Lights, Blankets, Action! Your Guide to Free & Affordable Movie Nights Around Rhode Island
There is something truly magical about settling into a blanket under the open sky, the warm summer air wrapping around you, and the glow of a big screen flickering to life. The good news? You don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy it.
Rhode Island may be the Biggest Little State in the Union, but when it comes to community spirit and Summer fun, it punches well above its weight. Towns and organizations across the state host family movie nights that are free or affordable, and they are some of the best ways to enjoy a Summer evening with your family and friends.
Whether you're looking for a night on the beach in Narragansett, a downtown Providence screening under the stars, or a park movie night closer to home, this guide is your go-to resource for finding it all in one place.
A quick note: Movie schedules are announced by towns and organizations throughout the season; some share their full lineup early, while others add dates and details as they come. This guide is updated regularly as new information is released, so be sure to check back often! You won't want to miss a thing.
Grab your chairs, pack a snack, and let's find your next movie night.
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A Special Thank You to Our Sponsor: Misquamicut Drive-In
This guide would not be possible without the generous support of amazing local businesses who believe in the power of community, family, and a great movie night. We are so grateful to Misquamicut Drive-In for sponsoring our Summer Movie Guide! Misquamicut Drive-In is a Rhode Island treasure, a classic, beloved experience that has been bringing families and movie lovers together for years. If you haven't visited yet, this is your sign to go!
There is nothing quite like the nostalgia and joy of a drive-in movie, and Misquamicut does it beautifully. We are proud to have them as a partner and deeply appreciate their commitment to keeping fun, affordable entertainment alive and thriving in our community.
Want to support local guides like this one? Visit Misquamicut Drive-In and show them some love!
Southern RI |
Movies are listed alphabetically by town
Charlestown |
Charlestown Parks and Recreation Presents: Ninigret Summer Nights, featuring food trucks, live music, and movies.
Ninigret Park Thursday Summer Nights
FREE
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Narragansett |
Narragansett Parks and Recreation-Movies on the Beach
Select Wednesday's movies start at sunset
FREE
July 8 Jaws
July 22 Wicked
August 5 Zootopia
August 19 Minions 3
North Kingstown |
North Kingstown Free Library-Family Movie Nights
Thursdays at 5:30
FREE
This summer, join us for 3 fun FAMILY MOVIE NIGHTS to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
We'll watch the whole Night at the Museum trilogy on Thursday nights this summer!
Let's have some popcorn and watch Night at the Museum series!
Rated PG. 1 hour, 48 minutes
All ages. *No registration required.
Enjoyed the movie? Join us to watch the rest of the Night at the Museum trilogy! Coming Thursday nights…
- Thursday, July 2 @ 5:30: Night at the Museum (#1)
Thursday, July 23rd @ 5:30 p.m.: Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (#2)
Thursday, August 6th @ 5:30 p.m.: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (#3)
Teen Movie Summer Series
- Wednesday, July 1 @ 3:00 PM — Spider-Man: Homecoming (PG-13)
- Grades 6–12 | Registration appreciated | FREE
- Catch all three Spider-Man films this summer before Spider-Man: Brand New Day hits theaters!
North Kingstown Arts Council Movies on the Beach-Hamilton!
Wednesday July 1, 6:00 pm
FREE
Supporting the Arts in Our Community Since 1983
The North Kingstown Arts Council works year-round to develop and support arts programs that bring fine art, music, and performing arts to our community, reaching all age groups in a variety of venues. We invite you to explore this website to learn more about the Arts Council, the activities we support, and how our activities enhance the quality of life in North Kingstown.
We are pleased to announce the return of Movies on the Beach! Join us for a screening of Hamilton, the musical, on July 1. Enjoy a night out with the community and grab a treat from food trucks that include Meat Sweats, Dels and Twisted Churros. Wear your best revolutionary costume and you might win a prize. Rain date is July 10.
Event Schedule
6PM: Food trucks arrive. Enjoy a meal from Cousin’s Maine Lobster, Twisted Churros, Meat Sweats, and Del’s.
7PM – Revolutionary trivia contest
8PM – Movie on the big screen. Runtime 3 hours 15 minutes with intermission.
South Kingstown |
All South County Luxury Cinemas-Summer FAMILY MOVIE SERIES
Wednesdays and Fridays at 11 am
All Seats $2!
June 24/26 Paddington
July 1/3 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
July 8/10 Sonic The Hedgehog
July 15/17 A Minecraft Movie
July 22/24 Happy Feet
July 29/31 Scooby-Doo
August 5/7 Mamma Mia!
August 12/14 The Wild Robot
August 19/21 Paddington 2
August 26/28 The Goonies
South Kingstown |
SUMMER FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT
presented by South County Commons
WEDNESDAY JUNE 24 6:00 PM
FREE ADMISSION!
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Westerly |
Located across from Misquamicut Beach, the Misquamicut Drive-In is one of Southern RI's hidden gems that should be on everyone's Summer bucket list!
$25 per carload!
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East Bay-Newport |
Movies are listed alphabetically by town
Barrington |
Barrington Public Library
281 County Rd
Barrington RI 02806
FREE
Movie Matinee: Hoppers
Monday June 22, 2026
10:00 am - 11:45 am
Movie Matinee: Charlotte's Web
Saturday, June 27
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Newport |
Family Movie Nights Hosted byThe Sailing Museum
$10 per person
Big Adventures. Family Memories.
Grab a blanket, bring the family and join us for Family Movie Nights at The Sailing Museum. Each Thursday evening in July, we’ll screen a family-friendly favorite inspired by adventure, exploration and life on the water. Enjoy a relaxed evening with complimentary popcorn, cookies and non-alcoholic refreshments while watching a movie in a unique museum setting. Whether you’re hunting for treasure, setting sail with pirates, or solving a national mystery, Family Movie Nights are the perfect way to spend a summer evening together.
When: Thursdays in July
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: The Sailing Museum, 365 Thames Street, Newport, RI
Admission
~ $10 per person
~ Walk-ins welcome
~ Maximum capacity: 30 guests
Movie Schedule
Movie Night #1 (July 2): Pirates of the Caribbean
Movie Night #2 (July 9): Shark Tale
Movie Night #3 (July 16): Jungle Cruise
Movie Night #4 (July 23): Lilo & Stitch
Movie Night #5 (July 30) : National Treasure (Come in your pajamas and bring a sleeping bag!)
Please note that audience age recommendations may vary by film. Parents and guardians are encouraged to review individual movie ratings and content prior to attending.
Included with Admission
~ Popcorn
~ Cookies
~ Non-alcoholic refreshments
Additional Information
- Designed for families with children
- No outside food or beverages permitted
- No smoking or vaping anywhere on museum property
- Tickets are non transferable, non refundable
- No pets please
Warren |
George Hail Free Library
530 Main St
Warren RI 02885
From Seed to Screen: Movies at the Library
Wednesday, June 24,July 8, July 22
5:30 pm - 7:15 pm
Hosted by Warren Parks and Recreation
FREE
Gather your friends and family and join us for a night of entertainment at Warren’s iconic Band Shell! Grab your blankets and chairs and settle in for a great night of free concert music and fun for the whole family! Community members and families are encouraged to pack a picnic dinner, snacks and your favorite frozen lemonade for a night of live music from some of the area’s most talented musical acts. Leashed dogs are welcome!
GATE OPENS AT 6:30 pm: MOVIE START TIME (DUSK)
JULY 9 MIGRATION
JULY 16 SHREK
JULY 23 HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON
JULY 30 DESPICABLE ME
AUGUST 6 NO MOVIE
AUGUST 13 ZOOTOPIA 2
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Cranston-Kent |
Movies are listed alphabetically by town
Hope |
Hope Library
Friday Family Movies-Zootopia 2
FREE
Friday, June 26
10:30 am - 12:15 pm
Providence |
Presented by InDowncity, Cornish Associates and your favorite downtown small businesses, Movies on the Block is the city's only outdoor movie theatre!
FREE
-All movies begin between sunset and dusk (check sunset times and follow @InDowncityPVD for announcements).
-We always encourage people to arrive by bike, foot, or public transportation when possible. If you plan to drive, parking can be found on city streets and also in many nearby parking lots, including the parking lot adjacent to the Grant’s Block park, with its entrance at 191 Weybosset St.
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Riverside |
Riverside Public Library
475 Bullocks Point Ave
East Providence RI 02915
FREE
Family Film Matinee: Finding Nemo
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Thank you to our Summer Movie Sponsor: Misquamicut Drive-In! |
Macaroni KID Southern RI, East Bay-Newport RI, and Macaroni KID Cranston-Kent RI
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