Outdoor movies in Columbus are the one of the best parts of summer! Check out one of these outdoor or drive-in movie options for your family this summer!
There are many opportunities for outdoor movies in Columbus! Make sure to check each link in case tickets are needed in advance! And don’t forget South Drive-In Theatre which is a permanent drive-in movie theater on the south side of Columbus!
Check back soon! This post is being continually being updated for 2023 as information becomes available!
1. South Drive In Theatre
South Drive In is a permanent drive-in movie theatre. The theater is open weekends only. Online ticketing is available, however cards and cash will be accepted at the gate. Kids 4 and under are free every night and kids ages 5-11 are $5. A concession stand and restrooms will also be available. There are two screens and 4 movies are shown each evening.
2. Skyview Drive In
Skyview Drive-In is a permanent drive-in movie theater in Lancaster! Tickets are available online. Kids 3 and under are free and ages 4-11 are $5 each. 12 and up are $9.50/each. There is a concession stand with a full menu available or you will need to purchase a food permit at the box office in order to bring in outside food.
3. Movies at Moonlight at Easton Town Center
Free outdoor movies will take place on Tuesday evenings in June in the Town Square at dusk. 2023 movies include:
- June 6: Lightyear
- June 13: DC League of Super Pets
- June 20: Back To the Future
- June 27: Puss In Boots: The Last Wish
4. Nightlight 614
Nightlight 614 is a 21+ outdoor movie series featuring local food trucks, craft beer and wine and a DJ. The movies take place at Genoa park. Tickets available in advance.
Related: Movies, Concerts and More: Events for Every Night of the Week in Columbus!
5. Free Movie Nights at Columbus Commons
Watch an outdoor movie on the large screen at Columbus Commons! Movies begin at 8:15 PM. 2023 movie line up is:
- May 27 – Moana
- June 23 – The Lion King
- July 14 – Shrek
- September 9 – Encanto
For the June 23 and July 14 free movies, gates will open at 8:00 PM following a ticketed Columbus Symphony Orchestra Popcorn Pops performance. You will not be able to enter the park until the event has finished.
On Sept. 9, Columbus Commons will welcome families with Autism and developmental disabilities in a partnership with Bridgeway Academy & Therapy Center.
6. The Main Event in Bexley
Three outdoor movies will be shown on Main Street Lawn at Sunset this summer!
2023 Movie Line Up:
- June 2 – Sing 2 & Bexley’s Got Talent
- July 21 – The Mighty Ducks
- September 29 – Top Gun: Maverick
Events include live music and food trucks beginning at 6:00 PM and the free movies begin around sundown.
7. Movies in the Parks in Upper Arlington
2023 Movie Line up is as follows. Movies are at rotating locations and are sometimes part of larger events.
- Thursday, June 8 – Respect
Start: 9 pm
Location: Municipal Services Center, 3600 Tremont Rd
- Friday, June 9 – Clifford the Big Red Dog (Drive-in Movie)
Start: 7:30 pm
Location: Mountview Christian Church, 2140 Fishinger Rd
- Friday, July 7 – Sonic 2/Family Camp Out
Start: 7:30 pm
Location: Sunny 95 Park, 4395 Carriage Hill Ln
- Friday, August 11 – Encanto
Start: 7:30 pm
Location: Thompson Park South Shelter, 2020 McCoy Rd
8. Movies at McNamara
These free outdoor movies take place in McNamara Park in Genoa Township. Bring a chair or blanket. A rain date is saved in case either movie is cancelled!
2023 Movie Line Up is as follows:
- June 10 – The Rise of Gru
- July 15 – Lightyear
- August 12 (rain date)
9. Friday Night Flicks at Sycamore Creek Park Amphitheater
These free outdoor movies take place at Sycamore Creek Park in Pickerington on select Friday nights at dusk. The movies take place after the free Summer Concert Series. Bring a blanket and chairs.
2023 Movie Line Up:
- Friday, June 2, 2023 – Minions: The Rise of Gru
- Friday, July 7, 2023 – Top Gun: Maverick
- Friday, August 4, 2023 – Puss and Boots: The Last Wish
10. Movies at the Dam
These free outdoor movies will be shown in the Below Dam Recreation Area! Bring a chair or blanket!
There will be 4 movies over the course of the summer. Movies start at 9:30 PM. Concessions will be available.
2023 Outdoor Movie Line Up:
- June 17: Strange World
- July 15: Clifford the Big Red Dog
- August 19: DC League of Superpets
- September 16: The Jungle Book
11. Movie in the Park at Galloway Sports Complex
This outdoor movie in Galloway is free to attend. Concessions are available to purchase. Gates open at 7:30 PM and the movies begin at sunset.
Upcoming movie title has not been announced yet. Check their Facebook page for updates!
2023 movie date is:
- June 1
12. Cinema Under the Stars in Friendship Park
Outdoor activities, food trucks, crafts and more will take place before a showing of a free outdoor movie in Friendship Park in Gahanna! Bring blankets and lawn chairs!
2023 movie line up:
- June 30 – Top Gun: Maverick
- July 28 – Jungle Cruise
- August 25 – The Incredibles
Related: 5 Super Fun Playgrounds in Gahanna
***** These have not released info for 2023 yet:
Movies Under the Stars at Greenlawn Abbey
Select Fridays beginning June 3 through September 30, 2022 you can watch movies on the lawn at Greenlaw Abbey. Food truck and drinks will be available for purchase and the Abbey will be open for tours. $5 donation at the door.
2022 Movie Line Up:
- June 3 – Beetlejuice
- June 17 – Tremors
- July 15 – Labyrinth
- July 29 – Goonies
- August 12 – Edward Scissorhands
- August 26 – The Lost Boys
- September 9 – Howard the Duck
Drive-In Summer Movies at CrossRoads Baptist Church
Movies will begin 30 minutes after sunset, therefore the start times will vary. Rain dates will be for one week after scheduled date. Admission and popcorn are free!
Upcoming Movie Line up for 2022:
- June 10 – Babe
- June 24 – Homeward Bound
- July 15 – Sarah’s Choice
- July 29 – Ultimate Gift
- August 12 – Breakthrough
- August 26 – Courageous
- September 9 – Home Run
- September 23 – Lion, Witch & Wardrobe
Movie Nights at the Metro Parks
There will be 7 outdoor movies at the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks this summer! Movies begin at dark and refreshments will be provided!
2022 dates and locations are as follows:
- Friday, June 3: Croods: A New Age at Glacier Ridge Metro Park
- Friday, July 15: How to Train Your Dragon at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
- Friday, August 19: Encanto at Sharon Woods Metro Park
- Saturday, August 27: Spider Man: No Way Home at Blendon Woods Metro Park
- Friday, September 9: Luca at Blacklick Woods Golf Course
- Saturday, September 17: Top Gun at Highbanks Metro Park
- Friday, October 21: Ghostbusters at Sharon Woods Metro Park
Family Movie Series at East Market
Outdoor movies will take place at 8:00 PM in the Switch Yard. It’s recommended that you bring a chair! The 2022 Movie Line up is:
- June 9: Sing 2
- June 23: Bad Guys
- July 7: Space Jam: A New Legacy
- July 21: Clifford the Big Red Dog
- August 4: The Mitchells vs. The Machines
- August 18: The Croods: A New Age
Movies in the Park in Canal Winchester
Two free movies are scheduled in Hanners Park for 2022. Free snacks and activities will be availalbe at 8:00 PM and the movie will start at approximately 9:00 PM. Watch from your vehicle or bring a chair or blanket to watch from the lawn.
2022 Movie Dates:
- July 8: The Little Rascals (1994)
- August 12: TBD
Discovery District Outdoor Summer Movie Series at Columbus Museum of Art
These outdoor movies are free and free parking is available in the CMA parking lot. Movies will be shown in the sculpture garden and will begin at dusk (approximately 9:00 PM).
2022 Movie Line up:
- Friday, June 17: The Incredibles
- Friday, July 15: The Karate Kid
- Friday, August 5: Black Panther
–>> Need more to do this summer? Sign up for a Summer Reading Program or try out one of these 25 Fun Outdoor Activities in Columbus for the Whole Family! <<– Or take a look at this list of over 100 fun things to do in Columbus!
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