Some of our favorite date nights happen outdoors thanks to Florida’s perfect weather. There’s something particularly intimate about laying under the night sky with your loved one. We’ve compiled a list of the best spots for outdoor movies in Orlando so you and your date can enjoy the natural beauty of Florida’s warm nights throughout the entire year.
Editor's note: Post last updated March 2020
Lake Nona's Crescent Cinema
Frequency: Quarterly
Cost: FREE
One Friday night each quarter of the year, Orlandoans flock to Lake Nona's Laureate Park to enjoy a film under the night sky. Crescent Cinema is the outdoor theater in Crescent Park. This event is free and family-friendly. Attendees can also enjoy local art, sip on wine, and grab a bite to eat before or after the film at one of the nearby restaurants, like Bosphorus or Chroma.
Check out details for this quarter's edition of Crescent Cinema.
Movie Mondays at À La Cart Orlando
Frequency: Weekly
Cost: FREE
Every Monday, À La Cart Orlando hosts a free movie outdoor movie night. Movies vary from classics to romantic comedies and the Harry Potter series. Most showings begin at 7pm. We love this event because there’s a variety of food trucks on site and a craft beer/wine bar inside. Plus, Á La Cart’s Monday Movies are free to attend. Just remember to bring blankets or chairs because seating is limited.
Old Town Kissimmee Family Movie Nights
Frequency: Weekly
Cost: FREE
Old Town hosts outdoor movie screenings every Sunday night at 7pm. They change it up with screenings of classics and more modern family flicks.
Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre
Frequency: Nightly
Cost: $5/person
Open since 1948, The Silver Moon Drive-In in Lakeland is one of the last authentic drive-in movie theaters in Florida. It's also the only remaining drive-in in Polk County. Silver Moon has two separate screens, each showing two films each night—typically first-run movies. For just $5/person you'll get to enjoy the double feature. On a nice night, roll down the windows or open up your back hatch and make a cozy pillow and blanket fort.
A few tips:
- Make sure to arrive about 45 minutes early so you can reserve a good spot.
- Bring your own snacks to cut costs.
- Pack blankets on a cold night…it can get chilly!
- Hit the snack bar before the showing. They've got beer, popcorn, corn dogs, ice cream and more for very reasonable prices.
- The staff has a jump starter on site if you drain your battery, so not to worry.
- Don't want to watch both movies? No problem. Arrive early for the first movie, or 15 minutes before the second movie begins, depending on which you want to watch.
Check out what's playing here.
PS: Silver Moon also owns Joy-Lan Drive-In in Dade City. Silver Moon is about an hour from Orlando, and Joy-Lan about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Leu Gardens Movie Night
Frequency: Monthly
Cost: $6 or free for members
Once a month, Leu Gardens keeps their gates open late to host a movie screening under the stars. It only costs $6 per person, and attendees are welcome to bring picnic baskets. Alcohol is permitted, too, so pack your favorite local craft beer or a bottle of wine. We recommend picking up provisions from nearby East End Market before the show. Curbie’s Sidewalk Café also sells snacks during screenings. Most movies are PG-13, so this event tends to be more adult oriented.
FYI: Members have access to the parking lot, but non-members are required to park on the street, so arrive early to find a spot.
Popcorn Flicks in the Park
Frequency: Monthly
Cost: FREE
Enzian Theater hosts a free movie series, Popcorn Flicks in the Park, each month. They are typically held on the second Thursday of each month in Winter Park’s Central Park. Upcoming features include Roman Holiday, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, and Apollo 13, so there’s something for every couple. Picnic baskets, snacks, blankets and chairs are welcomed and encouraged. Alternatively, grab dinner at one of Park Avenue's restaurants before the show.
Movieola at Lake Eola Park
Frequency: Typically April-September and again in December
Cost: FREE
Movieola is typically held in the spring and summer months and again during the holidays at Lake Eola Park. In addition to the free movie, each event has a special theme with activities to enjoy before the show. Food vendors are also on site. You're welcome to bring your own blanket, chairs and snacks. Movies are family-friendly, so bring the whole gang!
Cranes Roost Sunset Cinema
Frequency: Select Saturdays
Cost: FREE
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.
Also try:
- Host your own DIY Backyard Movie Date
- Clermont Movies Under the Stars (March, April and May)
- Food Truck Fridays and Movie in the Park in Ocoee (resuming after construction complete)
Feature image credit: Leu Gardens
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