Outdoor Movies in Des Moines, Iowa this Summer

by Erin Huiatt

Published on April 9th, 2026

Outdoor Movies in Des Moines 2026

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 5: Ratatouille
June 12: Zootopia 2
June 19: Lilo & Stitch
June 26: A Minecraft Movie
July 17: Hoppers
July 24: Sonic the Hedgehog 3
July 31: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

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 2026 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 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.

June 19 – Flying Solos
June 26 – Zootopia 2
July 17 – Suede
July 24 – Jurassic World Rebirth
August 21 – Juniper Street
August 28 – Lilo & Stitch (Live Action)

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.

June 11
July 9
July 30
August 20
September 10

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:

June 12 – Finding Dory – Northwest Aquatic Center Parking Lot
June 19 – Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory – Brody Middle School
June 26- The Wizard of Oz – Iowa State Fairgrounds
July 4 *Begins at 4 p.m. – TBA – Union Park
July 10 – Zootopia 2 – Weeks Middle School
July 24 – The Little Rascals – Brook Run Park
August 14 – Elio – Reichardt CRC
August 21- Back to the Future – Gray’s Lake Park

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– Zootopia 2
June 26 – Cars
August 14- Super Mario Galaxy Movie

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.