So, Why Watch Movies Outside? 
As the sun dips below the horizon, and the projector beams to life, we are reminded of the simple pleasures of gathering under the night sky to share stories through film. One of the most significant advantages of local outdoor movie nights is their ability to foster a strong sense of community. Held in public parks, town squares, or community centers, these events bring neighbors and friends together for an evening of shared enjoyment. As blankets are laid on the grass, and lawn chairs are arranged, strangers become friends, and families bond over their shared love for movies. In this digital age, where screens often isolate us, these free outdoor screenings serve as a much-needed reminder of the joy of togetherness. Whether it’s cuddling up with loved ones, meeting new friends, or savoring the taste of local treats, these enchanting evenings have the power to create lasting memories.
It’s Showtime: What, When, and Where?
We’ve curated a list of some of our local neighborhoods with upcoming outdoor features- so get ready to bask in the allure of an outdoor movie night- and pass the popcorn!
Essex County
Maplewood
Bring your lawn chair and a blanket for some Bro-ritos & ice cream to celebrate this movie night at the Memorial Park Amphitheater, where snacks start at 7pm and showtime begins at 8pm for Super Mario Bros (PG)! Here’s more on this event!
Montclair
The 14th Annual Movie Night Under the Stars is where you can enjoy some free entertainment at Lackawanna Plaza! Upcoming showings are August 6th, which will feature the 1985 classic, The Goonies (PG), and August 26th, which will feature Encanto (PG). The venue opens at 7pm- so be sure to bring yummy snacks, a blanket, and lawn chairs, and enjoy! More details can be found here!
South Orange
On August 1st, National Night Out kicks off at 6:30pm with some family fun, music giveaways, and a showing of Super Mario Bros (PG) at 8:15pm, all happening at Flood’s Hill! Click here for more! Then, Moonlight Movies are back at Flood’s Hill in Meadowland Park! Every Wednesday night in August you can catch a feature film starting at 8pm! So grab your favorite treats and a cozy blanket and enjoy Lightyear (PG) on August 9th, DC League of Super-Pets (PG) on August 16th, Minions: The Rise of Gru (PG) on August 23rd, and finally Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG) on August 30th! More information can be found here!
West Orange
The Turtle Back Zoo is back with Zoo-vies- a free outdoor movie event under the stars outside the Zoo on the rooftop of the parking deck! This Wednesday, July 26th, you can check-out Godzilla vs Kong (PG-13) at approximately 7:45pm! Make sure to bring a chair! Here’s the link to learn more!
Morris County
Florham Park
The annual National Night Out on August 1st, features an array of free food, door prizes, and face painting! This event concludes with a movie showing (TBD), and all takes place behind the Borough Hall! For more information you can click here!
Mendham
The Summer Drive-In Movie in the Park event is July 27th at 8:30pm at Borough Park! This event will feature Minions: The Rise of Gru (PG) and ice cream from Mendham Creamery! Find out more here!
Morristown
Calling all movie buffs! Take the whole family and your blankets and lawn chairs to Ginty Field or Collinsville Playground & enjoy our Free Big Screen Outdoor Family Movies. Upcoming features at Ginty Field include, DC League of Super-Pets (PG) on July 26th and Paws of Fury (PG) on August 26th! Over at Collinsville Playground you can watch Luca (PG) on August 17th! These family-oriented screenings begin at dusk (approximately 8:15pm). Click here to find out more!
Somerset County
Bernards Township / Basking Ridge
Kick-off this movie night on August 3rd, with activities for the whole family! Starting at 6:30pm, at the Municipal Complex (parking at Ridge High School), there will be free face painting, pony rides, and vehicle displays, before the 8:15 pm showing of Inside Out (PG)! More on National Night Out can be found here! If you want more outdoor movie fun, head on over to Dunham Park on August 8th for an 8:15 pm showing of Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13)! Find out more here!
Union County
Summit
Screen on the Green is ready to enchant the community with an array of upcoming showings! July 20th features Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG), July 27th is playing Turning Red (PG), August 3rd is showing DC League of Super-pets (PG), and August 14th and October 21st are still being decided (so stay tuned)! All showings are located at The Village Green and the family dance party begins at 7:15pm! Check-out this link for more details!
Westfield
Head on over to the Oculus Outdoors, where you can find TWO showings each Saturday that caters to both adults, and kids! On July 29, you’ll find Luca (PG) at 2pm and My Big Fat Greek Wedding (PG) at 7pm. On August 12th, there will be showings of Soul (PG) at 2pm, and Ghostbusters (PG) at 7pm! Finally, on August 26th, they will be featuring The Incredibles (PG) at 2pm and Clueless (PG-13) at 7pm! Click here for more details!
Enjoy!
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