Outdoor Movies in Des Moines, Iowa this Summer 2024

by Erin Huiatt

Outdoor Movies in Des Moines 2024

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 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

Aug. 2: TMNT Mutant Mayhem

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 2024 yet. Keep your eyes open for movie listings.

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.

Select Thursdays and Fridays:

Thursday, May 16: Barbie
Friday, June 21: Kung Fu Panda 4
Thursday, August 15: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Thursday, September 19: Wonka

Time: All screenings begin at dusk.

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and loved ones for an evening of free entertainment. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

Free Flicks – City of Des Moines

Enjoy Free Flicks, our summer outdoor movie series in local parks. Films start on screen. 6:30 p.m. on our 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:

6/7 Teachout Aquatic Center – Parking Lot — Elemental
6/21 Columbus Park – TBD
6/28 Tower Park – DC League of Super Pets
7/12 Chesterfield Park – Wonka
7/19 Ashworth Pool – Parking Lot —- Migration
8/2 Riverview Park – Mario Bros. Movie
8/10 Ewing Par *STAR Party – ET
8/16 Brian Melton Field – Trolls Band Together

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 7 – Super Mario Bros.

July 12 – Migration

August 9 – Wish

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 7: Encanto

July 3: Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning: Part 1

August 9: Kung Fu Panda 4

Moonlit Movies – West Des Moines

Join West Des Moines Parks & Recreation for Moonlit Movies on various Fridays this summer for a free outdoor movie series. Beginning an hour prior to the movie, enjoy activities related to the show and grab a bite to eat from a food truck. Located at the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater. Forty-five minutes before the show you can enjoy FREE popcorn, soda, and water.

Titles of movies coming soon!