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Free Outdoor Movies In Orange County

Calling all Orange County movie goers! If you’re like me, there’s just something about watching movies on the big screen, no matter if it’s inside or out. I actually forgot how nice it is to pack up the car and the family for summer movie nights. And what’s better than free movie nights in Orange County?! Not much! I especially love outdoor movies with food trucks!

This definitely reminds me of going to the old drive-thru theater (I SO wish they were still around) on a Friday night! Every month, my friends and I would search for a list of movies, and it was always a fun weekend to see the new films out that month. Plus, it’s the perfect way to enjoy summer nights!

If you’re looking for some weekend fun, there are free outdoor movies in Orange County parks and other places throughout the entire summer. It’s truly the perfect way to enjoy warm summer nights (in addition to the summer concert series that are also hosted). The weather is great, with temps dropping to the lower 70s and 60s. Definitely an amazing activity to spend time with friends and family!

Table of Contents

What to Expect at Orange County Outdoor Movies in the Park

Must-Have Items

  • Since it’s a park, the best way to experience outdoor movies is from a low lawn chair or cozy blanket. Be sure to bring both so that you can be comfortable while you enjoy the movie!

  • And what’s an outdoor movie in Orange County without yummy food? Make sure to pack a picnic basket with your favorite snacks and food so that you have plenty to munch on.

  • Some of the parks also offer yummy food trucks, a wine garden, and other vendors, so bring money.

  • Please note that alcohol is not allowed in most Orange and OC parks, so make sure you bring your favorite summer non-alcoholic drinks.

  • Summer nights in Orange County can get cool, so bring a light sweater or jacket just in case.

Good To Know

  • The Orange County outdoor movies in the park are free events, so be sure to invite all your friends. The more the merrier! These are hosted at some of my favorite regional parks, so I know you will enjoy them too!

  • Plan to arrive early so that you can get a good spot up front.

  • Most of the Orange County city parks have free parking, but spaces fill up quickly, so keep this in mind.

  • Pets are not permitted at most of the events. Check the park website before you go.

Here are the cities with movie screenings in Orange County

Aliso Viejo

There will be some pre-show entertainment beginning at 6:30 pm, so plan to arrive early! You can also enjoy free parking and free popcorn!

  • June 6, 2025 – Moana 2 (PG)

  • June 20, 2025 – Kung Fu Panda 4 (PG)

  • July 11, 2025 – The Wild Robot (PG)

  • July 25, 2025 – Mufasa (PG)

  • August 8, 2025 – Toy Story 4 (PG)

Costa Mesa

Pre-movie activities begin at 6 pm, and the movies will start around sunset.

  • July 7, 2025 – Coco

  • July 14, 2025 – Crazy Rich Asians

  • July 21, 2025- League of Their Own

  • July 28, 2025- Princess Diaries

  • August 4, 2025 – In The Heights

Irvine

Pack your low lawn chairs and picnic blankets for the event! The movies begin at 7pm and it is all located at the Giant Wheel Lawn at the Irvine Spectrum.

  • May 17, 2025 – Moana
  • TBD for the rest of the season

 

Irvine, Hick Canyon

Grab your blankets and low-back chairs—it’s outdoor movie night at Hicks Canyon! Pack a picnic or indulge in delicious bites from gourmet food trucks starting at 6 p.m. Movies kick off at sunset (weather permitting), so arrive early to claim your spot and enjoy the evening under the stars.

  • June 13, 2025 — Harold and the Purple Crayon

  • July 18, 2025 — Mufasa: The Lion King 

  • July 25, 2025 —  Sonic the Hedgehog 3 

  • August 8, 2025 — Inside Out 2 

Lake Forest

The movies begin at 7:30 pm. Make sure to bring some blankets and low lawn chairs to the event. The summer movies event will be held at the Lake Forest Sports Park Common Grass Area.

  • TBD

OC Parks Sunset Cinema Film Series

The events start at 6 pm! And the movie begins at sunset. For more detailed information on the events, click here.

  • June 6, 2025 – Despicable Me 4, Craig Regional Park, Fullerton

  • June 13, 2025 – Charlie’s Angels, Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Brea

  • June 20, 2025 – Inside Out 2 Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Brea

  • June 27, 2025 –  Hercules, Craig Regional Park, Fullerton

  • July 11, 2025 – Mufasa: The Lion King, Mason Regional Park, Irvine

  • July 18, 2025 – Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Yorba Regional Park, Yorba Linda

  • July 25, 2025 – Miss Congeniality, Yorba Regional Park, Yorba Linda

  • August 1, 2025 – Twisters, Laguna Niguel Regional Park, Laguna Niguel

  • August 8, 2025 – The Greatest Showman, Laguna Niguel Regional Park, Laguna Niguel

  • August 15, 2025 – Elemental, Irvine Regional Park, Irvine

  • August 22, 2025 – Shrek, Irvine Regional Park, Irvine

  • August 29, 2025 – Moana 2, Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach, Dana Point

Newport Beach

Get ready for a fun night! The movie in the park will have free popcorn, candy, and activities for the whole family. There will be food trucks and other vendors at the event.

  • TBD

Rancho Santa Margarita

Pack your own picnic basket, or bring money to purchase pizza from Mountain Mike’s Pizza! Don’t forget to save room for dessert from Screamin! Ice Cream. Popcorn is also free to all guests. Make sure to show up early to these events to beat the crowds.

  • TBD

See you at the Park!

Movie nights, summer concerts, and Orange County Night Markets are some of the best ways to enjoy summer nights. We have some of the best local parks in the area, and I hope to see you out and about this summer!

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Howard Chung

Hey Orange County, I’m Howard Chung! I'm here to share weekly information about the best events, restaurants, shopping and activities in and around Orange County, California. Plus, the best hiking, biking, health and wellness options, new hot spots, and more! Click below to follow us.

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