New Hampshire towns are offering plenty of free outdoor movies this summer.
There’s a difference between cinema and movies. Movies are the physical medium, i.e., the film or digital images projected on a screen. Cinema, on the other hand, is an immersive and communal experience that includes not only the film but also the smell of popcorn, the sounds of mutual laughter, and, in the case of outdoor cinema, the scent of cut grass and the kiss of a gentle summer breeze.
This summer in New Hampshire, there are plenty of communal (and often free) outdoor movies, especially for families and children. And for those who prefer family movie fun indoors, several New Hampshire theaters offer discounted summer movie clubs for children.
Seacoast
Movie Night Mondays on the Beach
Location: Hampton Beach, next to the beach playground
Time and Date: Monday nights at dusk through August 31. Rain dates on Tuesday
Admission: Free
You can’t beat the setting of this outdoor movie series. Watch family-friendly flicks with the sound of waves in the background. Imagine how much the sound of the sea will enhance the screening of “Lilo and Stitch” on August 3. All films are shown on a large screen, right next to the playground. It’s a good idea to bring a chair, blankets, and some snacks.
Prescott Park Arts Festival Movie Night
Location: Prescott Park, Portsmouth
Time and Date: Monday and Wednesday nights at dusk (around 8:30) through August 24
Admission: Free with a $8 suggested donation
This summer-long series features new releases, such as “Wicked for Good” on August 17, and classic family-friendly films, such as “The Nightmare Before Christmas” on July 22. Snacks can be purchased at The Prop snack bar at the park.
Monadnock
2026 Summer Movie Nights
Location: North Walpole Village Park, Walpole
Time and Date: July 10 (rain date July 11) at 8:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Drewsville Common, Walpole
Time and Date: August 7 (rain date August 8) at 8:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
This summer, the family-friendly series is a carry-in, carry-out event. It’s suggested you bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks galore.
Dartmouth–Lake Sunapee
Movies Under the Stars
Location: Ben Mere Bandstand, Sunapee Harbor
Time and Date: Thursdays in August at 7:30 p.m. (movies start at dusk)
Admission: Free.
As the sun goes down on Lake Sunapee, Movie Nights at the Ben Mere Bandstand will begin. The show will go on, rain or shine. If the weather turns, the event will be moved to The Livery. In either case, blankets or chairs are recommended.
Movies on the Green
Location: Visitors Center Green, Claremont
Time and Date: Saturdays through August at dusk
Admission: Free
Movies on the Green was so popular last year, the town’s Park and Recreation Department is bringing it back. The town invested in a new open-air cinema system to enhance the viewing experience. This summer’s showings include “Lilo & Stitch” live-action, “Goat,” and “Super Mario Galaxy Movie.”
Merrimack Valley
Summer Movie Nights at Field of Dreams
Location: Field of Dreams, Salem
Time and Date: Tuesdays at 6 p.m. through August 11
Admission: Free
It’s an all-around fun night at Salem’s Movies in the Park. Before the show begins at 6 p.m., there are family-friendly festivities. This year’s movies include “ET” (July 14) and “Zootopia 2” (August 11).
Special family movie screenings
While outdoor movies are fabulous fun for families, they might not be for everyone. Good thing some of New Hampshire’s movie theaters are offering special and discounted children’s and family movie screenings.
Chunky’s Cinema Pub, 707 Huse Rd., Manchester, has special Sensory-Friendly Showings of popular movies, including screenings of “Moana” at three different times on July 28. The screenings of first-run children’s movies for children with autism and other special needs include keeping the theater lights on, turning down the sound, and no 3D shows. Audience members are encouraged to dance, shout, walk around, or sing if they want to. Tickets are $5 a show. The theater also has special Little Lunch Dates for parents and their preschoolers. The $5 admission includes movies and lunch.
Cinemark Rockingham Park in Salem has a Summer Movie Clubhouse featuring children’s movies on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. for $1.75 admission, with discounts on kid-friendly snacks. The club runs through August 6.
Regal Fox Run, 45 Gosling Rd., Newington, has a Summer Movie Express program that runs children’s movies Monday through Thursday at 11 a.m. for $1 admission and $3 off select snacks.
