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There’s nothing better than spending a warm Colorado summer night under the stars—but a movie, popcorn, and a cold drink can certainly add to the ambience. This summer, classic events like Film on the Rocks and Avanti Movie Nights are back, along with regular screenings at the metro area’s last drive-in, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
Below, we’ve rounded up seven of our favorite venues to catch a flick outdoors.
Avanti Movie Nights
- Location: 3200 N. Pecos St., Denver (LoHi)
- Price: Free
Pull up to the two-story rooftop patio at LoHi’s Avanti Food & Beverage every Thursday night through mid-September for free screenings of cult classics and bawdy comedies like 10 Things I Hate About You (June 18), The Sandlot (July 2), Shrek (August 6), and The Princess Bride (September 3). The sweeping view of the Mile High City skyline is just a nice bonus. Complete your open-air cinematic experience with specialty drinks or boozy creations from the walk-up frozen cocktail bar, plus weekly deals from food stalls like Knockabout Burgers and Amá Modern Mexican.
Movie Nights at Infinity Park
- Location: 4599 E. Tennessee Avenue, Glendale
- Price: Free
Experience a memorable evening on the pitch—no rugby skills required—with free movie nights on the jumbotron at the city of Glendale’s Infinity Park. The lineup skews family-friendly with favorites like Zootopia 2 (June 22) and Cars (August 3), but Twisters (June 8) and F1 (July 2) will also appear. (Look out for a special showing of animated Monsters vs. Aliens closer to spooky season, on October 12.) Bring a cooler and seating of your choice to the field, and order grub from an on-site food truck. Doors open at 6 p.m.; showtime at 7 p.m.
Film on the Rocks
- Location: 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison
- Price: General admission tickets start at $25; group pricing options available
It’s a quintessentially Colorado tradition: Catch silver-screen classics at the state’s most iconic music venue, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, where Denver Film has been screening summer flicks for over two decades. This season’s lineup features weeknight shows like Sinners (June 22) and Bridesmaids (August 3). Be sure to arrive early, as most Film on the Rocks events include pre-show entertainment, like live tunes from School of Rock or the Reminders.
Movies on the Green
- Location: 7601 29th Ave., Denver (Central Park)
- Price: Free
Join for neighborhood fun and recent film favorites like Wicked: For Good (September 4) with this outdoor movie series at the Central Park neighborhood’s giant grassy South Green amphitheater space. Films start at dusk, but come early to shop local sponsor booths and grab bites from a variety of food trucks. Proceeds from an on-site concession stand selling buttery popcorn, candy, and drinks will also be donated to a designated local nonprofit each week.
The 88 Drive-In Theatre
- Location: 8780 Rosemary St., Commerce City
- Price: Tickets are $10 per person for all-night entry; free for kids under 12
If you thought Denver’s drive-in days were over, think again: The 88 Drive-In Theatre is back for its 50th anniversary. The venue owners sold the property to developers to build a warehouse, but construction has been delayed, meaning nostalgic moviegoers get yet another summer of outdoor cinema. The theater reopened for the season on April 3 and plays two features nightly, which change every week, so be sure to check the website to find out what’s on the big screen. And starting this summer, attendees can finally bring in outside food with the purchase of a $10 food permit.
Movies at McGregor Square
- Location: 1901 Wazee St., Denver (Union Station)
- Price: Free
In what purports to be a better show than whatever the Rockies are putting on the field, this outdoor movie series in McGregor Square plays favorites on a 66-foot LED screen. Take to the stars with Project Hail Mary on the Fourth of July, or if you’re wanting the best of both worlds, enjoy A League of Their Own for Ladies Night (July 30). Spots for your blanket on the lawn or tables on the plaza are first-come, first-served, with concessions and alcoholic beverages available for purchase.
Movies & Music In The Park
- Location: 719 10th St., Golden
- Price: Free
Bring the whole family to this monthly blend of fun and community. Before the movie starts, snag a seat in Parfet Park to enjoy the live music and food-truck fare. Local musicians like the Man Cubs will perform until the sun sets, leading into Zootopia 2 (June 12), Balto (July 10), and Lilo & Stitch (August 7).
