5 Summer Movie Series Around Memphis
Movie series are popping up across Memphis this season — and most of them are outdoors. Bring a blanket, grab your crew, and enjoy a movie night under the stars! Image: Facebook / Memphis Parks
Memphis film series are returning this summer with mostly free screenings that make it easy to enjoy a relaxing afternoon or evening. With most showings planned for outdoor venues, these movies in Memphis offer a fun way to gather with friends or family and take advantage of cooler nighttime temperatures. Mark your calendars!
Overton Square Movie Series
Neighborhood: Overton Square
More Info: overtonsquare.com
Overton Square is a hotspot for food, fun, shopping, and live music, but its outdoor movies should be on your radar, too. Head to Chimes Square Courtyard on Trimble Place for lively movie nights. The series started in April, but you can still catch screenings of A League of Their Own (May 21) and Zootopia 2 (May 28) before it ends!
Moviegoers are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets, but outside alcoholic beverages are not allowed. Showtimes start at 7 p.m., though you can arrive as early as 6 p.m. to snag prime viewing spots or order takeout from one of the Square’s many restaurants.
The Cemetery Cinema at Elmwood
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: elmwoodcemetery.org
On June 5, you can soak in the spectral beauty of historic Elmwood Cemetery during a unique film event that helps fund the cemetery’s maintenance. The series returns with a beloved family classic: The Goonies. Showtime starts around sunset (roughly 8:45 p.m.), and the film is projected onto the roof of Elmwood’s Gothic cottage. Along with chairs and blankets, you are welcome to bring coolers or picnic baskets — or order from the featured food truck on-site.
Movies in the Park
Neighborhood: Varies
More Info: Facebook
Movies in the Park, a free outdoor movie series sponsored by Memphis Parks, is officially underway and runs throughout the month. Showtimes start at 5:30 p.m., with water and treats provided while supplies last. Moviegoers are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets — and dress in costume to celebrate the movie’s theme! The last of this season’s lineup includes:
- May 16 (TOMORROW!): The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants at Bickford Park
- May 23: Wicked: For Good at Winridge Park
Crosstown Arts Film Series
Neighborhood: Midtown
More Info: crosstownconcourse.com
On May 21, Crosstown Arts features No Country for Old Men at the Crosstown Theater. To make a night of it, you can grab dinner, drinks, or snacks at Crosstown Concourse before or after the show. Seating is limited, so be sure to register in advance. Tickets are $5, and the screening begins at 7 p.m.
Featured Movies at MoSH
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More Info: moshmemphis.com
While not an outdoor series, the Memphis Museum of Science and History (MoSH) at the Pink Palace Museum & Mansion brings a variety of films to the Giant Screen Theater this season, thanks to Slowdown Cinema Club, Like You Film Club, and Watch What You Eat. Throughout May and June, you can catch favorite films and enjoy local food from sponsors like Grind City Brewing, Hard Times Deli, Comeback Coffee, and Kinfolk.
The Slowdown Cinema Club showings happen on select Fridays in May and June, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the show starting at 7:10 p.m. Tickets are $18.75 for adults and kids, and we’ve included the lineup below:
- May 22: School of Rock
- June 3: Frances Ha
- June 26: Hot Rod
Meanwhile, Like You Film Club offers kid-friendly films for the whole family. The next event takes place on June 20 at 3 p.m., with a screening of The Sandlot. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for kids.
Then, don’t miss the last Watch What You Eat movie of the season, which is Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom on May 21. The immersive experience offers local brews, bites, and food inspired by the movie. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. before the 7:10 p.m. showing. Grab your tickets for $25.75.
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Check out our Happenings calendar for more fun events happening in Memphis!
Ariel Taranski
Ariel's been writing professionally for over a decade, with a passion for travel, pets, good food, and a great book. She's lived in Memphis for over half of her life, a transplant from Florida and Southern through-and-through.