2025 Free Outdoor Movies (in and near Boston)

Outdoor movies under the stars are a summer fave. Our lists focuses on the movies and venues geared towards little ones.

When Does The Outdoor Movie Season Start?

The outdoor movie season (in Boston) starts in June and ends around September.

Who Hosts Movie Nights?

Different entities throughout the Boston-area host movie nights on open green spaces. They include:

• Boston Parks (Boston)

• DCR (Department of Conservation and Recreation) (Massachusetts)

• The Lot (Dorchester)

• Kroc Center (Dorchester)

• The Prudential Center (Copley)

• Boston Landing (Boston)

• The Coolidge (Brookline ~ 20 minutes from Boston)

• Asian CDC (Chinatown)

• MIT Open Space (Cambridge ~ 20 minutes from Boston)

• Kendall Center (Cambridge ~ 20 minutes from Boston)

• Revere Beach (Revere ~ 20 minutes from Boston)

• Somerville (Somerville ~ 30 minutes from Boston)

• Patriot Place (Foxborough ~ 30 minutes from Boston)

Which Boston Neighborhoods Host Movie Nights?

Boston offers movie nights in multiple neighborhoods throughout the city including Roxbury, Dorchester, Roslindale, Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, East Boston, South Boston, Brighton, South End, Hyde Park, Charlestown, and Downtown.

Are Movie Nights Crowded?

Not in our experience. Despite being free, movie nights offer plenty of viewing room so that everyone can see and enjoy the night. I'm sure it depends on which location you choose.

Are New Films Shown on Movie Night?

Yes! Some older films like "Back to The Future" and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" are shown year-after-year despite being from the 1980's. Recent movies are also shown. For example, Disney's Wish was released in November of 2023 and was shown twice in the summer of 2024.

Why Do Some Events Last Longer Than The Movie?

Some events offer pre-movie entertainment with the actual movie starting at dusk.

What's The Most Played Movie This Summer?

Moana 2, Despicable Me 4, and Inside Out 2.

Why Do Movies Start At Dusk?

In order to see the movie screen it has to be dark outside. This means the sun has to set or be setting.

What Happens If It Rains?

Some may schedule a rain date, move the event indoors, or cancel. If it's only a light drizzle that doesn't last long, the event may go on.

What Should I Pack?

You can bring a lawn chair or blanket. We also suggest bringing a water bottle, light snacks, and sweaters. Even though movie nights happen during the summer, the weather cools down a lot after the sun goes down.