Outdoor Movies in Des Moines 2023
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.
Looking for another great way to enjoy summer? Check out our guide to summer concerts in Des Moines!
Movie Under the Stars – Ankeny
Movies Under the Stars are held Friday nights at the Bandshell at Wagner Park. Bring a blanket and enjoy the show! Movies start at dusk.
June 9: Lightyear
June 16: Minions: The Rise of Gru
June 23: The Bad Guys
June 30: The Princess and the Frog
July 14: DC League of Super Pets
July 21: Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank
July 28: Monsters, Inc
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 2023 yet. Keep your eyes open for movie listings.
City of Clive Outdoor Movies
Bring the family out for an evening movie! The movies will be broadcast on the LED jumbo screen! Each movie date will have special attractions and activities from 5:30-6:30 pm! In an effort to be family-friendly, all show times are 6:30 pm. All shows are free, no registration is needed.
Sunday, May 21 – The Sandlot
Location: Linnan Park
Come early! Free hotdogs from 5:30-6:30 pm for the first 200 attendees! Come get your picture taken with the Iowa Cubs’ mascot, Cubbie Bear! Showtime is 6:30 pm. Make sure to bring some bug spray, lawn chairs, and/or blankets.
Saturday, August 5 – Finding Nemo
Location: Greenbelt Landing (Next to Clive Aquatic Center)
Help us celebrate Clive Aquatic Center’s 20th Birthday Party! Many other activities will be planned as part of the birthday bash! Stay updated by following the Clive Parks and Recreation/Aquatics Facebook page!
Sunday, September 17 – Puss In Boots
Location: Linnan Park
Come early for inflatable jousting and fencing demonstrations! Our Imagination Playground equipment will also be on hand for the littles to explore!
Free Flicks – City of Des Moines
Every summer the Des Moines Parks & Recreation Department moves to different parks around the city with a portable screen for movies in the park. Movies will begin at 6:30 p.m.
- Friday, June 9: Luca (Rated PG) – Northwest Aquatic Center | 4915 Madison Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
- Friday, June 23: Lightyear (Rated PG) – Pioneer Park | 1650 E. Pioneer Rd, Des Moines, IA 50320
- Friday, July 7: DC League of Super Pets (Rated PG) – Grandview Park | 3230 Easton Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50317
- Friday, July 14: Minions: The Rise of Gru (Rated PG) – Frisbee Park | 6101 Muskogee Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
- Friday, July 21: Black Panter: Wakanda Forever (Rated PG-13) – Beaverdale Park | 3333 Adams Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
- Friday, August 12: Finding Nemo (Rated G) – Birdland Pool | 300 Holcomb Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
- Friday, August 18: Monster’s University (Rated PG) – Brody Middle School Park | 2501 Park Ave, Des Moines, IA 50321
Night at the Movies – Indianola
Friday, June 16 at Pickard Park in Indianola, Iowa.
Do not miss a double feature starting with Lyle, Lyle Crocodile at 7 p.m. and Top Gun: Maverick at 9 p.m. Snacks and food will be available for purchase.
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 2 – Bad Guys
July 7 – Sing 2
August 4 – Sonic Hedgehog 2
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 9: “Minions: The Rise of Gru”
July 3: Top Gun Maverick
August 11: “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”
Valley West Mall Drive-In Theater
Head to a drive-in theater experience in the parking lot of Valley West Mall. They typically offer a double feature which is a great bang for your buck. Stay up to date with what is being shown and purchase tickets here.
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.
- June 2 at 8:45 p.m – Back to the Future
- June 9 at 8:45 p.m. – Shrek
- July 14 at 8:45 p.m. – Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
- July 21 at 8:45 p.m. – Monsters, Inc.
- August 4 at 8:30 p.m. – Space Jam: A New Legacy
- August 11 at 8:30 p.m. – Grease
- August 18 at 8:15 p.m. – The Super Mari Bros. Movie
Movies in the Park – Windsor Heights
Colby Park, Windsor Heights
Refreshments will be served 30 minutes before we push play. Bring chairs or a blanket and enjoy a fun evening for the entire family!
May 5 – Ghostbusters. The movie will start at sunset (8:17 PM). They are excited to have the Des Moines Public Library in attendance for this month’s movie and they will be sharing information on the library’s services.
June 2 – The Incredibles as part of the 2023 Movies in the Park series and the family favorite Touch a Truck with special guest Metro Waste Authority! The movie will start at sunset (8:46 PM)
July 21 – Breakfast at Tiffany’s
August 4 – Minions: The Rise of Gru. The movie will start at sunset (8:46 PM)
September 1 – Zootopia. The movie will start at sunset (7:47 PM)
October 6 – Hocus Pocus. The movie will start at sunset (6:48 PM)!
Is Sargent part open to have the movie tomorrow??.