Free Outdoor Movies in the Park

*Note: This list is being updated as events are being announced.

One of the great things about Orange County is the mild summer nights that are perfect for enjoying free outdoor movies in the park with friends and family. There are many parks and facilities throughout the Orange County area that offer free movie nights so there is bound to be one close to home. Check the list below to find your city, or one near you, and plan your next outdoor movie night.

See our free outdoor concerts in the park and summer movies at the theater for as little as $1.50 lists too!

Free Outdoor Movies in Orange County

First time to a free Movie In The Park? Here’s what you can expect, and a few tips to help you have a magical movie night!

• Arrive early. It’s easier to pick your spot (and get a better one) when it’s still light out and there are fewer people.
• Bring blankets and low lawn chairs (chairs taller than 32″ are not permitted as they may block others’ view).
• Bring layers – Be prepared with a few levels of warmth. Long sleeve shirts, light jackets, windbreakers, hooded sweatshirts, are all great things to have nearby. It can cool down after the sun sets and you don’t want to spend the evening shivering. If you are attending a movie near the beach bring a heavier layers (or an extra blanket!) to stay warm in the cool ocean breeze.
• Pack a picnic dinner and snacks. Stock up on your favorite movie night goodies and bring them with you! Most locations also have food and drink vendors, snack booths, or food trucks on site so you can purchase when you get there, but it’s always fun to bring your own!
• Consider leaving the dog at home. We love dogs too, but not everyone else does, and not every location allows them. Check the event details of each location you you plan to attend before you leave to see if pets are allowed and, please, always keep your dog on a leash.
• Bring your friends. Movie nights are perfect for hanging out and to enjoy warm summer nights with family and friends.
• Leave the alcohol at home. Most locations won’t allow drinking, and glass containers are prohibited.

The following Summer Movies in the Park include freebies, additional activities, and special events:

• Aliso Viejo: Past events have included complimentary face painting before the movie begins.
• Anaheim: Movie nights sponsored by Disney may include free popcorn and drinks, giveaways, a visit from Disney Ambassadors, games, and contests.
• Dana Point: May include free popcorn.
• Fountain Valley Recreation Center: Events beginning at 6:00 p.m. often feature food trucks, games, and contests.
• Garden Grove: Fun family activities begin at 6:00 p.m. before the movie.
• La Habra: Bamboo Kids Club activities are usually included prior to the movie.
• Los Alamitos: Enjoy live music from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. with the movie immediately after the concert. May also include raffles, kids’ activities, and food and drink vendors.
• The Newport Coast/Crystal Cove Conservancy: Located on the sand near the Historic District’s “Beaches” Film & Media Center and “Beaches” Cottage #13, enjoy a pre-movie informational presentation about Crystal Cove’s role in the film industry.
• Tustin: Pre-movie activities and fun from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Additional Paid or Visitor Only Outdoor Movies

Buena Park Dive In Movies are hosted at Peak Park Pool (7225 El Dorado Drive). Pool opens at 7:30PM and movies begin at 8:30PM. Cost is only $1 per child and $1.50 per adult.

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina may offer movies on the beach every weekend from May through September. Movie nights are complimentary to RV Park and Marina guests who have paid to stay. Visit the website to see the movie schedule.

Pacific City Summer Movies may feature popular movies the whole family will love. The event is free and hosted on the upper deck of the shopping center at the Surf Theater, but guests will have to pay for parking. Bring blankets and lawn chairs and arrive early to get a spot. All shows begin at 7:00 p.m.

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Heidi Deal

Heidi Deal is the author of the Newcomers Handbook to Living In Los Angeles & Orange County, and a children’s book author specializing in history and human rights. When she's not writing you can find her solo hiking and going on new adventures with her kids and pup.