Blab Entertainment
Asheville Summer Movie Guide: Free Family Screenings, Outdoor Events, and $1 Ticket Options
This summer, Asheville transforms its parks, campus lawns, and even a local brewery into an open‑air cinema for families and budget‑conscious moviegoers. From free outdoor screenings on Friday nights to a $1 ticket option at a downtown multiplex, the city’s summer movie calendar offers something for every age group and wallet.
At the heart of the program is UNC Asheville’s Movies on the Green, a monthly outdoor series that takes place on the university’s Reynolds Green lawn, nestled between Belk Theatre, Delany Hall, Ramsey Library and Whitesides Hall. Beginning at 8:30 p.m., the three free films—A League of Their Own on Friday, June 26; Jumanji on Friday, July 17; and School of Rock on Friday, August 7—are screened under the stars. Students and staff hand out free popcorn, while Hilltop Ice Cream offers a sweet treat for purchase. Outside food is welcome, but alcohol is prohibited. Visitors can park for free in campus lots P13, P27 and P28.
Continuing the city’s outdoor tradition, Asheville Parks and Recreation’s Movies in the Park series returns to Pack Square Park. After recent showings of Zootopia 2 in May and Black Panther in June, the lineup now includes Freakier Friday at 8:45 p.m. on Friday, July 10, and Cars at 8:25 p.m. on Friday, August 14. The screen sits in the lowest tier of Court Plaza. City parking is free after 6 p.m., and patrons are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Pets, smoking and alcohol are not allowed, and a small prize is awarded at each screening while supplies last.
For families who prefer an indoor setting, Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. hosts free, family‑friendly screenings in its game room at 675 Merrimon Ave. The venue, though not outdoors, offers a cozy atmosphere and a rotating list of classics and contemporary titles. Each film is shown twice daily at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on the following dates: - Kung Fu Panda 2 – Thursday, June 18 - E.T. the Extra‑Territorial – Monday, June 22 and Thursday, June 25 - The NeverEnding Story – Monday, June 29 and Thursday, July 2 - Sing – Monday, July 6 and Thursday, July 9 - Labyrinth – Monday, July 13 and Thursday, July 16 All screenings are free, and the game room’s comfortable setting makes it a popular choice for families.
For a low‑cost alternative, Regal Biltmore Grande’s Summer Movie Express offers a $1 ticket price for a rotating selection of recent kids’ movies at its 292 Thetford St. location in Biltmore Park. The weekly lineup includes: - KPop Demon Hunters A Sing‑Along Event – June 15‑18 - The Wild Robot – June 15‑18 - The Bad Guys 2 – June 22‑25 - The Garfield Movie – June 22‑25 - A Minecraft Movie – June 29‑July 2 - Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – June 29‑July 2 - How to Train Your Dragon – July 6‑9 - Sonic the Hedgehog 3 – July 6‑9 - GOAT – July 13‑16 - Scoob! – July 13‑16 - Animal Farm – July 20‑23 - The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants – July 20‑23 - Dog Man – July 27‑30 - Paddington in Peru – July 27‑30 - Charlie the Wonderdog – August 3‑6 - Despicable Me 4 – August 3‑6 - Muppet Treasure Island – August 10‑13 - The Sandlot – August 10‑13 Tickets can be purchased at the theater’s box office, and the schedule shifts each week.
These events illustrate Asheville’s long‑standing commitment to community‑focused cultural programming. The university, parks department, local businesses and cinema chain each provide a distinct venue and format, ensuring that families can find a movie night that fits their preferences and budget. While the 98th Academy Awards are scheduled for later this year, the summer movie series offers a more accessible way for residents and visitors to enjoy cinema under the North Carolina sky.
Overall, Asheville’s summer movie calendar blends free outdoor screenings, indoor family classics, and inexpensive ticket options. The events run on Fridays and Saturdays, with free parking and food options available at many venues. Families can plan their weekend evenings around these dates and enjoy a variety of films ranging from nostalgic favorites to recent releases.
The city’s film programming is expected to continue through August, with the last scheduled outdoor screenings occurring in mid‑August. Residents and visitors are encouraged to check the respective websites or social media pages for any last‑minute changes or additional details.
At the heart of the program is UNC Asheville’s Movies on the Green, a monthly outdoor series that takes place on the university’s Reynolds Green lawn, nestled between Belk Theatre, Delany Hall, Ramsey Library and Whitesides Hall. Beginning at 8:30 p.m., the three free films—A League of Their Own on Friday, June 26; Jumanji on Friday, July 17; and School of Rock on Friday, August 7—are screened under the stars. Students and staff hand out free popcorn, while Hilltop Ice Cream offers a sweet treat for purchase. Outside food is welcome, but alcohol is prohibited. Visitors can park for free in campus lots P13, P27 and P28.
Continuing the city’s outdoor tradition, Asheville Parks and Recreation’s Movies in the Park series returns to Pack Square Park. After recent showings of Zootopia 2 in May and Black Panther in June, the lineup now includes Freakier Friday at 8:45 p.m. on Friday, July 10, and Cars at 8:25 p.m. on Friday, August 14. The screen sits in the lowest tier of Court Plaza. City parking is free after 6 p.m., and patrons are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Pets, smoking and alcohol are not allowed, and a small prize is awarded at each screening while supplies last.
For families who prefer an indoor setting, Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. hosts free, family‑friendly screenings in its game room at 675 Merrimon Ave. The venue, though not outdoors, offers a cozy atmosphere and a rotating list of classics and contemporary titles. Each film is shown twice daily at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on the following dates: - Kung Fu Panda 2 – Thursday, June 18 - E.T. the Extra‑Territorial – Monday, June 22 and Thursday, June 25 - The NeverEnding Story – Monday, June 29 and Thursday, July 2 - Sing – Monday, July 6 and Thursday, July 9 - Labyrinth – Monday, July 13 and Thursday, July 16 All screenings are free, and the game room’s comfortable setting makes it a popular choice for families.
For a low‑cost alternative, Regal Biltmore Grande’s Summer Movie Express offers a $1 ticket price for a rotating selection of recent kids’ movies at its 292 Thetford St. location in Biltmore Park. The weekly lineup includes: - KPop Demon Hunters A Sing‑Along Event – June 15‑18 - The Wild Robot – June 15‑18 - The Bad Guys 2 – June 22‑25 - The Garfield Movie – June 22‑25 - A Minecraft Movie – June 29‑July 2 - Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – June 29‑July 2 - How to Train Your Dragon – July 6‑9 - Sonic the Hedgehog 3 – July 6‑9 - GOAT – July 13‑16 - Scoob! – July 13‑16 - Animal Farm – July 20‑23 - The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants – July 20‑23 - Dog Man – July 27‑30 - Paddington in Peru – July 27‑30 - Charlie the Wonderdog – August 3‑6 - Despicable Me 4 – August 3‑6 - Muppet Treasure Island – August 10‑13 - The Sandlot – August 10‑13 Tickets can be purchased at the theater’s box office, and the schedule shifts each week.
These events illustrate Asheville’s long‑standing commitment to community‑focused cultural programming. The university, parks department, local businesses and cinema chain each provide a distinct venue and format, ensuring that families can find a movie night that fits their preferences and budget. While the 98th Academy Awards are scheduled for later this year, the summer movie series offers a more accessible way for residents and visitors to enjoy cinema under the North Carolina sky.
Overall, Asheville’s summer movie calendar blends free outdoor screenings, indoor family classics, and inexpensive ticket options. The events run on Fridays and Saturdays, with free parking and food options available at many venues. Families can plan their weekend evenings around these dates and enjoy a variety of films ranging from nostalgic favorites to recent releases.
The city’s film programming is expected to continue through August, with the last scheduled outdoor screenings occurring in mid‑August. Residents and visitors are encouraged to check the respective websites or social media pages for any last‑minute changes or additional details.
