There’s something nostalgic about watching a movie outside on a warm Idaho summer night. Grab a blanket, pack some snacks, and let the kids burn off a little energy before the opening credits roll.

The good news? You don’t have to spend a dime. Several Treasure Valley communities are hosting free outdoor movie nights over the next few weeks, making them one of the best family-friendly activities left on the summer calendar.

Canva.com
Canva.com
Canva.com

Meridian’s Sparklight Movie Nights 2026

If you’ve never been to a movie night at Settlers’ Park, put it on your summer bucket list.

Meridian Parks & Recreation hosts one of the Treasure Valley’s most popular outdoor movie series, complete with a giant inflatable screen, lawn games, food vendors and plenty of room to spread out with blankets and lawn chairs.

Remaining Dates
TOMORROW NIGHT- Friday, July 24 2026: Bad Guys 2

Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

Friday, August 7, 2026: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

Tomohiro Ohsumi, Getty Images
Tomohiro Ohsumi, Getty Images
Tomohiro Ohsumi, Getty Images

Activities typically begin around 7 p.m., with the movie starting at dusk.

Cory- Townsquare Media Boise
Cory- Townsquare Media Boise
Cory- Townsquare Media Boise

Boise’s Movies Under the Stars

Boise’s annual outdoor movie tradition returns to Julia Davis Park, where families gather on the lawn near the Gene Harris Bandshell for one final movie night this summer.

Remaining Date
Friday, August 21, 2026: Lilo & Stitch (2025)

Kate Green, Getty Images
Kate Green, Getty Images
Kate Green, Getty Images

Bring low-back lawn chairs or a blanket and enjoy an evening in one of Boise’s most beautiful parks before the kids head back to school.

Cory- Townsquare Media Boise
Cory- Townsquare Media Boise
Cory- Townsquare Media Boise

Nampa’s Silver Screen Series 2026

Nampa Parks & Recreation also offers free outdoor movies throughout the summer, rotating locations and welcoming families for an evening of entertainment under the stars.

Remaining Dates
TOMORROW NIGHT at Midway Park- Friday, July 24: Hoppers

Mat Hayward, Getty Images
Mat Hayward, Getty Images
Mat Hayward, Getty Images

Friday, August 14, 2026 at Lakeview Park: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

Tomohiro Ohsumi, Getty Images
Tomohiro Ohsumi, Getty Images
Tomohiro Ohsumi, Getty Images

Pre-movie fun usually starts around 7 p.m., with the feature beginning once the sun goes down.

Treasure Valley Movies Under The Stars- Tips To Know Before You Go

Gallery Credit: Cory Mikhals

An Idaho Summer Tradition Worth Keeping

In an age of streaming services and giant TVs, there’s still something magical about watching a movie outside with hundreds of your neighbors. Whether it’s kids dancing in front of the screen before the movie starts or families relaxing together under the stars, these free community movie nights are one of the Treasure Valley’s best summer traditions.

With only a handful of dates remaining before fall arrives, now’s the perfect time to grab the family and enjoy a movie in the park.

Did You Know These 15 Big Movies Were Shot in the State of Idaho?

Idaho has everything a filmmaker could want to use in their films: mountains, whitewater, dusty back roads, farms, lava flows and quaint towns. These are some of the films that took advantage of that!

Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart

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