Load the family into the car! It’s time for a free movie night as a part of one of the summer series going on around the city of Pittsburgh. Forget expensive tickets, no outside snacks, and crowded theaters. Instead, the Steel City transforms into an open-air cinema, inviting you to grab a blanket and enjoy movies in some of the city’s most beloved green spaces. It’s the perfect way to cool down, reconnect with the community, and enjoy cinematic magic without spending a dime.
Summer Movie Series at Pittsburgh Parks and Beyond
Hazelwood Local & Row House Cinema
July-August, Mill 19
These two groups are coming together to offer families a night out on the lawn. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for the movies Cool Runnings in July and The Wild Robot in August. Other than the movie you can grab free popcorn from Row House Cinema, check out pre-show activities, and get face paint done courtesy of Hazelwood Local and Beanie Paints.
Dollar Bank Cinema In The Park
July-August, Various Locations
Possibly the largest free movie series of the summer, Dollar Bank sponsors various Cinema In The Park nights through many of the local parks. Locations include Schenley Park, Arsenal Park, Banksville Park, Riverview Park, Liberty Green Park, Troy Hill Citizens Park, McBride Park, West End Elliot Overlook, Schenley Plaza, Grandview Park, Highland Park, Brookline Memorial Park, and Ormsby Park. Each park sets its own schedule but you can look forward to features like Inside Out 2, Moana 2, Paddington in Peru, and Dog Man.
Allegheny County Movies in the Parks
July-August, Various Locations
Another Pittsburgh summer movie series featuring the local parks comes from sponsor Allegheny County. The county encourages guests to bring along their own food, drinks, and snacks to really make the night their own. This year, the series takes place at Deer Lakes Park Carp Field, Hartwood Acres Park Mansion Lawn, North Park Boathouse Lawn, Harrison Hills Park Yakaon Shelter, Settlers Cabin Park Moccasin Shelter, and Boyce Park Four Seasons Center. The biggest animated films of last year make an appearance such as Despicable Me 4, Inside Out 2, Moana 2, Mufasa: The Lion King, Transformers One, and Kung Fu Panda 4.
Bethel Park Movies in the Park
July-August, Miner’s Park
Bethel Park and surrounding community members have three more movie showings to look forward to this year at Miner’s Park. On July 18 the park will be playing the new Harold and the Purple Crayon movie starring Zachary Levi. Then, on August 1 see the throwback classic The Goonies, a staple of older generations childhood. Finally, the series comes to a close on August 15 with a showing of the original Inside Out to relive the amazing masterpiece all over again.
Summer Outdoors Classic Series
July-September, Bridgeville Public Library
Who doesn’t love a classic mystery or romance from the early ages of cinema? The Bridgeville Public Library invites you to bring a lawn chair to their patio and rewind to when times were simpler. Films start at dusk and the next in the lineup include A Shot in the Dark, The Seven Year Itch, and The Thomas Crow Affair. Whether you’re a fan of dreamy romantic comedies, melodramatic pieces, heist films, there’s something for each movie lover.
Summer 2025 Movies in the Pool Lot
July-August, Dormont Pool Parking Lot
After a long day of swimming, the perfect end involves heading to the parking lot and cozying up in a towel to popular kid movies. You can bring chairs or blankets to reserve your spot and any snacks you like. The two movies coming up highlight top choices for many different generations. The first is The Iron Giant on July 12, taking us back to 1999 sci-fi family film. Then, end the pool lot movie season with another sci-fi inspired flick, Big Hero 6 from Disney.
Movies at Fairview
July-October, Fairview Park
Lasting a bit after summer ends, South Fayette Township holds their movie series at Fairview Park on Friday nights. They encourage you to bring along whatever comfy chair you like, along with bug spray and treats for the kids. The movie picks for the upcoming months are Moana 2 for July, Despicable Me 4 for August, The Addams Family 2 for September, and the Hindi children’s film Zokkomon with English subtitles in October. Plus, you can meet Moana prior to the movie in July, so who knows what surprises are in store.
Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo Courtesy of City of Pittsburgh
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