Summer Movie Venues in Boston
Where to watch outdoor summer movies in Boston
Summertime means grabbing a blanket and some snacks, and watching a free movie outside. And luckily, there are quite a few outdoor movie series to choose from in the Boston area.
Here's a great list of Summer Movies under the stars that we can look forward to in 2023. We are continually adding new venues as information becomes available. If you know of a local movie night - let us know and we are happy to list it.
Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell
It's back! WBZ NewsRadio 1030 and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) present the annual Free Friday Flicks, a movie series at DCR's Hatch Shell on the Esplanade in Boston!
Free Friday Flicks is a summertime tradition in Boston, attracting thousands of moviegoers to enjoy family-oriented, feature-length movies under the stars all summer long at DCR's Hatch Shell in Boston!
Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack a picnic, and watch a movie with family and friends on Friday night for free! Movies begin at sundown, but arrive early to grab your spot on the lawn and enjoy free games and giveaways with WBZ NewsRadio 1030. The fun starts at 6pm!
Mayor's Summer Movie Nights in the Parks
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 (approximately 7:45 p.m.)
Coolidge on the Greenway: Summer Movies Series
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).
Family Flicks at Prudential Center
Family Flicks at Prudential Center (formerly know as Family Film Festival) features free, family-friendly movies on Prudential Center’s South Garden every Saturday starting on July 8th this year. All movies will start at dusk.
photo courtesy of Prudential Center
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 25 - 27, 2023
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.
Summer Movie Series at Christopher Columbus Park
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
Boston Landing Summer Movies - Brighton
Bring a blanket, pack a picnic and enjoy complimentary summer movies at Boston Landing on the rolling green hills at Athlete’s Park! Or, you can grab a bite to each at our of our restaurants or take it to go and enjoy during the movie!
*7:30pm Pre-Movie Fun
*8:30pm Movie starts
Pre-Movie Activities & Fun at Athlete’s Park, including a live DJ! Limited Chairs are Available, BYO Blankets & Chairs to ensure you have a place to sit. Wear your favorite themed outfit for the occasion!
photo courtesy of Boston Landing
CX Movie Nights at Maria Baldwin Open Space at CX
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
Summer Movie Nights at the Kroc Center
Join us for a summer tradition that brings our community together for unforgettable evenings of fun, food, and fantastic films! 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.
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, popcorn an& d cotton candy. 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
Summer Flicks at Patriot Place
Patriot Place invites you to Summer Flicks, a free outdoor movie series. Located in the DORA Zone outside Renaissance Boston Patriot Place and Saga Hibachi Steakhouse. Bring a blanket or chairs.
Join us for pre-show entertainment and reserve your spot beginning at 6:00 PM. The films will begin at sunset.
photo courtesy of Patriot Place
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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)
Kowloon Car Hop & Movie Nights (Saugus)
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.
Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral for over 20 years. She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places to visit in the Greater Boston area.