FREE (and Cheap) Summer Movies in KC

2023 Edition

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This summer, enjoy a Free (or Cheap) Movie at one of several area locations! 

Note: Parents are advised to review movies before attending. Not all movies are appropriate for all ages. Also, all events are subject to change due to weather or circumstances. Please verify with each individual event before heading out to enjoy the movie.

This list was compiled by the staff of KC Parent Magazine and may not be reproduced in print or online without permission. Please email kristina@kcparent.com if you have an addition to this list.

Host your Own Outdoor Summer Movie

Plan a movie in your own backyard! Movies2U is Kansas City’s premier provider and facilitator of outdoor and indoor cinema events. From beginning to end, they deliver a 5-star experience that creates lasting memories. Movies2U will deliver crystal clear projection and superior quality audio on industry leader Epic Outdoor Cinema’s cutting-edge inflatable screens. Visit Movies2u.com for info.

Drive-In Theaters in the Kansas City Area

What could be more fun than a Summer Movie and a box of popcorn? Watching under the stars of course! Trade in stadium seating for a bit of novelty this summer and take in a movie under the open sky.  This summer, enjoy the nearly extinct novelty of the Drive-In Theater!

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    Courtesy of Crown Center

    Jul 7, 2023 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

    Crown Center Square

    Cap off your workweek with top local bands and favorite food trucks. Finish the evening with a famous flick under the stars. 2023 Movie and Band Lineup: July 7: Top Gun: Maverick | The James Perryman Band July 14: The Addams Family (2...

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    Jun 6, 2023

    B&B Theatres Lee's Summit

    The B&B Theatres Summer Kids Series operates during the summer months when school is not in session and is designed to give families an affordable morning option that is great for the whole family.

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    Jun 21, 2023 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

    Cinemark Merriam

    Summer Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark is just weeks away! Bring the kids and enjoy exciting big-screen entertainment for just $1.50* per ticket for each movie.

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    May 13, 2023 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

    High Blue Wellness Center

    Our next Kids Night Out will be Saturday, May 13th 5:30p - 10:00p. Let's celebrate Summer with swimming, games and a movie at High Blue! We'll have grilled hotdogs & nachos for dinner.

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    May 19, 2023 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

    Grandview Amphitheater

    Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a movie or concert under the stars! Concessions are open providing refreshments and snacks for the event. Gates open at 8pm for movies, 6:30pm for concerts.

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    Oct 13, 2023 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

    Grandview Amphitheater

    Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a movie or concert under the stars! Concessions are open providing refreshments and snacks for the event. Gates open at 8pm for movies, 6:30pm for concerts.

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    May 20, 2023

    Zona Rosa

    Grab a blanket or lawn chair and find a spot in North Park (green space South of Dillard’s)! We will be showing new movies and classic summer flicks. All movies are free and open to all ages.

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    May 20, 2023 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

    Downtown Smithville

    Join us for our FREE outdoor Movie at the Courtyard series! The movie is to be announced! Activities begin at 6 PM with yard games and video games from @partytrailers! The movie will begin at dusk, at approximately 9 PM.

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    Photo by Wendy Delzeit

    May 26, 2023 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

    Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park

    Long summer nights and a movie on the big screen create nostalgia for the young and old alike. Pack some snacks, grab a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy family-friendly films under the stars at select Lenexa parks this summer. Movies start at dusk...

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    City of Lenexa

    Jun 2, 2023 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

    Cornerstone Park

    Join the Gardner Parks and Recreation Department for our Movie in the Park series! Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and head out to Cornerstone Park.

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    Jun 3, 2023 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

    Legends Outlets Kansas City

    Watch timeless classics and Hollywood blockbusters on the big screen! Legends Outlets will show a film every Saturday through October on The Lawn. Bring a friend, pack some blankets, and order carryout meals and snacks.

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    Jun 7, 2023 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    Olathe Public Library - Indian Creek Branch

    Enjoy a free movie on the big screen. Feel free to bring blankets and pillows for floor seating. A small snack will be provided. Movie Schedule 6/7: Big Hero 6 (PG) 102 minutes 6/14: Cars (G) 116 minutes 6/21: Because of Winn-Dixie (PG)...

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    Jun 13, 2023 8:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

    Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center

    The Missouri Department of Conservation and the Kansas City Police Department are partnering to offer a free movie experience at the Discovery Center.

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    Jun 16, 2023 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

    Bennett Park

    Bring your family and friends, along with your blankets and lawn chairs, and head out to Bennett Park for the next Popcorn in the Park to enjoy a FREE movie on the big screen, under the stars.

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    Jun 16, 2023 7:30 p.m.

    Armstrong Park

    The Armstrong Park Pavilion is the venue to be at this summer. Join us for a variety of yard games, inflatable obstacle course, bounce house, and a family-friendly flick!

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    Jun 16, 2023 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

    Blue Springs Rotary Park

    Enjoy a special night under the stars, Friday Flicks and Food Trucks is back! This summer's featured films are none other than Top Gun Maverick (PG-13) and Disney's Encanto (PG).

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    Photo by Wendy Delzeit

    Jun 16, 2023 9:15 p.m. - 11:15 p.m.

    Electric Park

    Long summer nights and a movie on the big screen create nostalgia for the young and old alike. Pack some snacks, grab a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy family-friendly films under the stars at select Lenexa parks this summer. Movies start at dus...

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    Jun 16, 2023 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

    KCPD South Patrol

    We have great family fun for you with the South Patrol Movie Nights. Enjoy free popcorn, hot dogs and movies starting at dusk.

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    Jun 23, 2023 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

    Merriam Community Center

    Join us for a special screening of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse in the Merriam Community Center outdoor pool.

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    Jun 24, 2023 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

    Linden Square

    Grab your chair, blanket, and snacks and enjoy a FREE outdoor movie.