Where to Watch Spooky Movies Under the Stars Around Memphis
Ditch the couch and catch Halloween classics under the stars. Memphis libraries, museums, shopping centers, and even a historic cemetery are screening spooky-season favorites all month long. Image: Facebook / Carriage Crossing
Streaming creepy classics from your couch is fine, but watching them under the stars? Even better. This October, Memphis libraries, museums, shopping centers, and a historic cemetery are all hosting outdoor movie nights featuring Halloween favorites and fall films. Pack your blankets, grab some snacks, and settle in for an evening of thrills, chills, and nostalgia!
Overton Square Movie Series
Neighborhood: Overton Square
More Info: overtonsquare.com
Overton Square is a beloved spot for family-friendly fun and shopping, but its outdoor movie series should be on your radar, too. Taking place at the Chimes Square Courtyard on Trimble Place, the event started in late September, but you can still catch screenings of Knives Out (October 1), Practical Magic (October 8), Casper (October 15), Us (October 22), and Poltergeist (October 29).
Chairs and blankets are encouraged, but leave outside food and beverages at home. 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: eventbrite.com
On October 30, soak in the spectral beauty of historic Elmwood Cemetery during a unique film event that helps fund the cemetery’s maintenance. The series returns for its 10th anniversary with the very first film they ever screened: The Birds, from movie legend Alfred Hitchcock.
Showtime starts around sunset (roughly 6 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 and picnic baskets — or order from featured food truck Hot-N-Heavy Dogs.
Cordova Library Family Movie Nights
Neighborhood: Cordova
More Info: memphis.librarycalendar.com
Every other Friday in October, the Cordova Library hosts outdoor family movie nights, starting at 6 p.m. The lineup includes Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban (October 2), Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire (October 16), and Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix (October 30).
Carriage Crossing Friday Flicks
Neighborhood: Collierville
More Info: shopcarriagecrossing.com
Head to Carriage Crossing’s Center Green on October 30 for a Halloween movie night featuring The Addams Family. The family-friendly film begins at 8 p.m., with live music and popcorn available before the show. Plus, the October installment includes a performance from members of The Song Shack dressed as Addams Family characters. Bring your own chairs, blankets, and snacks for a fun night under the stars.
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.
First up is a screening of David Lynch’s Eraserheads on October 1, accompanied by a live original score. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $18.75 and include a Holtermonster poster created especially for the film. (SB Tip: Arrive early to purchase drinks from Hampline Brewing before the show!)
Additionally, Like You Film Club offers kid-friendly films for the whole family. The next event is October 10 at 2:30 p.m., with a screening of Wolfwalkers and accompanying crafts and activities in the lobby. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for kids.
Grab some popcorn and let spooky season begin!
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Check out our Happenings calendar for more fun events 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.
