Thaj Morgan dances just before the Cox Movies in the Park screening of Jungle Cruise at Demeester Outdoor Performance Center in 2022.
- Shekib Rahmani / Arizona Daily Star
Projectionist Allie Vega works on a laptop after getting a feature-length movie started on the digital projector at The Loft Cinema in Tucson.
- Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
From last year's "Wonka" with Timothée Chalamet to a sing-along version of "Frozen," summer movies are back!
Every summer when the sun goes down, a projector clicks on.
Underneath the starry sky, sitting atop a blanket on the grass, maybe with a picnic by your side, a familiar movie takes over a giant screen.
Several organizations host free or cheap movies throughout summer, both indoors and out. Here's where to catch a screening.
Cox Movies in the Park
Courtesy Cox Communications, movie screenings will take place in Tucson, Benson and Sierra Vista this summer. The Tucson screenings take place at Reid Park's Demeester Outdoor Performance Center, 800 S. Concert Place, with "Wish" on June 7 and "Trolls Band Together" on June 21.
While the movies begin around 7:45 p.m. at sundown, the events start at 6 p.m. with music, games, prizes and food trucks. Bring your own seating!
For more information, head to Cox Movies in the Park's website.
Moves in Marana
Every third Saturday of the month through September, the Town of Marana hosts a free movie in the park. On the roster: "Bad Guys" on June 15, "The Little Mermaid (2023)" on July 20, "Tangled" on Aug. 17 and "DC League of Super-Pets" on Sept. 21. The events run 6:30-9:30 p.m. and locations vary. Bring your own chairs or blankets!
There's also a free pool party 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31 that features a dive-in screening of "Sing."
For more information, head to Marana's website.
Oro Valley Movies on the Lawn
Kid-friendly movies will take over the Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center monthly through September. The schedule includes "Wonka" on June 1, "The Emperor's New Groove" on July 20, "Turning Red" on Aug. 17 and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" on Sept. 14.
All of the events begin at 7:30 p.m. and take place at10555 N. La Cañada Dr.Bring your own seating!
For more information, head to Oro Valley's website.
The Loft Cinema
Loft Kids Fest is back for yet another round of free family-friendly flicks.
The annual fest kicks off with an outdoor screening of "Looney Tunes" at 6 p.m. Friday, May 31 atHimmel Park,1000 N. Tucson Blvd.Then every Saturday and Sunday morning in June, free movie screenings will take place indoors at The Loft, 3233 E. Speedway,with pre-show entertainment from local toy shop Mildred & Dildred. Doors open at 9:15 a.m.; movies start at 10 a.m.
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The 11 movies featured in this year's fest include: "WALL-E," "The Land Before Time" and "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse."
The Loft also regularly partners with community organizations around town for outdoor movies, so keep an eye on their website for upcoming showings.
For more information, head to The Loft Cinema's website.
Movies at Casa Video and Film Bar
Casa Video and Film Bar,2905 E. Speedway,is a blast from the past with rows upon rows of movies for rent. Beyond the rentals, you'll find a full bar and frequent screenings of movies like "Lisa Frankenstein" and "Nacho Libre." Some of the screenings might not be as family-friendly as other spots on this list.
Plus, food trucks are usually parked outside during the moviescreenings!
For more information, head to Casa Video and Film Bar'swebsite.
Movies at The Fox
The beautiful Fox Theatre isn't just for concerts and comedy shows. In fact, they're showing 10 movies this summer, including sing-alongs.
The series kicks off with a sing-along version of "Grease" on June 29, followed by "The Wizard of Oz," "This is Spinal Tap," "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," a sing-along version of "Frozen," "Sunset Boulevard" and "The Muppets Take Manhattan" in July. Three more screenings follow in August and September.
All of the movies take place indoors at 17 W. Congress St. Most tickets cost $8.
For more information, head to Fox Tucson Theatre's website.
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Gloria was born and raised in Tucson and is a 2018 University of Arizona grad. From wildflowers to wildlife, she loves all things Tucson and hopes to share her love of the city with readers ✨
