38 W E S T W O R D S u m m e r G u i d e 2 0 2 6 westword.com Fresh-Air Films WHERE TO CATCH OUTDOOR MOVIES THIS SUMMER. BY TONI TRESCA Who needs air conditioning and recliner seats? Watching a movie outside might be slightly less relaxing than in an AMC theater, but it’s a hell of a lot more scenic. Across the metro area, parks, rooftops, amphitheaters and parking lots are once again transforming into open-air cinemas. Whether you want cult classics at Red Rocks, family movies in suburban parks or the nostalgic crackle of a drive-in speaker, there is no shortage of ways to watch mov- ies under the stars this summer. This year’s lineups lean heavily into com- fort viewing. The most frequently screened fi lm this year is hands down (or is that paws down?) “Zootopia 2.” Meanwhile, “Shrek” continues its reign as an outdoor movie staple; “The Greatest Showman” and “The Princess Bride” are seemingly everywhere, and family-friendly fare like “Lilo & Stitch” dominates community programming. There are also a few curveballs mixed in, from “Bridesmaids” at Red Rocks to “Project Hail Mary” downtown at McGregor Square. From giant LED screens near Coors Field to cozy neighborhood gatherings with popcorn fundraisers and food trucks, here are fourteen places to catch an outdoor movie around Denver this summer. 88 Drive-In Theatre 8780 Rosemary St., Commerce City The last original drive-in theater remaining in the Denver metro area is back for its 50th season. Open since 1972 and family-owned since 1976, the 88 Drive-In runs two fi rst- run Hollywood movies daily for just $10 per person. The theater also allows outside food with a permit purchase (another $10 per car), though part of the fun is loading up on concession stand snacks while wait- ing for dusk. Just make sure your car has a working FM radio, because that is how the movie audio is broadcast. Avanti’s Movie Nights Thursdays through Sept.3 3200 Pecos St. Avanti turns rooftop moviegoing into a weekly themed party, complete with costume contests and themed food and cocktails. The lineup skews heavily toward millennial nostalgia this year, with screen- ings including “Clueless,” “Anchorman,” “Mean Girls” and “Holes.” A showing of “Shrek” in early August feels destined to become chaotic in the best possible way. Since the screenings are free and weath- er-dependent, arriving early to grab food and drinks from one of the onsite vendors is highly recommended. Movies in the Park in Westminster Fridays through Aug. 14 Various Westminster parks This long-running series keeps things fam- ily-focused with live music and pre-show activities before the movies begin at dusk. This year’s selections include “Zootopia 2,” “The SpongeBob Movie,” “Bad Guys 2” and “Goat,” all screened on giant outdoor set- ups spread across parks, schools and even a golf course. Food concessions help create an easy, affordable night out for families. The changing venues give each screening a slightly different neighborhood feel. Film on the Rocks at Red Rocks Mondays through Aug. 10 Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison Watching a movie at Red Rocks remains one of Colorado’s great summer experi- ences. Now entering its 27th season, Film on the Rocks once again pairs movies with live pre-show performances inside the iconic amphitheater. This year’s lineup includes “The Princess Bride,” “Sinners,” “Little Miss Sunshine,” “Bridesmaids” and “Jurassic Park.” If you haven’t watched a movie outside with 9,000 other people as the sun sets, do yourself a favor and make this the year you check this experience off your bucket list. Movie Nights at Infi nity Park in Glendale Mondays through Oct. 12 950 South Birch Street, Glendale Infi nity Park stretches the outdoor movie season deep into the fall with a lineup that mixes family animation with blockbuster spectacle. “Twisters” kicks things off in June, while “Zootopia 2,” “Ratatouille,” “The Princess Bride,” “Cars” and “Mon- sters vs. Aliens” keep things lighthearted later in the season. A July 2 screening of F1 comes paired with a fi reworks show. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and coolers, giving the entire series a re- laxed tailgate vibe. Flix & Kicks in Brighton Thursdays through Aug. 13 Carmichael Park and Founders Plaza, Brighton This summer movie series doubles as a com- munity festival, with activities starting well Film on the Rocks is just one of the many great places to watch a movie outside this summer. TONI TRESCA
