Blab Entertainment
Monroe County Unveils Free Movies in the Park Lineup for 2026 Summer
Monroe County, New York, is turning its parks into open‑air theaters for the 2026 summer, offering six free family‑friendly movie nights that celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday. County Executive Adam Bello announced the lineup on June 23, and the screenings will run from June through August, each beginning half an hour after sunset.
The six events feature a mix of classic and contemporary American films: Friday, June 26 – Ontario Beach Park – Captain America: Winter Soldier Thursday, July 16 – ESL Ballpark – Rocky Friday, July 24 – Seneca Park Zoo – Zootopia 2 Friday, August 14 – Highland Park – Frozen Thursday, August 20 – ESL Ballpark – Miracle Friday, August 28 – Seneca Park Zoo – Cars
All screenings are free, and residents are encouraged to bring blankets, popcorn, and other picnic supplies. The program is part of Monroe County’s broader effort to provide accessible cultural activities during the summer months. The parks and recreation department has run Movies in the Park since 2010, and the 2026 season marks the 17th year of the series.
County Executive Bello said the selection reflects “great American classics beloved by the entire family.” The titles span several decades and genres, from the 2014 superhero film Captain America: Winter Soldier to the 2019 animated sequel Zootopia 2, and from the 1995 sports drama Miracle to the 2013 Disney hit Frozen.
Monroe County sits along Lake Ontario’s southern shore and had an estimated population of 750,506 in 2025. Its largest city, Rochester, serves as the county seat. The county is named after James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States, and the 2026 celebration aligns with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Event details, including parking information, accessibility accommodations, and safety guidelines, are posted on the county’s official website. The site also lists the county’s broader summer programming, such as outdoor concerts, festivals, and sporting events.
The Movies in the Park series has historically drawn large crowds, with attendance figures often exceeding 5,000 people per event. Keeping the screenings free is intended to encourage community participation and provide a low‑cost entertainment option for families.
The 2026 lineup highlights the county’s partnership with local parks. Ontario Beach Park, a 40‑acre waterfront area, will host the first screening. ESL Ballpark, a baseball stadium in Rochester, will host two events. Seneca Park Zoo, a 30‑acre zoological garden, will host two screenings, and Highland Park, a 20‑acre municipal park, will host the Frozen event.
County officials note that starting the screenings at dusk helps reduce glare and allows for a comfortable viewing experience in the warmer summer evenings. They have also implemented measures to ensure crowd control and safety, including designated entry points and volunteer staff.
The 2026 Movies in the Park series is one of several community events that Monroe County has scheduled to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday. Other events include a commemorative parade in Rochester and a series of educational workshops on American history.
For those interested in attending, the county recommends arriving early to secure a good viewing spot. Attendees are advised to check the official website for any last‑minute changes or updates.
In summary, Monroe County’s 2026 Movies in the Park lineup offers a diverse selection of free family films across six locations, aligning with the county’s broader goal of fostering community engagement and celebrating a milestone in American history.
The six events feature a mix of classic and contemporary American films: Friday, June 26 – Ontario Beach Park – Captain America: Winter Soldier Thursday, July 16 – ESL Ballpark – Rocky Friday, July 24 – Seneca Park Zoo – Zootopia 2 Friday, August 14 – Highland Park – Frozen Thursday, August 20 – ESL Ballpark – Miracle Friday, August 28 – Seneca Park Zoo – Cars
All screenings are free, and residents are encouraged to bring blankets, popcorn, and other picnic supplies. The program is part of Monroe County’s broader effort to provide accessible cultural activities during the summer months. The parks and recreation department has run Movies in the Park since 2010, and the 2026 season marks the 17th year of the series.
County Executive Bello said the selection reflects “great American classics beloved by the entire family.” The titles span several decades and genres, from the 2014 superhero film Captain America: Winter Soldier to the 2019 animated sequel Zootopia 2, and from the 1995 sports drama Miracle to the 2013 Disney hit Frozen.
Monroe County sits along Lake Ontario’s southern shore and had an estimated population of 750,506 in 2025. Its largest city, Rochester, serves as the county seat. The county is named after James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States, and the 2026 celebration aligns with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Event details, including parking information, accessibility accommodations, and safety guidelines, are posted on the county’s official website. The site also lists the county’s broader summer programming, such as outdoor concerts, festivals, and sporting events.
The Movies in the Park series has historically drawn large crowds, with attendance figures often exceeding 5,000 people per event. Keeping the screenings free is intended to encourage community participation and provide a low‑cost entertainment option for families.
The 2026 lineup highlights the county’s partnership with local parks. Ontario Beach Park, a 40‑acre waterfront area, will host the first screening. ESL Ballpark, a baseball stadium in Rochester, will host two events. Seneca Park Zoo, a 30‑acre zoological garden, will host two screenings, and Highland Park, a 20‑acre municipal park, will host the Frozen event.
County officials note that starting the screenings at dusk helps reduce glare and allows for a comfortable viewing experience in the warmer summer evenings. They have also implemented measures to ensure crowd control and safety, including designated entry points and volunteer staff.
The 2026 Movies in the Park series is one of several community events that Monroe County has scheduled to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday. Other events include a commemorative parade in Rochester and a series of educational workshops on American history.
For those interested in attending, the county recommends arriving early to secure a good viewing spot. Attendees are advised to check the official website for any last‑minute changes or updates.
In summary, Monroe County’s 2026 Movies in the Park lineup offers a diverse selection of free family films across six locations, aligning with the county’s broader goal of fostering community engagement and celebrating a milestone in American history.
