Stars Under the Stars: Austin’s Outdoor Movies
The complete outdoor summer movie calendar.
Whether you’re looking for some alien action during Fourth of July weekend, or just something to do on a sleepy summer night with the family, Austin offers unique outdoor summer movie events with tons of cool features and freebies. From the classic cool of the drive-in to the vibrancy of the music scene, these summer movie events give you the opportunity to spend a cheap (or free) evening beneath the Texas sky. Come early and spend a night with the stars under the stars.
Classic Drive-In
Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In: If you’re ever nostalgic for the good old days when you crammed in the trunk with 10 of your closest friends and shared a bag of popcorn, with your arm around a special someone, consider the Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In. It’s a little pricey ($5 per person, $15 for a car spot), but sometimes you just need to eat some popcorn and take yourself back to the days when driving seemed like the most infinite source of freedom in the world. They really go all out to make the experience unforgettable, with a concession stand and the option to make s’mores at the theater. Make sure you get there early or reserve a space; spots fill up quickly!
Free Outdoor Summer Movies
The following are some great places where you can watch a movie for free, with some other cool stuff included. Whether it’s music, adult beverages or popcorn you crave, these places pack in everything to make your summer evening one you’ll remember with stars in your eyes.
Sound and Cinema: Is there anything better than free movies? How about free movies and free music? Co-produced by Alamo Drafthouse and Do512, Sound and Cinema offers you a chance to watch a classic Hollywood movie and hear some great music, all in a free, family-friendly atmosphere. Head to The Long Center lawn on the scheduled evenings and experience great music and great films.
Metz Recreation Center: Free popcorn and drinks have customers lining up to get in. Show up early and chow down.
101X Summer Cinema: Food and drinks are available for purchase at the local Central Market Café. And unlike a lot of the other free events, they let you purchase alcohol. (Blue Moon drafts are only $2.50.)
El Salido Pool: This cool spot offers patrons a chance to watch a fun movie while floating in the well-kept pool. What kid wouldn’t want to join in on the underwater fun by watching The SpongeBob Movie in a pool?
South Shore District: Some of Austin’s best food trucks are available onsite here. This way, you eat great food without carrying a suspiciously heavy purse into a crowded movie theater. (We know you’ve been there.) Access to some of Austin’s best food not enough for you? How about the fact that they’ve chosen a ’90s theme for all the summer movies this year?
For more information, visit freefuninaustin.com.
Calendar
The Sandlot: July 1, dusk, 101X Summer Cinema at Central Market North
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off featuring Otis the Destroyer: July 1, 6 p.m., Sound and Cinema at The Long Center
The Incredibles: July 2, 8:30 p.m., Republic Square Park
Independence Day: July 3, dusk, Metz Recreation Center
Sleepless in Seattle: July 3, 8 p.m., South Shore District
Clueless: July 10, sunset, South Shore Distric
Surf’s Up: July 10, dusk, El Salido Pool
Madagascar 3: July 10, dusk, Metz Recreation Center
Paddington: July 11, twilight (about 9 p.m.), Katherine Fleischer Park
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: July 15, dusk, 101X Summer Cinema at Central Market North
Ghostbusters featuring LaTasha Lee & The BlackTies: July 15, 7 p.m., Sound and Cinema at The Long Center
The Sandlot: July 17, dusk, Metz Recreation Center
The Simpson’s Movie: July 24, dusk, Metz Recreation Center
The Naked Gun featuring Hard Proof: July 29, 7 p.m., Sound and Cinema at The Long Center
Hook: July 29, dusk, 101X Summer Cinema at Central Market North
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water: July 31, dusk, Metz Recreation Center
Happy Feet: Aug. 7, dusk, El Salido Pool
Turbo: Aug. 7, dusk, Metz Recreation Center
The Blind Side: Aug. 8, 8:30 p.m., Towne Square in Steiner Ranch
Maleficent: Aug. 8, twilight (about 9 p.m.), Katherine Fleischer Park
The Princess Bride: Aug. 12, dusk, 101X Summer Cinema at Central Market North
The NeverEnding Story featuring Calliope Musicals: Aug. 12, 7 p.m., Sound and Cinema at The Long Center
Rookie of the Year: Aug. 14, dusk, Metz Recreation Center
The Sandlot featuring The Nightowls: Aug. 19, 7 p.m., Sound and Cinema at The Long Center
Blue Starlite Drive-In photo courtesy of Blue Starlite Drive-In.
Must See Movies of the Summer
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