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:
- Des Moines Parent Event Calendar
- Outdoor Movies in Des Moines
- Free Outdoor Yoga in Des Moines
- Outdoor Concerts in Des Moines
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
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 2 – Matilda
June 6 – The Lion King
August 1 – Inside Out
September 5 – Wicked
October 3 – The Nightmare Before Christmas
