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!

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!

• July 14, 2023, A League Of Their Own, 6pm- 10pm,  Aliso Viejo Community Park

• July 28, 2023, Field Of Dreams, 6pm- 10pm, Woodfield Park

• August 11, 2023, Turning Red, 6pm- 10pm, Grand Park/ Town Center Amphitheater

Costa Mesa

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

• July 15, 2023, Minions the Rise of Gru, 6pm, Balearic Park

• July 17, 2023, Clue, 6pm,  Segerstrom Center of the Arts

• August 19, 2023, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, 6pm, Tewinkle Park

• July 24, 2023, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 6pm, Segerstrom Center of the Arts

• July 31, 2023, Peter Pan, 6pm, 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.

• July 16, 2023, Puss In Boots the Last Wish

• July 23, 2023, The Incredibles

• July 30, 2023, Jurassic World

• August 6, 2023, Lightyear

• August 13, 2023, Top Gun: Maverick

• August 20, 2023, Jungle Cruise

• August 27, 2023, Encanto

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 16, 2023, DC League of Superpets

• July 7, 2023, Tom & Jerry The Movie

• August 11, 2023, Sonic The Hedgehog 2

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.

• July 14, 2023, Clueless, Yorba Regional Park, Anaheim

• July 21, 2023, Lightyear, Irvine Regional Park, Orange

• July 28, 2023, Nacho Libre, Irvine Regional Park, Orange

• August 4, 2023, Cruella, Mason Regional Park, Irvine

• August 11, 2023, Kung Fu Panda, Mason Regional Park, Irvine

• August 18, 2023, Spiderman: No Way Home, Laguna Niguel Regional Park, Laguna Niguel

• August 25, 2023, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, Laguna Niguel Regional Park, Laguna Niguel

• September 1, 2023, Uncharted, Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach, Dana Point

• September 8, 2023, Mamma Mia, 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.

• July 21, 2023, Minions the Rise Of Gru, 7pm, Mariners Park

• August 18, 2023, Turning Red, 7pm, Cliff Drive Park and Community Center

• September 8, 2023, The Bad Guys, 7 pm, Irvine Terrace Park

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.

• July 21, 2023, Super Mario Brothers Movie, Central Park RSM

• August 11, 2023, Beethoven, 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!