Free outdoor movies to enjoy around St. Louis in summer 2024 (2024)

Looking for a fun way to spend your summer evenings? We’ve researched the best places to catch an outdoor movie throughout July, August and September. The best part? They’re free – meaning all you need to bring is your lawn chair, a cool beverage and your family and friends to enjoy film favorites all summer long.

Art Hill Film Series

For an unforgettable outdoor movie experience this summer, check out the Art Hill Film Series on the sprawling lawn of Saint Louis Art Museum’s iconic Art Hill. The 2024 film series is a free, non-ticketed event hosted on two Fridays in July. Starting at 6 p.m., stop by before the movie begins to enjoy live music, food trucks and a SLAM events bar. Film screenings start at 9 p.m. and the lineup includes crowd-pleasers you won’t want to miss: "Back to the Future" on July 12 and "Meet Me in St. Louis" on July 19. Check out the Art Hill Film Series website for information on what to bring, parking and transportation, and movie accessibility.

Lake Saint Louis Movies in the Park

Grab your lawn chairs and blankets for a special showingat the Boulevard Park Amphitheaterof the family-favorite movies "3 Ninjas" on July 12 and "Hook" on Sept. 20. The films begin at dusk and are completely free to the public. A map of the park, including rainout information, can be found on the Lake Saint Louis website.

Lake Saint Louis Boulevard Park Amphitheater, 2550 Lake St. Louis Blvd., Lake St. Louis, 636-561-4620, lakesaintlouis.com

Westport Plaza Movie Nights by the Lake

Join family and friends on the last Friday in June and the first Friday of July for Movie Nights by the Lake at Westport Plaza. Watch the biopic "42: The True Story of an American Legend" on June 28 and the classic coming-of-age story "The Sandlot" on July 5, with both films showing around dusk at 8 p.m. on the southwest patio by World Wide Technology. Pre-show entertainment includes caricature artists and face painting booths, and Soda Fountain Express will offer such specialties as "The Great Bambino Sundae" to enjoy. Best of all, all Maryland Heights movie nights are free – so all you need to bring is a blanket, lawn chair and loved ones!

Westport Plaza, 111 W. Port Plaza Drive, St. Louis, 314-291-6550, westportstl.com

Prairie Farms Movie Nights at Ballpark Village

On select Wednesdays all summer long, Prairie Farms will host free outdoor movie nights in Ballpark Village. "Elemental" plays on July 17, "Shrek" on Aug. 14 and "Kung Fu Panda 4" on Sept. 4. Starting at 6 p.m., families can enjoy face painting, yard games and more before the movie begins at dusk.

Movies on the Plaza at Maryland Plaza

Take a date (or your friends) and enjoy an outdoor movie night at Maryland Plaza. Movies start at 7:30 p.m., and the lineup promises fun for the family with "Hairspray" on July 24 as well as an adults' night out on Aug. 21 to see the critically acclaimed 'dramedy' "American Fiction." The event is free and open to the public, and dinner seating, takeout and drinks are available at Edera Italian Eatery nearby.

Lawn Chair Movie Night at City Park

On the third Friday of every summer month, the city of Union will host movie nights at City Park starting at dusk. Every movie is completely free,and guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, food and coolers. Skip the babysitter and join in the family fun with this lineup of entertainment: "Elemental" on July 20, "The Little Mermaid" (the live-action version) on Aug. 16 and "Free Birds" on Sept. 20.