Birmingham Outdoor Movie Guide: Where to Watch!
Grab the popcorn and the picnic blanket, it's outdoor movie season! Here's the scoop on where to watch around the Magic City. Image: Lane Parke
Get your picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and coolers ready, because outdoor movie season is almost here! These evenings under the stars are perfect for budget-friendly family entertainment, date nights, or a fun night out with friends. Check out this year’s lineup of outdoor movie series around the Magic City!
Movies on the Mountain
Location: Vulcan Park & Museum
More Info: visitvulcan.com
Vulcan Park’s Movies on the Mountain event was a smash last year, so they’re setting up the big screen again for another series. Watch beloved family-friendly flicks against the iconic Magic City backdrop atop Vulcan Park, and enjoy free popcorn and cookies with your ticket. You’ll find more concessions, a cash bar, and local vendors on site.
Unlike other outdoor summer movie series with full schedules, Movies on the Mountain hosts just one movie per season. This year’s lineup includes Space Jam on June 13, followed by Hotel Transylvania on October 24. Tickets are $10 each, and children under 5 are free. Their spring screening on April 11 sold out, so be sure to grab your fall and summer tickets while you can!
Alabaster’s Movie Nights
Location: Alabaster Amphitheater
More Info: cityofalabaster.com
Alabaster hosts free summer movie nights in June and July. Movies and dates have yet to be announced, but screenings begin at dusk and are held at the Alabaster Amphitheater next to City Hall. Alabaster’s primary movie series is family-friendly, but the Alabaster Teen Council hosts Teen Movie Nights throughout the summer for a (slightly) older crowd.
Vestavia’s Moonlight Movies
Location: Vestavia City Center
More Info: Facebook
Vestavia City Center’s Moonlight Movies returns to the green this June. The full series is yet to be announced, but the fun kicks off on June 4 with a screening of Inside Out 2. Additional movie screenings are slated for June 11 and July 16. Last year’s movie nights featured popcorn, balloon animals, shaved ice, and even a bounce house for little ones. Grab dinner at one of the many restaurants on campus and settle in for the night’s featured film starting at 6 p.m.
Chelsea Park’s Movie in the Park
Location: Parkmont Park
More Info: Facebook
Chelsea Park once again hosts an outdoor movie series throughout the summer and fall season — mark your calendar for May 15 (tonight!), July 11, and September 12 at Parkmont Park. Previous movie nights have included a food truck or two, so plan to enjoy some delicious grub and a good movie under the stars. The 2026 lineup includes Zootopia 2, How to Train Your Dragon (live action), and The Little Mermaid.
Mountain Brook’s Moonlight Movies
Location: Lane Parke
More Info: Facebook
On May 29, head to Lane Parke for Mountain Brook’s Moonlight Movie event, featuring Zootopia 2. It’s an easy, all-ages night out under the stars. Arrive early to explore Lane Parke’s variety of dining options — whether you’re in the mood for a full dinner or just a sweet movie treat. It’s the kind of setup where you can make the evening as simple or as festive as you want.
Irondale’s Screen Scene Movie Series
Location: Beacon Park
More Info: cityofirondaleal.gov
Make plans to attend the free Screen Scene Movie Series on Friday nights at Irondale’s Beacon Park. This is sure to be an action-packed night, with games and train rides starting at 7 p.m., followed by the show at dusk. Enjoy popcorn, hot dogs, lemonade, snow cones, and more. The 2026 movie lineup includes Zootopia 2 on May 22, The Princess and the Frog on June 19, and Top Gun on July 17.
Trussville’s Summer Movie Nights
Location: The Gateway Green
More Info: trussvillechamber.com
Trussville’s free Summer Movie Nights return to The Gateway Green on Tuesday nights this summer. The series kicks off on June 2 with Disney’s Up, followed by Encanto on June 9, Ratatouille on June 16, and The SpongeBob Movie on June 23. With plenty of food and drink options, all you have to do is show up and have fun!
BONUS: Grand River Drive-In
Location: Leeds
More Info: grandriverdrive-in.com
While we’re at it, we’d be remiss not to shout out the closest drive-in movie theater to Birmingham. Located next to The Shops of Grand River, the Grand River Drive-In backs onto The Backyard, which features a playground, mini-golf course, yard games, and an off-leash dog park. It’s also home to Neighbors Brew & Pies and Saw’s Barbeque for a pre- or post-show dinner. If you need popcorn, the Snack Shack at the drive-in has you covered with plain and buttered, along with candy, nachos, and drinks.
The drive-in is open on Fridays and Saturdays, rain or shine. It offers four screens, so you can choose the flick that fits your crew.
Enjoy the show, Birmingham!
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Katie Leigh Matthews
A Birmingham native, Katie is a lifelong waterfall chaser and is passionate about the outdoors. She also loves connecting with remarkable women in the Birmingham community and bringing their stories to life. Katie has been writing professionally for over six years; you can find more of her work at Moms.com and Islands.com.