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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 a surprise final season from the metro area’s last drive-in, which was supposed to close last year.
Below, we’ve rounded up six of our favorite venues to catch a flick outdoors.
Avanti Movie Nights
Denver
Pull up to the two-story rooftop patio at LoHi’s Avanti Food & Beverage food hall every Thursday night through mid-September for free screenings of cult classics and bawdy comedies like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (June 27), Dodgeball (July 18), Anchorman (August 1), and Mean Girls (September 12). 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, Big Chill, plus weekly deals from food stalls like Knockabout Burgers and Amá Modern Mexican. Free
Movie Nights at Infinity Park
Glendale
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, featuring can’t-miss favorites like the Marvels (June 24) and Barbie (July 22) through the end of July. (Plus, a special showing of Halloweentown will be screened closer to spooky season, on October 14). Bring a cooler and seating of your choice to the field, or order grub from an on-site food truck. Doors open at 6 p.m.; showtime at 7 p.m. Free
Film on the Rocks
Morrison
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 Shrek (June 24) and the Wizard of Oz (July 8). Be sure to arrive early, as most Film on the Rocks events include pre-show entertainment, like live tunes from School of Rock or Doc Sadler Band. General admission tickets start at $20; group pricing options available
Movies in the Park
Thornton
The city of Thornton is hosting free weekend flicks all summer long across various green spaces, including Trail Winds Park, Community Park, Carpenter Park, and more. Enjoy childhood classics like Elf (July 19) or fresh takes on beloved franchises like the live-action Little Mermaid (June 1) and the Super Marios Bros. Movie (June 15). Follow the city’s dedicated Facebook page for updates on special themed nights, pre-show festivities, and weather updates. Free
Movies on the Green
Central Park
Join for neighborhood fun and iconic screenings like the Color Purple (June 21) with this outdoor movie series at the Central Park neighborhood’s giant grassy South Green amphitheater space. Films start at roughly 8:30 p.m., but come early to shop local sponsor booths and grab bites from food trucks like Original by Greeks, Pozzetti Gelato, and more. Proceeds from an on-site concession stand selling buttery popcorn, candy, and drinks will also be donated to a designated local nonprofit each week. Free
The 88 Drive-In Theatre
Commerce City
If you thought Denver’s drive-in days were over, think again: the 88 Drive-In Theatre is back for one last surprise season. The venue owners sold the property to developers to build a warehouse, but construction has been delayed, meaning nostalgic moviegoers get another summer of outdoor cinema. The theater reopened for its final season on May 10 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. Tickets are $10 per person for all-night entry; free for kids under 12
