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Summer cinema in Asheville: Free family movies and outdoor screenings

Summer cinema in Asheville: Free family movies and outdoor screenings

Moviegoers in attendance at a Movies in the Park screening in Pack Square Park. Photo: Saga Communications/City of Asheville


ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Heads up, parents. There are several free, family-friendly opportunities this summer to partake in a seasonal tradition: watching a blockbuster on the big screen. Find options across Asheville below.

Movies on the Green at UNC Asheville

Once a month this summer, the University of North Carolina Asheville will host “Movies on the Green,” a free screening series, on the Reynolds Green, the lawn between Belk Theatre, Delany Hall, Ramsey Library and Whitesides Hall.

All three films will begin around 8:30 p.m.

Hilltop Ice Cream will be available for purchase, and outside food is welcome, but alcohol is prohibited.

Free parking for the event will be available at the P13, P27 and P28 campus parking lots.

The schedule includes:

  • “A League of Their Own,” Friday, June 26
  • “Jumanji,” Friday, July 17
  • “School of Rock,” Friday, Aug. 7

Movies in the Park at Court Plaza

Asheville Parks and Recreation will continue its annual Movies in the Park this summer. After “Zootopia 2” in May and “Black Panther” in June, there are two films left on the schedule.

The free films are projected on a screen at Court Plaza in the lowest tier of Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville. City parking is free after 6 p.m., and attendees are invited to bring chairs and blankets, though pets, smoking and alcohol are prohibited.

While supplies last, guests will also receive a small prize at each screening.

The remaining films include:

  • “Freakier Friday,” 8:45 p.m., Friday, July 10
  • “Cars,” 8:25 p.m., Friday, Aug. 14
Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company on Merrimon Avenue.

Free Kids Movies at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co.

While not located outdoors, Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company will host several free, family-friendly screenings through the summer. The movies will be shown at the 675 Merrimon Ave. restaurant location in the game room.

The films include:

  • “Kung Fu Panda 2,” 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., Thursday, June 18
  • “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., Monday, June 22 and Thursday, June 25
  • “The NeverEnding Story,” 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., Monday, June 29 and Thursday, July 2
  • “Sing,” 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., Monday, July 6 and Thursday, July 9
  • “Labyrinth,” 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., Monday, July 13 and Thursday, July 16
The Regal Biltmore Grande 15 in Biltmore Park.

Summer Movie Express at Regal Biltmore Grande

While not free, the local Regal Biltmore Grande 15 multiplex will show many recently released kids movies all summer long for $1 a ticket.

Showtimes vary, but the following films will be shown at the 292 Thetford St. theater in Biltmore Park:

  • “KPop Demon Hunters A Sing-Along Event,” June 15-18
  • “The Wild Robot,” June 15-18
  • “The Bad Guys 2,” June 22-25
  • “The Garfield Movie,” June 22-25
  • “A Minecraft Movie,” June 29-July 2
  • “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” June 29-July 2
  • “How to Train Your Dragon,” July 6-9
  • “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” July 6-9
  • “GOAT,” July 13-16
  • “Scoob!,” July 13-16
  • “Animal Farm,” July 20-23
  • “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants,” July 20-23
  • “Dog Man,” July 27-30
  • “Paddington in Peru,” July 27-30
  • “Charlie the Wonderdog,” Aug. 3-6
  • “Despicable Me 4,” Aug. 3-6
  • “Muppet Treasure Island,” Aug. 10-13
  • “The Sandlot,” Aug. 10-13

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