2024 Summer Outdoor Movie Series Schedules

Think outside the box this summer and catch a movie under the stars.

August 8, 2024

Kaitlyn Murray,

Head to a local park (or even your own backyard) for an outdoor movie night this summer. Photo via Getty Images/Vuk Saric.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated from a version that originally published in July 2021.

NORTH

Rustic Tri View Drive-In

North Smithfield

The Rustic Drive-In, located on
Rt. 146 in North Smithfield, is open Wednesday through Sunday with three showings to choose from. Photo courtesy of the Rustic Drive-In

Travel back in time with your family as you head to the Rustic Drive-In for a night of not one, but two feature films. Open Wednesday through Sunday, the circa 1951 drive-in features three outdoor screens and movies for all ages from Inside Out 2 to Bad Boys: Ride or Die. The double feature time frame certainly calls for ample snack packing, but don’t worry if you forget one of the essentials like popcorn or candies — the well-stocked snack bar has you covered. Tip: If you own a pickup truck, bring some blankets and lounge in the bed for the
ultimate open-air experience.

Showtimes: Wednesday through Sunday, through Labor Day; Fridays and Saturdays in the off-season (plus the Sunday of Columbus Day weekend). Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and the first movie begins around sunset. Movie listings are announced each Tuesday.

The Details: $32 per sedan, SUV or truck; $42 for oversize vehicles. Customer Appreciation Day discounts offered Wednesday nights. 1195 Eddie Dowling Hwy., North Smithfield, 769-7601, yourneighborhoodtheatre.com

First Friday Movies at Roger Williams Park

Providence

By now you’re probably well aware of the popular Food Truck Friday at Roger Williams Park, but did you know the park conservancy hosts movie nights, too? Grab a picnic blanket and head on over to the Boathouse Lawn during the first Friday of the month, now through October, for family-friendly flicks like Shrek, Monsters University and Wolfwalkers. Make sure to grab dinner from the many food trucks nearby before settling in.

Showtimes: Fridays, Aug. 2, Sept. 6 and Oct. 4. Movies begin at sunset.

The Details: Free. Clark Dalrymple Boathouse Lawn (across from the Carousel Village), Roger Williams Park, Providence, rwpconservancy.org

People Watching Movie In Open Air Cinema In City Park

If a drive-in isn’t to your liking, some of Rhode Island’s outdoor movie nights are held at local parks and beaches. Photo via Getty Images/FG Trade Latin and Vera Petrunina.

SOUTH

Misquamicut Drive-In

Westerly

Photo via Getty Images/Wave Break Media

Head to Misquamicut for a night of movie-watching under the stars. Pack lawn chairs for the full al fresco experience or bring a blanket to curl up in the comfort of your own car. Tune the radio to watch familiar favorites like Dirty Dancing and Jurassic Park, as well as current blockbusters like Barbie, in surround sound. If you’re feeling peckish, head to the snack bar for hot dogs, candy, popcorn, cold drinks and more (just remember it’s a cashless facility). Best of all, the drive-in is pet-friendly, so Fido can join in on the fun, too. Although it’s late in the season now, keep in mind for next year that buying a season pass will ensure you never miss a screening — sign up for the movie schedule so you always know what’s playing.

Showtimes: Weekends and select weeknights. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.; previews start at 8 p.m.; movies start at 9 p.m. See website for a complete list of showings.

The Details: $25 per car. Wuskenau Town Beach pondside lot, 316 Atlantic Ave., Westerly, mbadrivein.com

Movies on the Beach at Narragansett Town Beach

Narragansett

Listen to crashing waves and breathe in the salty ocean air as you watch family-friendly favorites like Trolls Band Together and Wonka at Narragansett Town Beach. Plus, grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks that will be on site.

Showtimes: Wednesdays, Aug. 7 and 21. Movies begin at dusk, weather permitting.

The Details: Free. North Beach Clubhouse Deck, Narragansett Town Beach, 79 Boston Neck Rd., Narragansett, narragansettri.gov

Family Watching A Movie At The Outdoors Cinema

If a drive-in isn’t to your liking, some of Rhode Island’s outdoor movie nights are held at local parks and beaches. Photo via Getty Images/FG Trade Latin and Vera Petrunina.

EAST

NewportFILM

Newport

There’s more in store for you here than just a typical movie night. Every Thursday this summer, join NewportFILM for award-winning documentaries, indies, contests and more across Aquidneck Island’s beautiful lawns, fields and parks. The lineup this year includes the likes of Maya and the Wave, Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes and Secret Mall Apartment. With live music before each showing and plenty of food vendors in attendance, make sure to claim your spot early to enjoy a full summer evening of entertainment.

NewportFILM highlights award-
winning documentaries, indies and more. Photo courtesy of Discover Newport

Showtimes: Thursdays through Sept. 5. Movies begin at sunset.

The Details: Free, but space is limited. $10 suggested donation. Various locations, 649-2784, newportfilm.com

Cars Under the Stars

Warren

Load up the kiddos and pull into Burr’s Hill Park on Aug. 8 to catch the tail end of Warren’s summer movie series beneath the starry night sky. The newly minted childhood classic The Super Mario Bros. Movie kicks off around dusk, surely setting the scene for a fun family memory for years to come.

Showtimes Thursday, Aug. 8. Gate opens at 6:30 p.m. Movie starts at 8:30 p.m.

The Details: Free. Burr’s Hill Park, Warren, townofwarren-ri.gov

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Take It Inside

Raining? Consider watching a flick in style at one of these historic establishments, where the main attractions and snacks will cost you, but the moody atmosphere is free.

Avon Cinema

The Avon Cinema. Photo courtesy of Go Providence

The art deco style building on Providence’s Thayer Street started life as the Toy Theater in 1915. Poor business led to its closure not long after, but the Dulgarian family took over in February 1938. They’ve owned and operated the historic theater ever since with the mission of keeping the experience as close as possible to how our grandparents watched movies back in the day. But you won’t find big blockbusters on this single-screen theater — film aficionados regularly stop by to watch independent, art house and foreign pictures. 260 Thayer St., Providence, 421-0020, avoncinema.com

United Theatre

Originally opened as a vaudeville venue in 1926, Westerly’s United Theatre eventually became a cinema before closing in 1986. It remained shuttered until the community took a renewed interest in the building and came up with a grand renovation plan in 2019. The theater reopened as a dynamic arts complex in 2021, with three film venues: a seventy-six-seat main cinema, a twenty-four-seat micro cinema and a 100-seat balcony cinema that screens both mainstream and indie films. It’s also home to a 600-seat auditorium used for live music, theater, dance and more; an event and gallery space; and a state-of-the-art music school. 5 Canal St., Westerly, 388-8208, unitedtheatre.org

The JPT Film & Event Center

Named for the noted singer, actress, politician and philanthropist, the Jane Pickens Film & Event Center doesn’t just show movies — it creates experiences (think: a screening of 1974’s The Great Gatsby — which was filmed nearby — complete with themed decor and snacks). The original property was built as a church in 1834 and began showing films in the 1920s. The art deco theater still sports an original ticket booth and vintage posters, but keeps up with the times by offering concessions like fresh popcorn with real butter, candy, sodas, craft cocktails, wine and beer. 49 Touro St., Newport, 846-5474, janepickens.com

Photo courtesy of the JPT Film & Event Center.

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Rhody in the Spotlight

Would you like to host an outdoor movie night in your own backyard? Here are a few movies filmed in or about Rhode Island to consider.

27 Dresses

After being a bridesmaid twenty-seven times, but never the bride, Jane wrestles with the idea of standing by her sister’s side … especially as she is marrying the man Jane is secretly in love with.

Starring: Katherine Heigl and James Marsden

Filming Locations: Rosecliff and Marble House mansions in Newport

How to Stream: Netflix and Disney+

Amistad

In 1839, the Amistad sails from Cuba to America carrying African slaves as its cargo, but the captives successfully mutiny, forcing the courts to decide if they are legally free citizens of another country or runaway slaves.

starring: Anthony Hopkins,
Djimon Hounsou, Matthew McConaughey

filming locations: Washington Square and the Colony House in Newport

How to Stream: Amazon Prime and Paramount+

Dan in Real Life

Widower and single father Dan Burns dedicates his life to his kids, but when he finally falls in love again, he discovers the woman
is his brother’s girlfriend.

Starring: Steve Carell and Dane Cook

Filming Locations: Seven Stars Bakery in Providence, Ocean Avenue in Newport and Misquamicut Beach in Westerly

How to Stream: Amazon Prime and Disney+

Me, Myself and Irene

A Rhode Island state trooper with multiple personalities is tasked with protecting a woman on the run from her ex-boyfriend and corrupt police officers.

Starring: Jim Carrey and Renee Zellweger

Filming Locations: Galilee in Narragansett and Narragansett Avenue in Jamestown

How to Stream: Amazon Prime and Hulu

The Great Gatsby (1974)

Based on the 1925 novel of the same name, The Great Gatsby follows Nick Carraway as he becomes fascinated by the lavish lifestyle and mysterious past of his neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and is drawn into his circle, only to witness obsession and tragedy.

Starring: Robert Redford and
Mia Farrow

Filming Locations: Rosecliff and Marble House mansions in Newport

How to Stream: Amazon Prime and Apple TV

Hocus Pocus 2

Two friends accidentally summon the Sanderson sisters from the dead and are tasked with protecting modern-day Salem from the child-hungry witches.

Starring: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy

Filming Locations: Downtown Newport and Chase Farm in Lincoln

How to Stream: Disney+

Good Burger 2

Ed welcomes Dex back to the Good Burger after a recent setback, but Dex’s schemes once again put the establishment in jeopardy.

Starring: Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell

Filming Locations: The old Friendly’s in North Providence