Free Outdoor Movies (in and near Boston)

Updated: Jun 24

Outside of Boston

If you enjoy watching movies under the stars, do not let city lines stop you! The following outdoor movie nights are in Cambridge, Revere, and Foxborough.

When Does The Outdoor Movie Season Start?

The outdoor movie season (in Boston) starts in June and ends around September.

Who Hosts Movie Nights?

Different entities throughout the Boston-area host movie nights on open green spaces. They include:

  • Boston's Mayor (Boston)

  • DCR (Massachusetts)

  • The Lot (Dorchester)

  • Kroc Center (Dorchester)

  • The Prudential Center (Copley)

  • Boston Landing (Boston)

  • The Coolidge (Brookline)

  • Asian CDC (Chinatown)

  • MIT Open Space (Cambridge)

  • Kendall Center (Cambridge)

  • Revere Beach (Revere)

  • Patriot Place (Foxborough)

Which Boston Neighborhoods Host Movie Nights?

Boston offers movie nights in multiple neighborhoods throughout the city, including Roxbury, Dorchester, Roslindale, Jamaica Plain, and East Boston.

Are Movie Nights Crowded?

Not in our experience. Despite being free, movie nights offer plenty of viewing room so that everyone can see and enjoy the night. I'm sure it depends on which location you choose.

Are New Films Shown on Movie Night?

Yes! Some older films like "Back to The Future" and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" are shown year-after-year despite being from the 1980's. Recent movies are also shown. For example, Disney's Wish was released in November of 2023 and was shown twice in the summer of 2024.

Why Do Some Events Last Longer Than The Movie?

Some events offer pre-movie entertainment with the actual movie starting at dusk.

What's The Most Played Movie This Summer?

Elemental is being played at 6 different places this year, making it the most showed movie of 2024.

Why Do Movies Start At Dusk?

In order to see the movie screen it has to be dark outside. This means the sun has to set or be setting.

What Happens If It Rains?

Some may cancel. If it's only a light drizzle that doesn't last long, the event may go on.

What Should I Pack?

You can bring a lawn chair or blanket. We also suggest bringing a water bottle, light snacks, and sweaters. Even though movie nights happen during the summer, the weather cools down a lot after the sun goes down.