9 Outdoor Movie Theaters in Houston Where the Stars Aren’t Just on Screen
1. Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown
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Website: https://rooftopcinemaclub.com/houston/venue/uptown/
Address: 1700 Post Oak Blvd 5th Level, Houston, TX (in BLVD Place)
Admission Costs: Start at $21 for Adirondack Chairs; Loveseats start at $30
Rooftop Cinema Club in Houston offers a movie experience like no other. Set on a rooftop with amazing city views, it brings together the fun of movies with the beauty of being outdoors.
Before the movie starts, you can enjoy drinks, play games, and relax with friends while taking in the skyline. The experience is enhanced by wireless headphones that let you immerse fully in the film. The LED screen ensures the movie is clear and vibrant, day or night.
The selection of movies includes both cult classics and new releases. For something special, check out their Fireside Films series, which creates a cozy outdoor screening experience.
| Pro Tip: Check the schedule for special events and themed nights for an extra fun experience! |
2. MoonStruck Drive-In
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Website: https://www.moonstruckdrivein.com/
Address: 100 Bringhurst St, Houston, TX (in East River)
Admission Costs: Start at $35
For a unique movie experience in Houston, visit MoonStruck Drive-In, the city’s first and only permanent drive-in theater.
This spot offers outdoor movie nights featuring new films, classic movies, concerts, and comedy shows on a giant 60-foot screen with 4K projection.
Snacks like popcorn, soda, and candy are available at the concession stand, or you can enjoy the rotating food trucks on Saturdays. The drive-in is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends (on a leash).
| Pro Tip: Make sure you know how to turn off your car’s exterior lights to avoid disturbing others. |
3. Miller Outdoor Theatre
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Website: https://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/
Address: 6000 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX (in Hermann Park)
Contact Details: +1 832-487-7102
Located in Hermann Park, Miller Outdoor Theatre is one of Houston’s top spots for free outdoor shows. They showcase classical music, ballet, jazz, musicals, and more! All performances are free, making it the largest “always free” program of its kind in the U.S.
The theater also hosts movies, so make sure to keep an eye out for Movies at Miller events! They’ve shown popular films like Crazy Rich Asians and more.
Visitors can sit in the covered area or enjoy the large grassy hill. Seating on the Hill is first-come, first-served, but reserved tickets are needed for the covered area (but still free). Some shows may use a ticket lottery for reserved seats.
| Pro Tips: Accessibility seating can be reserved in advance, so reach out for assistance if needed. Take a blanket or low-back chairs if you’re sitting on the Hill, as it’s a relaxed, open-air seating area. |
4. Discovery Green
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Website: https://www.discoverygreen.com/
Address: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-400-7336
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 11 PM
Discovery Green is a top spot in downtown Houston for a memorable movie night. This park offers free, family-friendly outdoor movie screenings as part of its “Screen on the Green” series.
It’s the perfect place to watch a classic film under the stars while enjoying the beautiful downtown skyline!
The movies are shown at the Anheuser-Busch Stage, a modern outdoor venue with excellent sound and lighting. You can bring a blanket or camping chair and enjoy a picnic, but alcohol and glass containers are not allowed. Food, beer, and wine are available for purchase at The Lake House.
| Pro Tips: Check the schedule for upcoming movie nights and any special announcements for giveaways. Sign up for the Discovery Green’s newsletter to get updates on free events and activities. |
5. Market Square Park
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Website: http://marketsquarepark.com/
Address: 301 Milam St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-650-3022
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 11 PM
Market Square Park in Houston offers a fun and free outdoor movie experience during select spring and summer evenings. The event has previously shown classic films and a variety of genres, including comedies like Wayne’s World and adventures like Field of Dreams.
Guests can bring blankets or lawn chairs to relax on the grass. It’s a good idea to grab take-out from nearby restaurants, such as Niko Niko’s, to enjoy a casual meal while watching.
Arriving early helps secure a good spot, especially on busy nights. Since the weather can cool down in the evenings, wearing layers is recommended.
| Pro Tip: Keep an eye on weather forecasts to plan for any changes to the schedule. |
6. Post HTX
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Website: https://www.posthtx.com/
Address: 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-999-2550
Operating Hours: Sunday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 9 PM; Thursday to Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
POST HTX in downtown Houston offers a unique experience with shopping, dining, culture, and entertainment, all set against the stunning city skyline.
Skylawn, the rooftop park, hosts Movie Nights on Skylawn, where you can enjoy a wide range of films, from classic favorites like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial to modern hits like Bullet Train, all shown on a large outdoor screen.
The Food Hall at POST HTX is a great place to grab a bite before or after the movie. You can also check out Art Club, a museum showcasing New Media Art.
| Pro Tip: RSVP early for free general admission to movie nights since seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. |
7. Museum of Fine Arts
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Website: https://www.mfah.org/
Address: 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX
Contact Details:
Operating Hours: Wednesday – 11 AM to 5 PM; Thursday to Friday – 11 AM to 9 PM; Saturday – 11 AM to 6 PM; Sunday – 12:30 to 6 PM; Monday to Tuesday – Closed
If you’re in Houston, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFAH) offers a great way to enjoy classic films with its Moonlight Movies series. The outdoor theater is located near the sculpture garden, on the sloping roof of the Glassell School of Art.
It’s a perfect setting to watch films like La La Land, The Princess Bride, and Crazy Rich Asians under the stars!
Guests can relax with a free bag of popcorn and enjoy cocktails inspired by the movie. Headsets are provided for clear sound. Tickets are $20, with discounts for MFAH members, students, and seniors.
It’s best to arrive early for seating, as it’s first-come, first-served. Dress comfortably for the weather and consider bringing a cushion or stadium seat.
| Pro Tips: Parking is available in the MFAH garage, and there are nearby street parking spots. While outside food and drinks aren’t allowed, you can grab a bite at Cafe Leonelli or Le Jardinier. |
8. Helix Park
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Website: https://www.helixpark.com/
Address: 1885 Old Spanish Trl, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-791-8800
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 11 PM
Helix Park in the Medical Center is a great spot for a fun, relaxing evening outdoors in Houston. The park’s unique double helix shape combines science, art, and nature. Movie lovers will enjoy free, family-friendly film nights held every month.
The movies range from Disney classics like Princess and the Frog to nostalgic favorites like Top Gun. The events are free, making it a budget-friendly option for families, friends, or anyone looking for a night out.
Snacks like popcorn, candy, and drinks are available, and for a $15 donation, you can get a picnic blanket! All donations go to the Texas Medical Center Foundation.
To make the most of the event, arrive early for a good spot and bring a chair, towel, or mat to sit on. There’s plenty of parking nearby in a surface-level lot.
| Pro Tip: Parking is available at the surface-level parking lot – enter through the first-floor side doors of TMC3. |
9. Levy Park
Media Credit: levyparkhouston
Website: https://www.levyparkhouston.org/
Address: 3801 Eastside St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-522-7275
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Levy Park is a top spot in Houston for enjoying a relaxing evening outdoors, especially during movie nights. This public park hosts family-friendly films, making it a great choice for a fun outing with loved ones.
The movies at Levy Park cater to all ages, featuring films like The Mitchells vs. the Machines and Raya and the Last Dragon. Thanks to the free entry and the beautiful outdoor setting, it’s a great spot to watch a movie under the stars!
Food trucks and local vendors offer a variety of food from 3 pm to 9 pm, so visitors can enjoy a snack or full meal while watching the film.
To get the best experience, arrive early to grab a good spot on the lawn, as seating fills up fast. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for comfort, and check the schedule in case of weather-related changes.
| Pro Tip: Arrive early to grab a good spot on the lawn for the movie, as seating can fill up fast. |
