Asheville Movies in the Park is Shared Cinema Under the Stars

City of Asheville --  Press Release City of Asheville Government: Get ready for summer nights filled with cinematic magic as Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR)’s popular Movies in the Park series returns to Pack Square Park.

This tradition for many locals transforms the heart of downtown Asheville into the area’s largest outdoor movie theater, offering free family-friendly films under the stars.

Join friends and neighbors on the second Friday of each month from May to August for an unforgettable movie experience. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to settle in for evenings of entertainment against the stunning backdrop of Asheville City Hall and the surrounding mountains.

woman and man with young girl in a wheelchair at an event“Movies in the Park is a cornerstone of our summer programming, designed to bring our community together through the joy of shared experiences,” says APR Director D. Tyrell McGirt. “We’re excited to offer another season of free, family-friendly entertainment in the heart of our city, providing a perfect opportunity for neighbors to connect and create lasting memories.”

Make a Plan for Movie Night
Location: Pack Square Park on Court Plaza in downtown Asheville
Time: Movies begin after dusk, please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the approximate showtime
Activities: APR Rec n Roll Play Zone opens about an hour before showtime with games, music, and activities for kids and teens
Treats: Local vendors Kona Ice of Asheville and Kernel Mike’s World Famous Kettle Corn will be on hand with delicious treats on all dates with Smasheville food truck joining in May, June, and August and Silly Willies Hot Dog Cart in July
Parking: Free parking available in marked spaces on city streets and in City of Asheville lots on Marjorie and Valley streets after 6pm
Rules: Pets, smoking, and alcohol prohibited
Fun: Dress up as your favorite characters, invite friends, and celebrate summer nights
Weather: Outdoor events subject to summer weather conditions, follow APR on Instagram and Facebook for cancellation announcements
pack square park with outdoor movie screen

APR’s Movies in the Park 2025 Lineup
Moana 2 (rated PG for action/peril) – May 9, begins around 8:25 pm: Dive into adventure with Moana’s newest adventure. Everyone receives leis while supplies last.
Black Panther (rated PG-13 for sequences of action violence and a brief rude gesture) – June 13, begins around 8:45 pm: Celebrate the strength and spirit of Wakanda. Everyone receives superhero masks while supplies last.
Finding Nemo (rated G) – July 11, begins around 8:45 pm: Journey into the deep blue sea with Nemo and friends. Everyone receives clownfish stress relievers while supplies last.
Wicked (rated PG for some scary action, brief suggestive material, and thematic material) –  August 8, begins around 8:25 pm: Defy gravity and sing along to this musical movie event. Everyone receives green or pink sunglasses while supplies last.