And… action! Grab your calendars and start planning your FREE summer of entertainment now! There are numerous locations where you can enjoy free outdoor movies in Des Moines with your family all summer long. It’s a fun activity that can become a cherished summer tradition.
Editor’s note: Movie showtimes often start around dusk, but may be adjusted based on sunset times. It’s a good idea to arrive early, as popular movie nights can fill up quickly, and some may even offer pre-movie entertainment. Please be sure to call or check social media sites to confirm movie dates, times and location, as unforeseen circumstances such as weather or other factors may result in unexpected changes or cancellations.
And check out all of the other amazing seasonal activities in our Summer Fun Guide and on our Events Calendar.
Here’s your guide to FREE summer outdoor movies in Des Moines:
Ankeny
Movies Under the Stars
The Band Shell in Wagner Park (410 W 1st Street, Ankeny) hosts Movies Under the Stars on Friday nights in June and July. The movies begin at dusk. The movies are FREE and open to the public; bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating.
June 7: The Super Mario Bros. Movie
June 14: Shark Tale
June 21: Elemental
June 28: Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie
July 19: Trolls Band Together
July 26: Dr. Seuss’ the Lorax
August 2: TMNT: Mutant Mayhem
Des Moines
Free Flicks
Des Moines Parks and Recreation hosts the Free Flicks summer outdoor movie series on Friday nights. Films are shown on a 17×10 LED screen and will start at 6:30 pm. Admission is FREE, and blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged. Feel free to bring your own snacks as concessions are not provided. Movies will not take place in the event of rain. Follow Des Moines Parks and Recreation’s website, Facebook, and Twitter pages for updates or sign up for their text messaging notification service.
June 7: Elemental(Teachout Aquatic Center – 2601 Hubbell Ave., Des Moines, IA 50317)
June 21: TBD (Columbus Park – 1921 SE 1st St., Des Moines, IA 50315)
June 28: DC League of Super Pets(Tower Park – 4900 Hickman Rd., Des Moines, IA 50310)
July 12: Wonka(Chesterfield Park – 2719 Scott Ave., Des Moines, IA 50317)
July 19: Migration (Ashworth Pool Parking Lot | 102 45th St., Des Moines, IA 50312)
August 2: The Super Mario Bros. Movie(Riverview Park – 710 Corning Ave., Des Moines, IA 50313)
August 16: Trolls Band Together (Brian Melton Field – 1000 Jefferson Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314)
Granger
Outdoor Summer Movies
FREE outdoor summer movies are brought to you by the Granger Parks & Recreation Department and will be held on the north side of the Community Center on the grass. Popcorn and candy will be available for purchase. Movies start at 8:30 pm.
June 7: Lightyear
June 28: Back to the Future
July 19: Elemental
August 23: The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Indianola
Night at the Movies Double Feature
Provide your family with an unforgettable memory at this free drive-in double feature movie night at Pickard Park (2205 E. 2nd Avenue) in Indianola. The screening of the first movie is scheduled for 7:00 pm, and the second movie is scheduled for 9:00 pm.
June 14, 7:00 pm: Trolls Band Together
June 14, 9:00 pm: Twister
Johnston
Movies on the Yard
Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, and gather your loved ones for an unforgettable outdoor movie experience. Feel free to bring snacks and drinks to make it a perfect picnic outing! Movies are FREE to attend all screenings begin at dusk, so be sure to arrive early to secure your spot.
May 16: Barbie
June 21: Kung Fu Panda 4
August 15: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
September 19: Wonka
Urbandale
Movie in the Park
Pack your lawn chairs and blankets and bring your friends and family to Walnut Creek Regional Park to enjoy an evening under the stars at Urbandale Parks and Recreation’s FREE outdoor movie. Feel free to bring your own snacks. The festivities start at 6:00 pm and the movie will be shown at dusk.
July 12: TBD
Waukee
Movies in the Park
This FREE event is an excellent opportunity to create lasting memories with your family and neighbors at Centennial Park in Waukee. You can enjoy Hollywood’s biggest hits under the stars, making it a perfect evening for everyone to cherish. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Movies start at dusk (approximately 7:30 pm).
June 7: Encanto
July 3: Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning: Part One
August 9: Kung Fu Panda 4
West Des Moines
Moonlit Movies
Join West Des Moines Parks and Rec at the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater on select Fridays in June and July for a FREE outdoor movie series. Starting 45 minutes prior to the movie, you can indulge in activities related to the show and also grab a delicious bite to eat from one of the food trucks available. It’s a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the movie experience and enjoy some pre-show entertainment and refreshments. Movie showtimes vary depending on the time of sunset.
June 21, 8:45 pm: Barbie
July 19, 8:45 pm: Mrs. Doubtfire
August 16, 8:30 pm: Finding Nemo
September 16, 8:30 pm: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Windsor Heights
Movies in the Park
Movies in the Park returns for 2024. The movies are FREE to watch and will be shown in Colby Park at dusk. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the show! In case of inclement weather or the need to move the event indoors, a decision will be made on the event day by 2:00 pm. Any changes or cancellations will be announced promptly on the City’s Facebook page. It’s recommended to stay tuned for updates to stay informed about any potential changes to the event location or schedule.
May 3, 7:50 pm: The Super Mario Bros. Movie
June 7, 8:15 pm: The Incredibles
August 2, 8:15 pm: E.T.
September 6, 7:15 pm: Trolls Band Together
October 4, 6:15 pm: Hocus Pocus
Where is your favorite place for a fresh air family flick? Tell us in the comments!
