2026 Guide to Free, Cheap & Outdoor Summer Movies

Leslie Bateman·
Culture
·1 Comment
Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World
A free showing of “Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World” takes place Wednesday, July 22 at Regal Riviera as part of FILMFEST KNOX’s free monthly screenings, continuing through September.

On Sunday our family wandered into Kern’s in search of a bite to eat and a place to cheer for World Cup underdog Cape Verde in its match against Uruguay (which, improbably, resulted in another surprise draw for the tiny island country).

Walking up, we realized the sizable crowd gathered outside was NOT there for sports: Soccer was playing inside, while Mamma Mia! lit up the big screen on the lawn. Some folks were singing along, everyone had little bouquets at their tables, and 865 Sips was serving “Dancing Queen” and “Honey, Honey” themed cocktails. 

There’s something uniquely fun about watching an iconic movie with a crowd. The collective laughter, groans, cheers and recitation of favorite lines turn familiar films into a shared experience.

Coincidentally, I’ve watched Home Alone twice in public settings over the past six months—first during Tennessee Theatre’s “Holiday Movie Magic” series and again at a kiddo’s birthday party at Central Cinema this spring. (Some people wait until December for Home Alone, but 7-year-olds are unburdened by such social conventions.) Both times, the audience reaction was half the fun. An entire theater squealing in delight/horror as Marv takes a hot iron to the face is truly a bonding experience. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of cheap and communal ways to catch a movie this summer. (And if your couch is calling instead, your Knox County Public Library card includes free movie streaming through Kanopy and Hoopla.)

Let’s round ‘em up! 

“Movies on the Lawn” at Kern’s 

More upcoming movies include … 

Kern’s | Facebook | Instagram

“Movies Under the Stars” at Ijams Nature Center 

Now in its 14th year, “Movies Under the Stars” returns to the Ijams Visitor Center lawn. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy. The lawn opens at 7 p.m. and movies begin at dark (so, summer ~9 p.m., fall ~8 p.m.; movie start times are not exact). 

Food trucks and the Ijams beer garden will have food and beverages for purchase. Coolers and outside alcohol are not permitted. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash at all times. 

Tickets are $12 ($10 for Ijams and Central Cinema members). Space is limited, so advance purchase is strongly recommended. Special pricing applies for Terror in the Woods.

Ijams Nature Center | Facebook | Instagram 

FILMFEST KNOX Free Screening Series

I wrote about this free monthly screening series when it kicked off in April. While FILM FEST KNOX itself takes place just once a year (mark your calendars for Nov. 12–15, 2026!), the year-round series extends its mission with free screenings of acclaimed independent, international and art-house films. All screenings begin at 7 p.m. at Regal Riviera.

 FILMFESTKNOX | Facebook | Instagram 

Regal Summer Movie Express

Regal’s Summer Movie Express returns this summer with $1, kid-friendly movies at participating theaters. In Knoxville, screenings take place at 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday from June 1 through Aug. 13 at Regal Downtown West, Regal Riviera and Regal Pinnacle, with a different pair of family-friendly films featured each week. 

  • June 22-25: “The Bad Guys 2” and “The Garfield Movie”
  • June 29-July 2: “A Minecraft Movie” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 2”
  • July 6-9: “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” and “How to Train Your Dragon”
  • July 13-16: “Scoob!”
  • July 20-23: “Animal Farm” and “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants”
  • July 27-30: “Dog Man” and “Paddington in Peru”
  • Aug. 3-6: “Charlie the Wonderdog” and “Despicable Me 4”
  • Aug. 10-13: “The Sandlot” and “Muppet Treasure Island”

Regal Riviera | Regal Downtown West | Regal Pinnacle 

Central Cinema

Keep an eye on this local independent theater’s calendar, which is full of cult favorites, quirky special events and the occasional free screening. Even when tickets aren’t free, they’re significantly cheaper than the multiplex, with extra discounts for members.

A few more opps on the outskirts… 

AMC Summer Movie Camp
Family-friendly movies for $3 on Mondays and Wednesdays. In the Knoxville area, participating screenings are available at AMC Foothills 12 in Maryville and AMC College Square 12 in Morristown.

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse
Cinemark’s Summer Movie Clubhouse offers family-friendly movies for $1.75 (plus tax) at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. Guests also receive $1 off kids’ snack packs and any size popcorn-and-drink combo. The only participating Cinemark in the Knoxville area is Tinseltown in Oak Ridge.

Sunset Cinema: Movies in the Park

Knox County will show family movies for free at various parks, with activities beforehand starting at 7 p.m. and movies beginning at dusk. Concessions will be available for purchase.

Knox County Parks & Rec | Facebook

The Parkway Drive-Inn

Located on E. Lamar Alexander Parkway in Maryville, this classic drive-in experience feels like a throwback in time. Two movies apiece, one early and one late, show on Friday and Saturday nights. 

Cruze Farm East Knoxville’s drive-in movies will return this fall. 

Did I miss something? Please let me know in the comments!

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