5 Places to Watch Movies Outside in Colorado This Summer

When you live in a state with an average of 300 days of sunshine and warm weather each year, you can’t help but want to spend every chance you can outside. For this reason, it’s no surprise that Coloradans are considered some of the most outdoorsy people in the U.S. So much so, in fact, that we even prefer watching our movies outside.

Taking place each summer, Colorado offers various places throughout the Denver area where friends and families can enjoy some of their favorite movies, new and old, in a beautiful outdoor setting. These settings include drive-ins, museum parking lots and even outdoor concert arenas.

Mark your calendars and check out 5 places to watch movies outside in Colorado this summer


 

Red Rocks: 2015 Film on the Rocks

Photography by Darian Simon
Photography by Darian Simon
  • 7/07: “Jaws”
  • 7/31: “Pretty Woman”
  • 8/26: “The Breakfast Club”
  • 8/31: “Guardians of the Galaxy”
  • 9/02: “Magic Mike”

One of Colorado’s most famous destinations is for more than just epic concerts. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and live music and comedian stand-up sets start at 7 p.m., until the film begins at dusk. General admission tickets are just $12, but for VIP Peak Experience, tickets begin at $42. Tickets are available for at-home printing or mobile download HERE.

Southwest Movies at Skyline Park

Photo from Downtown Denver official website
Photo from Downtown Denver official website
  • 7/11: “Hancock”

  • 7/18: “Big Hero 6”

  • 8/01: “Jaws”

  • 8/08: “Dumb and Dumber”

  • 8/15: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”

Located in the heart of downtown Denver on the corner of 16th and Arapahoe, folks can come and enjoy these family-friendly films for free. Grab a cocktail or dinner downtown before the show, and even bring your furry friend along with you (but of course make sure they’re leashed). Find more information about this film series HERE.

Elitch Garden’s Dive-In Movie Series

Photo by KDVR
Photo by KDVR
  • 7/10: “Malificient:

  • 7/17: “Big Hero 6”

  • 7/24: “Elf”

  • 7/31: “Monster’s University”

Grab your floatie and snack food, and head to the pool. Use your season pass as your entry ticket, or purchase discount tickets on the Elitch Garden website. Families can float and lounge in the Elitch Gardens Water Park while watching some of the best family-friendly flicks.

Historic Elitch Garden’s Theater Outdoor Film Series

Photo by Westword
Photo from Westword
  • 7/10: “Back to the Future”

  • 7/24: “Cinderella”

  • 8/07: “Into the Woods” (Exclusive Outdoor Showing)

The films are all shown on the sprawling lawn located at the front of the historic Elitch Garden’s theater. The theater, which was constructed in 1891, is dedicated to supporting the production and study of performing arts. Tickets are only $5, plus a suggested donation to the foundation. Children under the age of 6 are free. Gates will open at 7 p.m., and there will be live music and raffles until the films begins at 8:30 p.m.

The Denver Mart Drive-In Theater

Photo from official website
Photo from official website
  • Now Showing:

    • “Inside Out”

    • “Avengers: Age of Ultron”

  • Starting July 10th

    • “Minions”

    • “Jurassic World”

This new drive-in theater features first-run films currently in theaters, and boasts the largest screen in the region. Located in urban Denver, the drive-in can hold up to 310 cars and includes a concession stand for food and beverages. Gates to the family-friendly establishment open at 7:30 p.m., and tickets can be purchased on their website. Children under the age of 6 are free.

 

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