One of the best free things to do around Baltimore in the summer time is to watch a movie outdoors under the stars. It’s the perfect family activity or date night. We’ve rounded up a list of the free outdoor movies in and around Baltimore. Please remember to check the location’s website or Facebook page before heading out just in case there are any changes to the schedule.
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Baltimore City
Mount Vernon Conservancy Movie Night
Mount Vernon Place – 699 Washington Place, Baltimore
Head over to Mount Vernon Place’s verdant East Square with a picnic blanket or lawn chair to enjoy a free monthly movie in June, July and August. This summer’s flicks include: STEP, Wonder Woman and Coco. The popcorn is free, too!
Flicks from the Hill
American Visionary Art Museum – 800 Key Highway, Baltimore Inner Harbor
Every Thursday at 9pm during July and August, the Hughes Outdoor Theater at the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) features a free movie on its 30-foot wide screen. The Hughes Family Outdoor Theater has seating for more than 1,000 on the natural amphitheater formed by Federal Hill. Before each screening, take part in Fit before Flicks, a series of free exercise classes led by area experts. Also, AVAM offers free museum admission from 5pm-9pm on movie nights. Flicks on the schedule for 2018: Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Casablanca, Clue, The Birds, Harriet the Spy, Sherlock Holmes, Hidden Figures, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.
Films on the Pier
Fells Point – 1600 Thames Street, Baltimore
This free summer film series is presented at the end of Broadway Pier in the heart of Baltimore’s historic Fells Point. Each film begins at dusk on Wednesday evenings starting in July and running through the end of August. The series kicks of this summer with Star Wars: The Last Jedi on July 11.
Pics in the Park
Center Plaza — 110 W. Fayette Street
This free outdoor movie series takes place on the lawn in Center Plaza, with seating for hundreds. Bring your own picnic basket, blanket or lawn chair. Movies begin at sundown. Center Plaza is located off the Purple Circulator route at N. Charles & Fayette Street. Parking is available in the garage under the plaza, or along Liberty street. The plaza is bike, stroller, and pet friendly, and has free WiFi. The 2018 schedule:
- June 28 – Get Out
- July 26 – The Office Xmas in July marathon: Christmas Party, A Benihana Christmas, Classy Christmas, Dwight Christmas
- August 30 – Wonder Woman
- September 27 – Coco
Note: The May 31 showing of Oceans Eleven was postponed due to inclement weather. Stay tuned for a new date.
Luigi’s Summer Movie Series
Luigi’s Italian Deli of Hampden — 846 W 36th St, Baltimore
Enjoy some free classic comedies at Luigi’s. Snacks will be available, just bring your own beverage. Movies begin at 8:30pm. Here’s the lineup:
- June 16 – Can’t Hardly Wait
- July 14 – Superbad
- August 18 – Dazed and Confused
- September 15 – Clueless
Rhythms & Reels
Locations throughout the city
This series of free movies and concerts in Baltimore city parks began in 2016 brought to the community by Baltimore City Recreations and Parks. In 2018, there are 145 family-friendly events on the program in 36 Baltimore communities through October. View the entire schedule here. All showings provide free popcorn and picnic baskets and coolers are welcome. Pets are welcome too as long as they are leashed.
The Family Music Jam and Movie Festival in the Park
Park Heights – 3500 West Northern Parkway, Baltimore
Free movies in the park begin at 8pm. There is also open mic and jam sessions from 3pm to 7pm prior to each movie. Here’s the movie schedule for 2018:
- June 2 – Kong Skull Island
- June 9 – Despicable Me
- July 7 –Same Kind of Different as Me
- July 14 –Born to Be Wild: Peter Rabbit
- Aug. 4 – Black Panther
- Aug. 11 – Leap!
Baltimore County
Under the Stars Summer Movie Series
Manor Shopping Center – Jarrettsville Pike and Sweet Air Rd., Jacksonville
Head out to Jacksonville with the family on Wednesday evenings to see free movies beginning at dusk. Rain date is the following Thursday night. 2018’s schedule is as follows:
- June 27 — Paddington 2
- July 11 — Peter Rabbit
- July 25 — Coco
- Aug. 8 — Sherlock Gnomes
- Aug. 8 — A Wrinkle in Time
Metro Centre Movie Nights
Metro Centre – 10309 Grand Central Avenue, Owings Mills
Bring a picnic blanket and head out to the Metro Centre in Owings Mills for a free family movie night. Enjoy dining specials at eateries around the Metro Centre. Movies start at 8:30pm. Here’s the lineup for 2018 so far:
- June 8 – Hidden Figures
- June 22 – The Greatest Showman
- July 13 – Isle of Dogs
Howard County
Lakefront Summer Festival
Lake Kittamaqundi – 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia
Enjoy family-friendly movies on the lawn around Lake Kittamaqundi in Columbia. Sponsored by the Columbia Association, the series of free movies are shown every Monday and Friday from June 18 to August 31 and then every Friday and Saturday from August 31 to September 8. Movies begin at dusk, around 8:30pm. Check out the entire 2018 lineup here.
Harford County
Summer Movie Nights
Shamrock Park – 39 N. Hickory Avenue, Bel Air
The Bel Air Downtown Alliance sponsors 6 summer evening filled with family entertainment. Free movies begin at sunset. Come even earlier at 7:15pm for pre-movie entertainment. Popcorn and face painting will be free. Local food trucks will be on hand from 5pm to 8pm, for anyone who wants to enjoy dinner and a movie. This year’s schedule is as follows:
- June 15 – Beauty and the Beast
- June 29 – Storks
- July 13 – Despicable Me
- July 27 – Star Wars: The Last Jedi
- August 17 – Coco
- August 24 – Cars 3
Other articles you may like:
- Summer Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark: 10 kids’ films for $5
- Free Brews & Views Summer Concert Series
- 18 Free (or Cheap) Things to Do with Kids in Baltimore
- Free Family Fun Day kicks of for the Summer on May 19
- Free Fitness Classes at the Inner Harbor
- $1 Kid Flicks This Summer at Regal Cinemas
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