Outdoor Movies and Drive-In Movie Theaters Near Metro Detroit (2025 Guide)

Looking for the perfect summer night out with the family? Metro Detroit offers plenty of ways to enjoy a movie under the stars. From nostalgic drive-in theaters to free outdoor movie nights in local parks, this 2025 guide rounds up the best spots for catching a film outside. So grab your blankets, load up the snacks, and head to one of these outdoor or drive-in movie events for a memorable summer experience.

---

🎥 The Classic Drive-In Theater Experience in 2025

Drive-in theaters just have a certain kind of vibe, don’t they? They bring back memories of simpler times—when you’d pull up to the big screen with snacks, comfy blankets, and maybe even your pajamas. If you’ve found yourself Googling “drive-in theater near me” or “drive-in movie theaters in Metro Detroit,” you’re not alone.

This year, make it a point to introduce your family to the charm of watching a movie from your own vehicle. We’ve rounded up the best drive-in theaters in Metro Detroit, plus info on their 2025 status and offerings.

---

🚗 Drive-In Theaters in Metro Detroit (2025)

📍 Ford-Wyoming Drive-In – Dearborn

Still going strong in 2025, the Ford-Wyoming Drive-In remains a fan favorite for good reason:

• Open nightly in spring, summer, and fall (weekends in winter)
• Five movie screens showing nightly double features
• Family-friendly movie options every week
• Concession stand with snacks and drinks
• Admission: $28 per carload

🗺️ Address: 10400 Ford Rd, Dearborn, MI 48126
📞 Phone: (313) 846-6910
🔗 Visit Ford-Wyoming Drive-In Website

---

📍 USA Hockey Arena Summer Drive-In – Plymouth

Located in the parking lot of USA Hockey Arena, this 3-screen summer drive-in runs from mid-June through the end of August.

• Open Wednesday through Sunday nights
• Tickets must be purchased online in advance (no onsite ticket sales)
• Family-friendly movie selections change weekly

🗺️ Address: 14900 Beck Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170
📞 Phone: (734) 927-3284
🔗 Check Showtimes for USA Summer Drive-In

---

🎬 Free Outdoor Movie Nights in Metro Detroit (2025)

Want a budget-friendly alternative to the drive-in? Many Metro Detroit cities and park systems offer free outdoor movie nights all summer long. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy films under the stars!

Here are some top picks for 2025:

---

🎬 Park It for Fun – Outdoor Summer Movie Series (2025)

🎟️ Cost: Free
🕕 Time: Pre-show fun starts at 6:00 p.m.; movie begins at dusk
⭐ Highlights:
Enjoy a full evening of free family fun with live entertainment, activities, giveaways, and an outdoor movie shown on a giant inflatable screen. Perfect for all ages—bring your lawn chairs and blankets!

📅 2025 Schedule:

• Wednesday, July 9 – Hess-Hathaway Park, Waterford
• Thursday, July 10 – Brandenburg Park, Chesterfield
• Monday, July 14 – Civic Center Park, Southfield
• Wednesday, July 16 – Rivers Bends Park, Shelby Township
• Thursday, July 17 – Harding Park, Ferndale
• Monday, July 21 – Civic Center Park, Madison Heights
• Wednesday, July 23 – Civic Center Park, Clinton Township
• Wednesday, July 30 – Civic Center Park, Clinton Township
• Wednesday, August 6 – Downtown Mount Clemens, Mount Clemens
• Thursday, August 7 – Burke Park, New Baltimore
• Monday, August 11 – Civic Center Park, Southfield
• Thursday, August 14 – Dodge Park, Sterling Heights

🔗 More Information

---

🌳 Huron-Clinton Metroparks Outdoor Movie Nights (Free with park admission)

All movies begin at dusk.

• July 12: Trolls Band Together – Willow Metropark
• July 19: Kung Fu Panda 4 – Hudson Mills Metropark
• July 26: Migration – Stony Creek Metropark
• August 2: The Little Mermaid (Live Action) – Lake St. Clair Metropark
• August 9: Elemental – Kensington Metropark

🎟️ Included with vehicle entry
🔗 See Full Movie Night Schedule

---

🎬 Outdoor Movie Night – Downtown Birmingham

📅 Dates:

• Friday, July 11, 2025
• Friday, August 8, 2025
• Friday, September 5, 2025

🕕 Time: Pre-show entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m.; movie starts at 7:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Booth Park, Downtown Birmingham
🎟️ Cost: Free!
Details:
Downtown Birmingham brings the charm of a small-town movie night to Metro Detroit’s summer lineup. Each month, families can enjoy community-focused entertainment before a feature film begins. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks to enjoy an evening under the stars.
More Information

---

🎬 Movies in the Moonlight – Downtown Rochester (Free Outdoor Movie Series)

📅 2025 Dates:

• Saturday, July 19 – Wicked
• Saturday, July 26 – Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
• Saturday, August 2 – Moana 2

🕒 Time: Lot opens at 7:00 p.m., pre-show activities begin around 7:00 p.m., and the movie starts around 8:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Upper level of the East Parking Platform
Corner of E. 4th & Water Street (415 East St), Rochester, MI 48307
🎟️ Cost: Free admission (BYOC – Bring Your Own Chairs)
🍿 Concessions: Provided by The Little Donut Factory (popcorn, lemonade, cold brew, candy, chips, etc.). No alcohol or glass permitted.
Details: Enjoy a family-friendly evening under the stars with fun pre-show entertainment and treats from local vendors. It’s a perfect outing for all ages—just bring blankets, chairs, and a cozy summer spirit!
More Information

---

🎬 Movie Nights in the D – Campus Martius Park (Downtown Detroit)

📅 2025 Dates & Movie Lineup:

• Friday, June 13 – Mufasa (PG)
• Friday, June 20 – Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (PG)
• Friday, June 27 – The Fall Guy (PG‑13)
• Friday, July 11 – The Wild Robot (PG)
• Friday, July 18 – The Meg (PG‑13)
• Friday, July 25 – Shrek (PG)
• Friday, August 1 – Step Up (PG‑13)
• Friday, August 8 – The Emperor’s New Groove (G)
• Friday, August 15 – Twisters (PG‑13)
• Friday, August 22 – Moana 2 (PG)

🕖 Time: Pre-show activations begin at 6:00 p.m. Movie starts at 7:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
🎟️ Cost: Free to attend. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Popcorn is available for purchase from Jetta’s Popcorn.
⭐ Highlights: Enjoy a family-friendly film series in the heart of downtown Detroit with fun pre-show entertainment, city views, and a welcoming community vibe.
🔗 More Information

---

🎬 Reels by the Riverside – Auburn Hills

📅 Date & Time:
July 12 – Transformers One 
August 9 – The Wild Robot 
September 13 – Wonka 

📍 Location: Riverside Park, 3311 Parkways Blvd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
🎟️ Cost: Free! Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and cozy up for a feature film under the stars.
🔗 More Information

---

🎬 Music and Movies in the Park – Clinton Township Civic Center

📅 Dates:

• Wednesday, July 16, 2025 – Interstate 90s (live music) + Moana 2 (movie)
• Wednesday, July 23, 2025 – Zang Band (live music) + Despicable Me 4
• Wednesday, July 30, 2025 – Collision Six (live music) + Sonic 3

🕕 Time: Pre-show activities and music begin before dusk; movie follows at sunset
📍 Location: Clinton Township Civic Center
40700 Romeo Plank, Clinton Township, MI
🎟️ Cost: Free
🎶 Highlights: Enjoy a full evening of live music, fun pre-show activities, and a family-friendly movie under the stars—all for free! Don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets.
🔗 More Information

---

🎬 Movies in the Park – McHattie Park, South Lyon

📅 2025 Dates & Movie Lineup:

• Friday, July 18 – Finding Nemo (G)
• Friday, August 15 – The Goonies (PG)
• Friday, September 19 – Pitch Perfect (PG‑13)

🕒 Time:
Pre-movie entertainment from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Movie begins at dusk, around 8:30 p.m.
📍 Location: McHattie Park – 400 Dorothy St. at S. Lafayette, South Lyon, MI
🎟️ Cost: Free Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Snacks and refreshments are available for purchase.
⭐ Highlights: Enjoy an evening of family fun under the stars with themed entertainment, games, and concessions before the film. Hosted by the City of South Lyon and SLARA.
🔗 More Information

---

Check out the Ann Arbor with Kids post Ann Arbor Outdoor Movies.

Photographer: