Is it just us, or has there been a noticeable cool breeze in the air lately? It's officially fall in Central Florida which means its time to take date night outside! A romantic dinner outdoors on a patio, a picnic for two in the park, and watching an outdoor movie under the stars are a few of our favorite cool weather dates. This fall, the schedule is packed with loads of cheap and free outdoor movies in Orlando.
Leu Gardens Movie Night – Harry P. Leu Gardens
A favorite for date night, Leu Gardens screens an outdoor movie the first Friday of most months. One of the best things about this movie screening event is that outside food, beer, and wine are permitted. Pack a picnic basket with goodies from nearby East End Market, or get your fill from the onsite vendors and food trucks. Most titles are rated PG-13, so leave the kiddos at home. The gardens open at 6pm, so arrive early to snag a good street parking spot (only Leu members are allowed to park inside the gardens) and do a bit of exploring before the show.
Arrival
Friday, November 3, 7:30pm
$6; Leu members get in free
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Friday, December 1, 7:30pm
$6; Leu members get in free
Popcorn Flicks in the Park – Central Park, Winter Park
Gather in Central Park in Winter Park once a month for the free Popcorn Flicks in the Park outdoor movie series. This event takes place year round and is presented in conjunction with Enzian Theatre. Bring a blanket, picnic, and snacks to enjoy the classic films.
Batman: The Movie
Thursday, November 9, 7pm
FREE
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Friday, December 1, 7pm
FREE
Cranes Roost Sunset Cinema – Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
Occurring on select Saturdays, Cranes Roost Sunset Cinema is a free outdoor movie event held in Altamonte Springs. Bring along blankets and chairs for the whole family. Movies are screened on the lawn in front of the Plaza tower.
Movie TBD
Saturday, November 11, 7pm
FREE
Family Movie Night – Old Town, Kissimmee
Family movie night takes place Sunday evenings at Old Town in Kissimmee. Family-friendly movies range from classics to newer releases. Bring along a chair and grab some snacks nearby for maximum enjoyment. Movies are screened in the South Entertainment Area. The fall calendar is full of classic Halloween and holiday movies.
Hocus Pocus
Sunday, October 22, 8pm
FREE
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Sunday, October 29, 8pm
FREE
Special Halloween Night Event featuring Beetlejuice
Tuesday, October 31, 8pm
FREE
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Sunday, November 5, 8pm
FREE
The Santa Clause
Sunday, November 12, 8pm
FREE
The Polar Express
Sunday, November 19, 8pm
FREE
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Sunday, December 3, 8pm
FREE
A Christmas Story
Sunday, December 10, 8pm
FREE
Elf
Sunday, December 17, 8pm
FREE
Screen on the Green – Maitland Middle School, Maitland
Held outdoors on the soccer field at Maitland Middle School, Screen on the Green is a semi-monthly family-friendly movie series. Food is available for purchase, and you're welcome to bring along chairs and blankets. All movies are free, and so is the popcorn!
Ghostbusters
Saturday, November 4, 7pm
FREE
MORE IDEAS
Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre – Lakeland
Keep cool and comfortable in your car while watching a double feature on the big screen at the Silver Moon Drive-In. The theatre is the last drive-in theatre in Polk County and has been in Lakeland for over 60 years. Tickets are $5 for adults.
Movie in the Square – Sanford
If you haven't done date night in Sanford yet, what are you waiting for? Enjoy a meal at one of the area's best restaurants (we love The Tennessee Truffle, Fuel BBQ, and The Smiling Bison just to name a few) then complete your date night with a free outdoor movie in Magnolia Square. October's movie is The Nightmare Before Christmas on October 27th at 8pm.
Movies in the Park – Melbourne
Finish off a day trip to nearby Melbourne with a movie under the stars. Movies in the Park take place most months at various parks throughout Melbourne. Upcoming movies include Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (November 17, 2017) and Elf (December 15, 2017) in Wickham Park Pavilion. Both events are free.
Movie in the Park – Oviedo
Head northeast of Orlando to Oviedo for a free outdoor movie once a month. Each Movie in the Park event is free and fun for the whole family. Don't forget to bring along chairs and blankets. Food is available for purchase. October's movie is Rogue One on October 20th at 6:30pm.
Feature image credit: Enzian Theater