Across the Kansas City metro, outdoor screenings, rooftop series, and historic independent theaters continue to keep moviegoing alive long after sunset. From nostalgic drive-ins and parking lot screenings to rooftop terraces overlooking the skyline, Kansas City’s summer film scene blends community, local history, and a shared love of cinema.
Whether you are looking to revisit cult classics or blockbuster favorites, the KC metro has an abundance of unique viewing experiences all season long. Here are some of the best places to watch movies outdoors this summer.
For nearly 40 years, Tivoli Cinemas was the oldest independent theater in Kansas City. After its closure in 2019, the beloved theater found a new home in The Nelson Atkins Art Museum, where programmer Tim Harington often ties movie screenings with exhibitions. Today the theater’s footprint is more alive than ever, with outdoor screenings every summer and fall on the lawn outside the Bloch building. Starting June 12, enjoy classic and contemporary crowd-pleasers under the stars presented by Tivoli Cinema.
What better to pair with your favorite movies than the backdrop of a Kansas City sunset? With multiple locations in major cities across the country, Kansas City is proud to be another site for the Rooftop Cinema Club. The Crossroads theater has something for everyone, with a wide range of programming seasons from Queens of Camp to Date Night classics. Tickets available all Summer long.
As the last remaining drive-in theater in the Kansas City metro, the Boulevard Drive-In offers a nostalgic moviegoing experience that still feels timeless today. Since 1950, the historic venue has brought generations together for iconic films the whole family can enjoy. Tune in to 89.7 FM through your car radio to enjoy the film in stereo sound, or bring lawn chairs and relax near your vehicle while listening through the classic pole speakers. Rain or shine, moviegoers can purchase tickets at the box office all summer long.
Screenland Armour Backyard Movie Series
Presented by Boulevard Brewing Company, Screenland Armour’s Backyard Movie Series features classic indies we all know and love. What began as a creative way to keep the theater going during the pandemic has grown into a beloved Summer tradition at the Northland’s only independent theater. Starting June 6, audiences can enjoy favorites like The Sandlot and Adventures in Babysitting projected on an 18 foot outdoor screen with a 4K projector, bringing crowd favorites to life all summer long.
Moonlight Movies on the Square
For more than 40 years, Pharaoh Cinema has been a staple of the Historic Independence Square and one of the few remaining independently owned theaters in the region. Each summer, the theater transforms its parking lot into an open air gathering space for Moonlight Movies on the Square, a free family friendly series held every Thursday at 9 p.m. in the heart of Independence. Often paired with raffles, themed nights, and community activations, the series brings neighbors together under the stars for a celebration of film and summertime tradition.
Kansas City Public Library Off the Wall Series
Each summer, Kansas City Public Library transforms the rooftop terrace of its Central Library into one of the city’s most unique moviegoing experiences with Off the Wall, a free outdoor film series overlooking downtown Kansas City. What began as a seasonal screening program has evolved into a signature summer tradition, with themed lineups inspired by pop culture, literature, and local connections. Co presented with the Young Friends of the Library, Off the Wall pairs cult favorites and genre classics with free popcorn, bringing movie lovers together atop the iconic Community Bookshelf all summer long.
