Outdoor Movies in Des Moines, Iowa this Summer 2025

by Erin Huiatt

Outdoor Movies in Des Moines 2025

Take up your family movie nights a notch this summer! This is a favorite summer bucket list item and many of these outdoor movies offer free admission. Grab your blankets, chairs, bug spray, snacks, and drinks. All movies begin at dusk which is around 8:45 p.m. (unless noted). Dress the kids up in their comfy pajamas as well. Take a look at all the places you can catch an outdoor movie in Des Moines this summer.

Take a look at these other fun guides to plan for summer in Des Moines, Iowa:

Outdoor, Movies, Des Moines, Iowa, Summer, Outdoor Movies, Iowa, Uptown Ankeny

Movie Under the Stars – Ankeny

Movies Under the Stars are held on Friday nights at the Bandshell at Wagner Park. Bring a blanket and enjoy the show! Movies start at dusk.

June 6: Moana 2

June 13: Kung Fu Panda 4

June 20: Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie

June 27: Despicable Me 4

July 18: Mufasa: The Lion King

July 25: Inside Out 2

Aug. 1: The Wild Robot

Uptown Ankeny Outdoor Cinema

Head to Uptown Ankeny for an outdoor movie! Movies are held in the outdoor venue behind Uptown Garage Brewing Co. and Porch Light Coffeehouse. Dates and movies have not been released for 2025 yet. Keep your eyes open for movie listings.

Friday Night Live – West Des Moines

This summer, get ready for some awesome Friday nights! The new Friday Night Live series at the scenic Jamie Hurd Amphitheater offers a unique combo: live music and outdoor movies. Join West Des Moines Parks & Recreation from June through August for electrifying band concerts on the third Friday of the month, followed by great outdoor movies on the fourth Friday of each month.

City of Clive Outdoor Movies

No details have been released. We will update here when news has been released.

Movies on the Yard – Johnston Town Center

Mark your calendars and join us at Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Rd., for an unforgettable lineup of outdoor Movies on the Yard this summer.

Friday, May 23
Friday, July 18
Friday, August 29

Time: All screenings begin at dusk.

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and loved ones for an evening of free entertainment.

Free Flicks – City of Des Moines

Enjoy Free Flicks, our summer outdoor movie series in local parks. Watch movies on their new LED Admission is free. Bring blankets and chairs. Rain cancelation updates will be made by 4 p.m. on movie day via the website, Facebook, and Twitter.

Date Location(s) and Movie:

6/6 *Starts at 7 PM – DMFD Admin (2715 Dean Ave. ) – IF
6/20 – Nahas Aquatic Center Parking Lot – Madagascar
7/4 *Time TBD – Captain Roys – TBD
7/11 – Woodlawn Park – The Wild Robot
7/18 – Birdland Pool Parking Lot – Shark Tale
8/9 *8 PM Start – Ewing Park (STAR Party) – Zathura A Space Adventure
8/15 – Evelyn K Davis Park – Inside Out 2
8/22 – Grays Lake Park SE Lawn – Moana 2

Valle Drive-In – Newton, Iowa

Nothing beats drive-in theaters. You can make a small little trip to the Valle Drive-In located about 30 miles East of greater Des Moines. There is an admission. We always have a great experience when we visit. Make sure you are following their Facebook page for the up-to-date movies being shown each week.

Movies in the Park – Polk City

Enjoy a movie in the park in Polk City Square!

June 6 – Moana 2

August 15 – The Wild Robot

Movies in the Park – Waukee

Enjoy Hollywood’s biggest hits under the stars with Movies in the Park! Movies in the Park are FREE and provide an abundance of entertainment. Showtime is at dusk (approximately 8:45 p.m.) in Centennial Park. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and refreshments, and get ready to make memories with family and friends.

June 6: The Parent Trap

July 3: Captain America: Brave New World

August 8: The Wild Robot