Are you looking for a unique movie experience? You’re in luck: outdoor and drive-in movies are taking center stage this summer! There are several outdoor chances for you to grab your kiddos and see a flick on the big screen from the comfort of a lawn blanket or your car… and many are even free!
So corral your children and significant other, gather up some pillows and blankets, and heat some popcorn to go (or even better, support the establishments below and purchase piping hot popcorn at your destination!). It’s time to catch some summer movies under the stars.
Free Outdoor Movies Around Atlanta…
- The City of Kennesaw’s Outdoor Movie Series. Families are encouraged to arrive early with blankets, low-back chairs, and picnic essentials to enjoy an evening under the stars. Please note that high-backed chairs, umbrellas, tent,s and canopies are not permitted to ensure clear viewing for all attendees. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. with food vendors and family-friendly games in front of the screen, including a chalk contest, Unistellar telescope viewing, and the Children’s Entrepreneur Market — a youth-powered marketplace where local vendors ages 5–16 will be selling handmade crafts, baked goods, and artwork. The market offers a chance to support young entrepreneurs while discovering one-of-a-kind items. A limited number of VIP tents and chair rentals are available. Each rental includes a 10-by-10-foot tent installed by Parks & Recreation staff, a 6-foot table, and six chairs. Tents are $50 and are positioned toward the back of the viewing area to preserve sightlines. VIP renters may check in beginning at 5 p.m. Rentals can be reserved online at kennesawparksandrec.org.
- Newtown Park is home to Johns Creek’s Summer Movies at the Park on select Fridays this summer. Pre-show fun begins at 7 p.m. and includes inflatables, face painting, giveaways, and music. Movies begin at dusk. You can find Newtown Park at 3150 Old Alabama Road in Johns Creek.
- Peachtree Corners is hosting its Flicks on the Green outdoor movies once a month this summer on the Town Green at 5140 Town Center Boulevard in Peachtree Corners. Guests are encouraged to grab food and snacks from neighboring Town Green restaurants and picnic before the movie, which begins at 7 p.m.
- Town Brookhaven is showcasing both kid and adult movie favorites on Thursday nights as a part of its Movies on the Town summer movie series. Many local eateries are offering specials on food and snacks on movie nights, and families can enjoy free popcorn while supplies last. Movies begin at dusk, and event updates can be found on Town Brookhaven’s Facebook and Instagram pages. The fun will take place at 4330 Peachtree Road NE in Brookhaven.
- Midtown’s Colony Square is hosting classic movies on select Thursdays throughout the summer and into October with its Movies on the Square events. Visitors are encouraged to bring their blankets/chairs and order takeout from onsite restaurants before movie time, which takes place at 7 p.m. Colony Square is located at 1197 Peachtree Street in Atlanta.
Drive-Ins in and near Atlanta…
- The Starlight Drive-In Theatre is open 7 days a week and shows a mix of new releases and old favorites. Movies take place when it’s dark, and doors open anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours before show time, depending on the day. Adult tickets are $10, but kids under 10 can get in for just $1! Be sure to check out their FAQ page before you go to learn how to best enjoy your drive-in experience. The Starlight Theatre is located at 2000 Moreland Avenue SE in Atlanta.
If you are up for a short drive…
- Head up to north Georgia, to the Swan Drive-In Theatre in Blue Ridge. This drive-in has been entertaining patrons since 1955 and is still rated as one of the best around. Gates open at 7 p.m. and movies begin at 8:55. Admission prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children 4-11 years old, and free for kids under 3. Head up there early and spend the day walking around beautiful downtown Blue Ridge. The Swan Drive-In Theatre is located at 651 Summit Street in Blue Ridge and movies begin at 7 p.m.
- Lastly, make a drive towards Chattanooga, to what is rumored to be the largest drive-in movie theater in the world, Wilderness Outdoor Movie Theater. Their double features start at 9:30 pm on the weekends, with general admission being $7 per person. Outside food and drinks are not permitted, but they have some great options at their concession stand. The Wilderness Outdoor Movie Theater is located at 217 Old Hales Gap Road in Trenton.
Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments!
