Clicky

Search
Close this search box.

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’s free outdoor movies in the Orange and OC parks 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 pm, so plan to arrive early! You can also enjoy free parking and free popcorn!

  • June 7, 2024, Elemental, Grand Park/ Town Center Amphitheater
  • June 21, 2024, The Migration, Grand Park/ Town Center Amphitheater
  • July 26, 2024, Wish, Grand Park/ Town Center Amphitheater
  • August 9, 2024, Trolls Band Together,Grand Park/ Town Center Amphitheater

Costa Mesa

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

  • July 8, 2024, The Muppets Movie, 8pm, Segerstrom Center

  • July 15, 2024, Pitch Perfect, 8pm,  Segerstrom Center of the Arts

  • July 22, 2024, Jurassic Park, 8pm, Segerstrom Center of the Arts

  • July 29, 2024, 13 Going on 30, 8pm, Segerstrom Center of the Arts

  • August 5, 2024, Back to the Future, 8pm, Segerstrom Center of the Arts

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 26, 2024, Blue Hawaii

  • May 27, 2024, Angry Birds

  • June 16, 2024, The Princess Bride

  • June 17, 2024, Sing

  • June 23, 2024, Rudy

  • June 24, 2024, The Secret Life of Pets

  • June 30, 2024, ET The Extra-Terrestrial

  • July 1, 2024, The Lego Batman Movie

Lake Forest

The movies begin at 7:30pm. 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.

  • June 14, 2024, Back to the Future

  • July 12, 2024, The Super Mario Bros Movie

  • August 9, 2024, Soul

OC Parks Sunset Cinema Film Series

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

  • June 7, 2024, Wonka, Craig Regional Park, Fullerton

  • June 14, 2024, Little Rascals, Craig Regional Park, Fullerton

  • June 21, 2024, The Migration, Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Brea

  • June 28, 2024, Men in Black, Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Brea

  • July 12, 2024, Trolls Band Together, Mason Regional Park, Irvine

  • July 19, 2024, Barbie, Yorba Linda Regional Park, Yorba Linda

  • July 26, 2024, National Treasure, Yorba Linda Regional Park, Yorba Linda
  • August 2, 2024, Frozen II, Irvine Regional Park, Irvine

  • August 9, 2024, Napolean Dynamite, Irvine Regional Park, Irvine

  • August 16, 2024, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Laguna Niguel Regional Park, Laguna Niguel
  • August 23, 2024, 13 Going on 30, Laguna Niguel Regional Park, Laguna Niguel
  • August 30, 2024, The Goonies, 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.

  • May 31, 2024, Super Mario Bros Movie, 7pm, Marina Park

  • July 12, 2024, Kung Fu Panda 4, 7pm, Mariners Park

  • August 9, 2024, Migration, 7 pm, Bayview Park

  • September 13, 2024, Wonka, Buffalo Hills Park, 6pm

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.

  • June 7, 2024, Trolls Band Together, Central Park RSM

  • July 26, 2024, Kung Fu Panda 4, Central Park RSM

See you at the Park!

Movie nights and summer concerts 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!

Subscribe to Our Weekly Events Newsletter

Picture of Howard Chung

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.

LET US KEEP YOU IN THE LOOP

Never miss a thing in Orange County!

Get a FREE list of fun, local events delivered to your inbox weekly!

I agree to be contacted by Your Orange County via text, call & email.
To opt-out, reply ‘stop’ to [email protected].

Skip to content