Don't Miss Outdoor Movie Nights in Sarasota

Old-school drive-in movies may be a thing of the past, but luckily, Sarasota hasn't given up the big screen outside a movie theater quite yet. There are opportunities to get the family and friends together on lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy some famous titles from Hollywood. From the ballpark stadium to beautiful park settings and beer gardens, have a look at the outdoor movie venues in the area to catch a flick once the sun goes down.

Movies Under the Stars, University Town Center

Enjoy outdoor family-friendly flicks every fourth Friday of the month at University Town Center's Movies Under the Stars series. Families and friends of all ages are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Showtime begins after sunset, but you're welcome to come set up a little early at The Green at UTC, and enjoy family-fun activities such as face painting for the kids. Holidays are especially festive and fun with frequent showings of classic holiday films. 

Admission is free to the public, with limited seating available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For a calendar of upcoming movies and events at the UTC, visit here.

Cinema at The Bay, The Bay Park

Bring your blankets, chairs, family and friends to enjoy an evening under the stars at the green oasis, The Bay Park. The free, outdoor Cinema at The Bay (either a PG or PG-13 film) takes place every Thursday, while Family Movie Nights (PG movies) happen on the last Friday of the month.

Both showings are located at The Oval at The Bay after sunset (starting at 8 pm in the summer). Tasty food and beverages are available for purchase at The Nest Café concession stand. 

Pets are allowed on leash. Free public parking is located along Blvd of Arts, Van Wezel Way, in front of the Van Wezel, and in front of the Blue Pagoda. For a calendar of upcoming movie showings, visit here.

Movie in the Park, Waterside Place

Every second Friday of the month, grab the lawn chairs and head to the newly built lakefront park and shopping and dining complex, Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch. Movie in the Park features free outdoor, family-friendly movies to enjoy under the clear night sky.

Concessions are available from the many restaurants and eateries of Waterside Place. Seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and showings begin at sunset. Please bring a blanket and/or lawn chairs.

Movies on the Green, North Port

In South Sarasota County, enjoy free family-friendly films at Movies on the Green, held once a month on the last Friday. Hosted at George Mullen Activity Center in North Port, be sure to bring a chair or blanket for the family, and settle in as the lawn turns into an open-air theater. 

Think you'll miss movie theater treats? Concessions are available for purchase so you can grab some snacks before or during the showing. Seating opens one hour before sunset to give you time to pick the perfect spot.

Summer Movie Nights, CoolToday Park

Back by popular demand, CoolToday Park, the Spring Training Home of the Atlanta Braves, returns its annual Summer Movie Nights, presented by Sharky’s on the Pier and Fins at Sharky's.

Summer Movie Nights take place on most Sundays during the summer months inside the stadium at CoolToday Park, where featured films are shown on the scoreboard and begin at 5 pm. 

Tickets are available at the CoolToday Park box office, online at cooltodaypark.com/movies or by calling 941-413-5004. For a full lineup of upcoming events this summer, visit here.