Going to the movies in the summer is just a given for families looking for blockbuster fun and adventure, especially in an air-conditioned theater or, better yet, under a beautiful Colorado evening sky. There are many FREE and cheap summer film series around town — perfect for friends and family on a budget.
Most of the films are your typical family fare, namely animation and comedy — usually G- or PG-Rated. Not just for kids though, some line-ups include classic pop culture films from the 80s and 90s for adults.
Many of the series offer family-friendly activities or pre-show entertainment before showtime, so get there early. (Plus, the early bird gets the best seats. Don’t forget to bring chairs and/or blankets.)
And, if you don’t pack your own picnic or snacks, most offer concessions for sale — everything from the usual movie snacks to beer and wine for adults.
Most are FREE — if not, totally cheap. Showtimes vary, usually in the morning (around 10 a.m.) for the kids and at dusk (about 8:30 p.m.) for grown-ups and families.
Here’s what’s showing this summer…
Stanley Marketplace’s Films on the Field
(Aurora) — Select Saturdays at dusk from May 25 to September 28, 2024, Cost: FREE
Denver Film Society’s Film On The Rocks
(Morrison) — Select Mondays at 8:30 p.m. from June 10 to August 19, 2024, Cost: $20
Pictures on the Plains
(Aurora) — June 22 and 29, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., Cost: $5
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s Alamo Kids Camp
(Littleton & Westminster) — Every Monday at 11 a.m. from June 3 to August 26, 2024 and August 30, 2204, Cost: $5
Harkins Theatres’ Summer Movie Fun Series
(Arvada & Denver) — Monday to Friday at 9:45 a.m. from June 3 to July 26, 2024, Cost: $2 or Summer Movie Fun Pass for $8
Regal Cinemas’ Summer Movie Express
(Denver, Lakewood, and Centennial) — Two movies every Tuesday and Wednesday at 11 a.m. from June 11 to August 7, 2024, Cost: $1
Avanti Food & Beverage’s Summer Movie Series
(Denver) — Every Thursday at 8:30 p.m. from May 16 to September 12, 2o24, Cost: FREE
Denver Film Society’s Sunset Cinema Series
(Denver) — Select Tuesdays at 7 p.m. from June 25 to August 20, 2024, Cost: FREE
Metro Summer Kids Movies Series
(Loveland) — Every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. at MetroLux 12 Theatres at Centerra and every Wednesday at 2 p.m. at MetroLux Dine-In Theatres at the Foundry from June 18 to August 8, 2024, Cost: $2
Photo: MCA
Denver’s Central Park Outdoor Movie Series
(Denver) — Select Fridays at dusk from June 7 to July 19, 2024, Cost: FREE
Westminster’s Movies in the Park
(Westminster) — Select Fridays at 7 p.m.: from May 24 to September 13, 2024, Cost: FREE
Infinity Park’s Music & Movie Nights
(Glendale) — Select Mondays at 7 p.m. from June 10 to October 14, 2024, Cost: FREE
Photo: Infinity Park
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park’s Dive-In Movies
(Denver) — July 12, 19 and 26, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., Cost: FREE (with Season Pass or park admission ticket)
Thornton’s Movies in the Park
(Thornton) — Select Fridays and Saturdays at dusk from June 1 to August 17, 2024, Cost: FREE
Historic Elitch Theatre’s Summer Films Series
(Denver) — June 7, July 5 and August 2, 2024 at dusk, Cost: FREE, $5 Donation Encouraged
Northglenn’s Summer Movie Series
(Northglenn) — Select dates at dusk: July 18, July 24, August 1 and August 8, 2024, Cost: FREE
Golden’s Movies & Music in the Park
(Golden) — July 5, August 2 and September 6, 2024 at dusk, Cost: FREE
Looking for more cheap movies? Check out these other posts…
88 Drive-In Theatre Offers Unique Family Fun at Blockbuster Price
AMC Theatres Offers Discounted Tickets & $5 Combo Special Every Tuesday
AMC Theatres Offers Fan Favorite Flicks for Just $5
$5 Tuesday Night Classics Film Series at Harkins Theatres
Enjoy $5.95 Tickets & Half-Price Popcorn Every Tuesday at Regal Cinemas
Regal Cinemas Hosts $5 Forever Favorites with Iconic Classics Back on the Big Screen