Don't Miss Summer 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. All summer long, 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.

Screen on The Green, University Town Center

Enjoy outdoor family-friendly flicks every fourth Friday of the month at University Town Center's Screen on the Green showings. Families and friends of all ages are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Showtime begins after sunset (in the summer, around 8 pm), 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.

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 Pay 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 local food trucks parked nearby and at The Nest Concession stand. Family Movie Nights also offer free scoops of Rise & Nye’s ice cream to the first 100 people.

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.

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, Fins & Snook Haven.

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. Children ages 3 and under receive free admission, while tickets for ages 4-9 are $3, and ages 10+ are $7.

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 movies this summer, visit here.

Movie Night in the Beer Garden, Motorworks Brewing

Round up a group of beer-loving friends or head out for a midweek date night for a movie at Florida's largest beer garden, Motorworks Brewing. Every Wednesday night (weather permitting) the Bradenton brewery shows a different film starting at 7 pm—ranging from classic comedies to cult hits, rom-coms, thrillers and more.

Grab a craft brew or cocktail and find a seat at a table (or bring a blanket to lay out on the big lawn) and get cozy on the turfed lawn with complimentary popcorn. Four-legged friends are always welcome (so long as they remain leashed and well-behaved). For more info, visit here.

Movie in the Park, Waterside Place

Every second Friday, grab the lawn chairs and head to the newly built lakefront park and shopping and dining complex, Waterside Place, in Lakewood Ranch. Move in the Park features free outdoor, family-friendly movies beginning approximately at 8 pm.

Free popsicles from Siesta Pops are given to the first 300 attendees, while other concessions are available from We B' Popping Popcorn and Kettle Corn. Face painting and inflatables for the kids are also available from 7 pm-9 pm. Seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.