Add this to your summer “must” list: 7 Places to catch Outdoor Movies around Harrisburg, Pa.
There’s just something about catching an outdoor flick. So, pack up the family, and don’t forget the popcorn. Here are the best places to check out outdoor movies this summer around Harrisburg.
Outdoor Movie Series
Sunset Movie Series | Fort Hunter | Harrisburg
Each year, Dauphin County Parks & Recreation hosts its Sunset Music & Movie Series in Fort Hunter Park. The series began in June and alternates between featuring live local music and family friendly feature-length films.
New this year, attendees are encouraged to support “Dauphin County Gives Back!,” which benefits various featured regional charities at each event.
During Movie Nights, food trucks begin serving at 6:30 p.m., and The Friends of Fort Hunter sell popcorn, candy, and beverages to benefit Fort Hunter Park.
Find the full charity and food truck schedule here.
Sunset Movie lineup:
- Friday, June 9: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
- Friday, July 23: Movie: Christmas in July feature, The Polar Express
- Friday, Aug. 6: The Neverending Story
- Friday, Aug. 20: The Bee Movie
Outdoor Film Series with Friends of Midtown | Midtown Cinema | Harrisburg
Friends of Midtown and Midtown Cinema’s 2021 Outdoor Film Series returns with four free family-friendly movies this summer. Mark your calendar, pack up the beach chairs and blankets to camp out in Midtown Cinema’s parking.
Food and beverages are available for purchase from Zeroday Outpost at Midtown Cinema and from Midtown Cinema’s snack bar. Also, Friends of Midtown will host 50/50 Raffles at each film.
Midtown Cinema also will collect donations for GLO, a community resource center serving LGBTQ+ men of color and trans women of color. If you’re able, they are seeking donations for GLO’s community hygiene pantry, including deodorant (masculine, feminine, gender-neutral), body lotion, sunscreen, and alcohol/body cleansing wipes.
Outdoor Film Series line-up:
- Saturday, July 10: Sister Act | PG
- Thursday, July 22: The Birdcage* | R
- Saturday, July 31: The Muppet Movie I G
- Saturday, Aug 28: The Lego Movie | PG
*With additional partner, Sundae Best. Note: Rated R due to profanity.
Movie Night at the Bandshell | Reservoir Park | Harrisburg
The City of Harrisburg Parks and Recreation is hosting free outdoor movies at the Reservoir Park Bandshell this summer, as well.
Concessions aren’t available, so you’ll want to pack your own picnic (no alcohol allowed), and don’t forget the blanket and chairs. Portable toilets are available on-site.
Movies start at 8 p.m.
Movie Nights at the Bandshell lineup:
- Friday, July 2: 42 The Jackie Robinson Story
- Friday, July 9: Moana
- Friday, July 16: Spider-Man
- Friday, July 23: Remember the Titans
- Friday, July 30: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
- Friday, Aug. 6: Black Panther
- Friday, Aug. 13: The Express The Ernie Davis Story
Drive-In Movie | Shank Park | Hershey
Derry Township Parks & Rec’s Drive-In Movie series is underway. If you live near Hershey, you’ll want to check out the remaining two outdoor movies planned for the summer.
Admission is free, and concessions are available for purchase. You can choose to either bring your own chairs and blanket, or you can watch and listen from inside your vehicle.
Drive-In Movie lineup:
- Friday, July 9: The Neverending Story
- Friday, Aug. 6: Little Giants
Movie in the Park Series | Skyline Commons Park | West Hanover
Finally, West Hanover Township also offers outdoor movies throughout the summer. Concessions are available for sale. Movies begin at sundown.
Movie in the Park lineup:
- Tuesday, July 6: Star Wars Return of the Jedi
- Tuesday, July 20: Playing with Fire
- Tuesday, Aug. 10: Wall-E
Drive-in Movie Theatres
Haar’s Drive-In | Dillsburg
Haar’s Drive-In in Dillsburg has been a family tradition for more than 60 years. It is a traditional, old-fashioned drive-in. For instance, here you’ll park your car and watch the movie via Haar’s big screen with audio transmitted through your car radio.
Haar’s shows new release films Friday through Sunday throughout the season. Because the availability of national releases varies, summer movies are scheduled week-to-week. However, you can check what’s playing next here. Purchase tickets online (preferred) here.
Haar’s offers a comparatively vast concession stand; please note: cash is preferred for these transactions.
Cumberland Drive-In Theatre | Newville
Cumberland Drive-In also features new release films in a family-friendly environment. Films are shown on weekends throughout the summer, including Sundays, which are triple-features!
An on-site playground keeps kids busy until showtime, and a large concession menu is available for each show.
See what’s playing here, and reserve your spot here.
