Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR)’s popular Movies in the Park series returns to Pack Square Park with summer nights filled with starlight cinema. This tradition for many families transforms “downtown’s front lawn” into Asheville’s largest free outdoor movie theater, offering family-friendly films on the second Friday of each month from May to August. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to settle in for unforgettable shared movie experiences set against the stunning backdrop of Asheville City Hall and the surrounding mountains.
“Pack Square Park – and particularly the city’s free splash pad, Splasheville – is a popular destination for families on sunny days,” according to APR Director D. Tyrell McGirt. “Movies in the Park makes it a great place for memory making after the sun goes down, too. It’s the perfect opportunity for kids, parents, grandparents, and friends to connect with neighbors and enjoy shared experiences that build community.”
Ready, Set, Action: Make a Plan for Movie Night
- Location: Pack Square Park on Court Plaza in downtown Asheville
- Time: Movies begin after dusk with suggested arrival at least 15 minutes prior to the approximate showtime
- Activities: APR Rec ‘n’ Roll Play Zone opens about an hour before showtime with games, music, and activities for kids and teens
- Treats: Local vendor Kona Ice of Asheville will be on hand with delicious treats on all dates
- Parking: Free parking available in marked spaces on city streets and in City of Asheville lots on Marjorie and Valley streets after 6pm
- Rules: Pets, smoking, and alcohol prohibited
- Fun: Dress up as your favorite movie characters, invite friends, and celebrate summer in the mountains
- Weather: Outdoor events subject to summer weather conditions, follow APR on Instagram and follow APR on Facebook for cancellation announcements
APR’s Movies in the Park 2026 Lineup
- Zootopia 2 (rated PG for rude humor and action/violence) – May 8, begins around 8:25pm: Detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde must go undercover in new parts of town to crack a case that tests their growing partnership like never before. Everyone receives bunny and fox animal ear visors while supplies last.
- Black Panther (rated PG-13 for sequences of action violence and a brief rude gesture) – June 12, begins around 8:45pm: Celebrate the strength and spirit of Wakanda. Everyone receives superhero masks while supplies last.
- Freakier Friday (rated PG for rude humor, thematic elements, and some suggestive references) – July 10, begins around 8:45pm: Tess and Anna discover that lightning may strike twice as they navigate challenges that come when two families merge. Everyone receives groovy sunglasses while supplies last.
- Cars (rated G) – August 14, begins around 8:25pm: Lightning McQueen falls out of his trailer and winds up in a run-down town called Radiator Springs full of odd residents. Everyone receives stock car stress relievers while supplies last.
Explore More with Asheville Parks & Recreation
Discover hundreds of programs, activities, and special events taking place in Asheville parks and community centers every month! Programs fill up fast and many require advance registration, so it’s worth spending some time planning which activities and events to attend. Use these resources to discover additional opportunities:
- Pick up a copy of APR’s free program guide at community center locations
- Search programs online, available in multiple languages via Google Translate’s Website Translator
- Sign up for APR’s newsletters including special editions for families, older adults, and outdoor enthusiasts
- Follow APR on Facebook and Instagram
- Discover parks, greenways, playgrounds, and recreation locations throughout Asheville