start; 8:30pm Showtime)

Farmington

Movies in the Park with pre-show kids entertainment and movie at dusk.

Richfield

Veterans Memorial Park Bandshell, 636 East 66th Street, Richfield, MN 55423

• July 1 – Encanto – Part of Lil’ Sparkler Family Night. Arrive by 5:30pm 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.

• Aug 20 – The Sandlot
  

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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. August 12 (Hook) & 19 (Back to the Future), 2022.

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! 

• June 10 – Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
• July 22 – Moana
• August 26 – Remember the Titans

Minnetonka

Civic Center Amphitheater, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345 
Free Movies in the Park in 2022. Bring your blankets and chairs. Movies start at sunset during the following dates:

• Aug 26 – Raya and the Last Drago (8:15pm)
• Sept 1 – Encanto (8:05pm)
• Sept 9 – Sing 2 (7:50pm)

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. Pre-registration is required as there is limited space.

• June 16th – The Lego Movie
• July 14 – The Lion King
• August 25 – Remember the Titans
  

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Cheap Summer Movies at the Drive-In

Union Depot Drive-In

Lot D, 392 E Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55101

• June 17 — Jurassic World — 9:30pm.
• June 24 — Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace — 9:30pm
• July 8 — Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark — 9:30pm
• August 5 — Encanto — 9:o0pm

Vali-Hi Drive-In

11260 Hudson Blvd. N., Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Minnesota’s last surviving drive-in movie theater is a treat on a summer evening. Concessions are inexpensive – or BYO treats. And kids 6-12 pay just a BUCK to get in! 2 movies play nightly starting at dusk. $9.50/adults.

Drive-In Movie at Cedar Valley Church

Cedar Valley Church, 8600 Bloomington Ave South, Bloomington, MN 55425
Movie TBD. Tune in to 98.3 FM. Friday, August 26, 2022; 9-11 p.m. FREE.

Find More: Drive-In Theaters In and Around Minnesota

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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 2022 Summer Kids Matinees! $1.00 general admission seats Every Thursday at 10:30am (and Tuesday and Wednesday may be added). Best of all, they are offering some great classics!  Please check their website before heading out as movie times are subject to change.

• June 28-30 – The Croods (2013)
• July 5-7 – Babe (1995)
• July 12-14 – Beethoven (1992)
• July 19-21 – The Muppet Movie (1979)
• July 26-28 – Trolls (2016)
• August 2-4 – Kung Fu Panda (2008)
• August 9-11 – Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017)
• August 16-18 – Penguins of Madagascar (2014)

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 shows all summer long at participating Marcus Theatres. You do need to get an e-voucher prior to the show!

• June 12, 13, 15 & 16: Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway
• June 19, 20, 22 & 23: Trolls World Tour
• June 26, 27, 29 & 30: Paw Patrol: The Movie
• July 3, 4, 6 & 7: Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
• July 10, 11, 13 & 14: Tom & Jerry
• July 17, 18, 20 & 21: Sing 2
• July 24, 25, 27 & 28: Clifford the Big Red Dog
• July 31, August 1, 3 & 4: The Croods: A New Age
• August 7, 8, 10 & 11: The Angry Birds Movie 2
• August 14, 15, 17 & 18: Scoob!
• August 21, 22, 24 & 25: Puss in Boots
• August 28, 29, 31 & September 1: Kung Fu Panda

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 June 10 through August 11, 2022. Order your tickets here. June 10-16: Trolls World Tour

• June 17-23: How to Train Your Dragon
• June 24-30: How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
• July 1-7: Spirit Untamed
• July 8-14: Boss Baby
• July 15-21: Kung Fu Panda
• July 22-28: Abominable
• July 29-Aug 4: Shrek
• Aug 5-11: Puss in Boots

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:

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 15th through August 3rd, 2022, the Summer Movie Clubhouse will offer kids movies for $1.50 per ticket. Plus get $1 off deals on kids snack packs or small popcorn and drink combos. Summer Movie Clubhouse showtimes in 2022:

• June 15: The Boss Baby: Family Business
• June 22: Angry Birds
• June 29: Scoob!
• July 6: Sing 2
• July 13: Paw Patrol
• July 20: Tom & Jerry
• July 27: Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway
• August 3: Clifford

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

Free Summer Movies Series 2022 | 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 2022 schedule below:

• June 6-9: Hotel Transylvania 3 or Smallfoot
• June 14-16: The Angry Birds Movie 2 or The Lego Movie
• June 21-23: Smurfs: The Lost Village or The Lego Movie 2
• June 28-30: A Dog’s Way Home or Teen Titans Go! To the Movies
• July 5-7: Goosebumps 2 or Pokémon Detective Pikachu
• July 12-14: The Croods: A New Age or Shrek
• July 19-21: Trills World Tour or The Secret Life of Pets
• July 26-28: Despicable Me or Abominable
• August 2-4: Sing 2 or Clifford the Big Red Dog
• August 9-11: Minions or PAW Patrol: The Movie

Bonus Family Fun in Mankato: 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, here is the 2022 line up:

• 5/25-5/26: Teen Titans Go! To the Movies and Wonder Park
• 6/1-6/2: Smurfs: The Lost Village and A Dog’s Way Home
• 6/8-6/9: Smallfoot and Playing with Fire
• 6/15-6/16: Lego Movie and Storks
• 6/22-6/23: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and The Emoji Movie
• 6/29-6/30: Pokemon Detective Pikachu and The Lego Batman Movie
• 7/6-7/7: The Croods: A New Age and The Muppet Movie
• 7/13-7/14: The Lego Ninjago Movie and Trolls World Tour
• 7/20-7/21: Sonic The Hedgehog and Sing
• 7/27-7/28: Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse and Angry Birds Movie 2
• 8/3-8/4: The Lego Movie 2 and Minions
• 8/10-8/11: Kung Fu Panda and Despicable Me
• 8/17-8/18: How to Train our Dragon: The Hidden World and Madagascar
• 8/24-8/25: Goosebumps and Dora and the Lost City of Gold
• 8/31-9/1: The Secret Life of Pets and Dolittle
• 9/7-9/8: Teen Titans Go! To the Movies and Wonder Park

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!

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Events We Hope to See Return in 2022

Apple Valley

AMC Summer Movie Camp: $4 plus tax deal for ticket and Kidspack popcorn & drink. Ongoing Wednesdays.

Burnsville

Paragon Theaters Free Summer Movies at Burnsville Odyssey, Tues-Thurs.

Hastings

Museum Movie Night will be held on the outdoor lawn of the LeDuc Historic Estate. Bring a chair or blanket; packaged concessions will be available to purchase. The free event starts at 8pm followed by a family scavenger hunt with prizes.

Maplewood

Movie Nights at the Farm at Bruentrup Heritage Farm.

Mendota

Museum Movie Night will be held on the outdoor lawn of the Sibley Historic Site. Bring a chair or blanket; packaged concessions will be available to purchase. The free event starts at 8pm followed by a family scavenger hunt with prizes.

Minneapolis

Monday Movie Nights at Target Field Station, Minneapolis. Select dates, 7pm.

Shakopee

Catch an outdoor movie as part of the city’s Huber Park Performance & Event Series. The free movie starts at sunset.

SOUTH ST PAUL: Museum Movie Night will be held in the parking lot between the Lawshe Memorial Museum & the South St Paul Library. Bring a chair or blanket; packaged concessions will be available to purchase. The free event starts at 8pm followed by a family scavenger hunt with prizes.