Warmer evenings mean it’s time to get the picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and coolers ready – it’s nearly the season for outdoor movies in Birmingham! Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly family entertainment, a fun date night, or something different for your crew, these events check all the boxes. From free community events to classic drive-in experiences, we’re sharing the scoop on six places to watch.
Trussville’s Free Movie on the Mall
More Info: trussvillechamber.com
Trussville’s Free Movie on the Mall will be back this summer! Grab your picnic blankets and lawn chairs and head to the grassy mall in downtown Trussville on Friday nights in June for a free movie and family fun.
They’ll kick things off on Friday, June 7, with family-friendly activities starting at 5:30 p.m., followed by the movie beginning at dusk. A variety of food trucks and vendors will always be ready to turn the night into an unforgettable event.
Free Friday Flicks at City Walk
More Info: Facebook
Free Friday Flicks began in Homewood Park back in the ’90s. It’s had several homes since then, and this summer, it will bring more movie magic to City Walk. Friday nights in June, don’t miss the family-friendly movies, food trucks, and fun.
Of course, City Walk has many other activities, so bring the kids (and even the pup!) early. Take a stroll, skate, and take the kids to the playground. The movie seating opens at 6:30 p.m., and the movies start around 7 p.m. Last year’s movies included Encanto, Drumline, and Back to the Future, and they are currently accepting movie suggestions here.
Movies at Avondale Park
More Info: Facebook
Avondale Park is the perfect spot to catch an outdoor movie, and it’s back with free movies every Tuesday night in June. The historic Garden Theater is a picturesque outdoor amphitheater with stadium-style seating, so everyone has a great view. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and sprawl out for the show!
Avondale Park offers plenty to do while you wait for the sun to set, so head over early for a walk around the pond and let the kids loose on the playground. In addition to food trucks, you can grab a drink or a bite to eat at the Parkside on Fifth or the newly combined Ferus on 41st and Avondale Common House, right across the street from the park.
Grand River Drive-In
More Info: grandriverdrive-in.com
Head to the Grand River Drive-In for a fun-filled night with the fam. Located next to the Shops at Grand River, the drive-in backs onto The Backyard, which features a playground, mini-golf course, yard games, and an off-leash dog park, so there is tons to do before the movie even starts. You can also grab dinner at Neighbors Brew and Pies or Saw’s Barbeque, all within The Backyard. If you need a snack for the movie, the drive-in has you covered at The Snack Shack, selling popcorn, candy, nachos, and drinks. Pack the kids and dog in the car and get ready for a memorable night!
The drive-in is open on Fridays and Saturdays, rain or shine. It has four screens, so you can choose the flick that fits your crew. Check out what’s playing and purchase tickets online here.
Blue Moon Drive-In
More Info: bluemoondrivein.com
Gu-Win, halfway between Guin and Winfield, Alabama, is home to the Blue Moon Drive-In. Formerly known as the Gu-Win Drive-In, the theater is an important landmark for the town. According to local lore, when a small town called Ear Gap feared annexation by the neighboring town of Guin in the 1950s, locals banded together to incorporate. Since the drive-in was one of the few establishments in Ear Gap, owner George Thornton wanted to avoid the hassle of renaming and rebranding his theater, so the town took on the name Gu-Win after the drive-in. Thornton became Gu-Win’s first mayor.
The drive-in eventually rebranded to Blue Moon, but the good times continue. Blue Moon Drive-In features two screens and concessions, which you can order from your phone. It’s a little over an hour northwest of Birmingham, and they host frequent carload special nights at $15 per car. Load up your ride and head out for a fun-packed evening! You can check out what’s playing and order advanced tickets here.
411 Twin Drive-In
More Info: 411drivein.com
The 411 Drive-In, located in Centre, Alabama, is about an hour and fifteen minutes northeast of Birmingham. It offers double features on both screens every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening year-round, rain or shine.
Admission is always $15 per carload (cash only!), and folks rave about the food at its grill. You can order ahead by phone or walk up before the show — cards are accepted. Along with all the movie essentials — popcorn, candy, and drinks — they serve up burgers, pizzas, chicken fingers, and barbeque.
Enjoy the show, Birmingham!
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