Movie nights may seem like a winter activity, but not when you can enjoy them on a grassy knoll. The City of Des Moines and many of the surrounding towns offer free outdoor movies in parks during the summer.
Check out our list below and get ready to enjoy a family-friendly movie with your friends and neighbors. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and snacks (and maybe some bug spray!) and enjoy a movie under the stars.
Movies typically start at dusk, or around 8:45 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Check the website to confirm the movie and location.
Looking for more summer fun? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Summer with 125+ Things to do in Des Moines.
Des Moines Outdoor Movies Summer 2023
Ankeny’s Movie Under the Star Series
Where: Wagner Park 410 W. First St. Ankeny
June 9: Lightyear
June 16: Minions: The Rise of Gru
June 23: The Bad Guys
June 30: The Princess and the Frog
July 14: DC League of Super Pets
July 21: Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank
July 28: Monsters, Inc
Des Moines Free Flicks
Where: Locations Vary
June 9: Luca, Northwest Aquatic Center
June 23: Lightyear, Pioneer Park
July 7: DC League of Super Pets, Grandview Park
July 14: Minions: The Rise of Gru, Frisbee Park
July 21: Black Panter: Wakanda Forever, Beaverdale Park
August 12: Finding Nemo, Birdland Pool
August 18: Monster’s University, Brody Middle School Park
Clive Friday Family Flicks
Where: Clive Aquatic Center parking lot, 1801 NW 114th Street. $10 per carload. Registration is required. Movie starts at 8 p.m.
May 21: The Sandlot, Linnan Park
August 5: Finding Nemo, Greenbelt Landing
September 17: Puss In Boots, Linnan Park
Granger Movies in the Park
Where: Centennial Park
Movies and Dates TBD
Waukee Movies in the Park
Where: Centennial Park
June 9: Minions: The Rise of Gru
July 3: Top Gun: Maverick
August 11: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
West Des Moines Moonlit Movies
Where: Jamie Hurd Amphitheater
June 2: Back to the Future
June 9: Shrek
July 14: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
July 21: Monsters, Inc.
August 4: Space Jam: A New Legacy
August 11: Grease
August 18: The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Valle Drive-In Movies Theatre
4074 Highway F48 W Newton, IA 50208
Send us an email if we missed any outdoor movies, and we’ll it to the list.
We work hard to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information before heading to an event or activity, since it may change.
