Indeed, summer in Philadelphia is a total vibe. And this summer’s calendar is packed with free outdoor movie screenings perfect for all ages. From riverside parks to historic landmarks and rooftop lawns, dozens of spots across the city are turning into open-air theaters. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly matinee or nostalgic cult classic at sunset, here are 35 free outdoor movies to catch in Philly through summer 2025.
Pack snacks, grab the kids, and don’t forget bug spray -this season’s move magic is ready to roll. ✨
Free outdoor movies: 🎬 cinéSPEAK Under the Stars at Clark Park
Fridays | May 23 – June 13 | Live music & food at 7 p.m.
This isn’t your usual move night lineup. cinéSPEAK brings thought-provoking, off-the-beaten path films that spark conversation and connection. Bonus: live music, food, and themed short films before each screening.
Schedule:
- May 23 – It Must Be Heaven
- May 30 – River of Grass (2025)
- June 6 – Sally
- June 13 – Assembly
Rain date: following Saturday.
🌳 Movies in Clark Park (University City District)
Fridays in August | Movies at sundown
The vibe shifts to classics and crowd-pleasers in August, all screened at the Clark Park Bowl. It’s a chill, family-friendly scene, but heads-up: bad weather can cancel a night, so keep that in mind.
Schedule:
- Aug. 1 – The Goonies
- Aug. 8 – Clueless
- Aug. 15 – Madagascar
- Aug. 22 – Creed
Rain date: Saturday, Aug. 23
Free outdoor movies: 🌆 Movie Nights at Schuylkill Banks
Thursdays | June 12 – Aug. 21 | Starts at sunset
Two dreamy riverfront spots alternate hosting duties: Grays Ferry Crescent Esplanade and the Walnut Street Bridge lawn. Expect great films and even better skyline views.
Schedule:
- June 12 – Groundhog Day
- June 19 – Men in Black
- June 26 – Before Sunrise
- July 10 – Paddington in Peru
- July 17 – WALL-E
- July 24 – Argo
- July 31 – The Lego Batman Movie
- Aug. 7 – Good Will Hunting
- Aug. 14 – The Jungle Book (2016)
- Aug. 21 – Top Gun: Maverick
Free outdoor movies: 🏙️ Sunset Social Movie Nights at Cira Green
Wednesdays at 7 p.m. & Saturdays at noon | Through June
Movies. On a rooftop. In the city. Yes, please. Mid-week evenings are perfect for grown-up escapes, while Saturday matinees are all about the kids. It’s a fantastic spot for families with space to sprawl and a skyline backdrop that’s hard to beat.
Schedule:
- May 14 – Star Wars: The Force Awakens
- May 17 – Flow
- May 21 – Moana 2
- May 24 – Elemental
- May 28 – Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
- May 31 – Mufasa
- June 4 – Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour
- June 7 – Transformers One
- June 11 – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
- June 14 – TMNT: Mutant Mayhem
- June 18 – Wicked
- June 21 – Dog Man
- June 25 – Inside Out 2
- June 28 – IF
🔔Movies on the Mall (Independence National Historical Park)
Select nights | Free with registration | Games & food from 5:30 p.m.
History meets Hollywood with screenings on Independence Mall. There’s a strong Philly spirit in these selections, and the pre-show activities (plus food and drinks from Liberty Garden) make it a mini festival vibe.
Schedule:
- June 20 – Harriet
- July 1 – Independence Day
- Aug. 22 – National Treasure
- Sept. 19 – National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets
🍿 Bonus (Not Free, but Worth It)
🎻 The Mann Center | June 20
Star Wars with the Philadelphia Orchestra? You read that right. Live score + the 1977 classic = pure epicness. Tickets from $35.
🪦 Laurel Hill Cemetery Movie Nights
Creepy, cool, and totally unique.
- May 16 – Eraserhead
- July 11 – Death Becomes Her
Both include a pop-up market and trivia. $20 general admission.
Final Tips:
Whether you’re bringing the toddlers for Paddington or planning a date night with Before Sunrise, Philly’s got the perfect flick for you- and it won’t cost a dime.
Here are a few tips to remember to make your night more memorable:
- Bring blankets or low-back chairs.
- Snacks are welcome (some events also have vendors!).
- Don’t forget to check event pages or social for weather updates.
So go ahead: claim your patch of grass, kick back, and let the stars (and the stories) shine.