Cheap & Free Summer Movies in Wichita

free movies in wichitaSummer weather in Kansas can be as unpredictable as…well, as any time of the year in Kansas. This makes it vital that we have a fully loaded bag of tricks to keep our little people busy! For those days when it feels as hot as the surface of the sun and you cannot face the idea of spending another second in the heat or when the sky rips open and dumps buckets of water on that picnic you had planned; the summer movies are there to welcome you and your little people.

Here is a list of cheap and free family-friendly movie options to add to your Wichita summer arsenal! 

Starlite Drive-In

If you want to have a truly unique moving going experience Starlite Drive-In is the perfect option.  Starlite offers double features Sunday through Thursday and triple features Friday and Saturday.  Friday and Saturday gates open at 8:15 so if you plan to stay for all three features consider bringing blankets and pillows may make your full evening of movie going a little more comfortable.  Be sure to check their website for the most up to date list of features. 

Children 4 and under:  Free
Ages 5-11:  $3
Age 12 and over:  $9

New Market Square

Returning again this summer are movies on the Plaza at New Market Square.  Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the movies in the great outdoors.  This is a free event starting at 6pm on the following dates. 

Jun 24:: Jungle Book (animated)
July 29:: Moana
August 26:: Storks

Derby Plaza Theaters

Derby Plaza Theaters is offering their Summer Movies series again this year and tickets for participating movies are $2.  New films are featured every Tuesday-Thursday at 10:30am. 

July 4 – July 6:: Kubo and the Two Strings
July 11 – July 13:: Trolls
July 18 – July 20:: Ice Age: Collision Course
July 25 – July 27:: Kung Fu Panda 3

Rock River Rapids

Throw on a swim suit and hit the water at Rock River Rapids in Derby for a Dive-In Movie. Doors open at 8pm on July 6th for a feature showing of Top Gun.  Tickets can be purchased through their website for $5. 
 

Warren Old Town Theater Grille

Warren Old Town Theater Grille offers $5 movies every Wednesday. This is a great way to see those new releases for a discounted price.

Palace West

Tuesdays at the Palace West are Time Warp Tuesdays. Tickets for each feature film are only $1.50! 

Towne West Square

Radiant Church is hosting a FREE family movie night on June 30th. Sing! will begin at 7pm!
 

Wichita-Area Libraries

In addition to encouraging families to read throughout the summer with summer reading programs, Wichita and Metro-Area Libraries are offering movie screenings as a way to help families beat the heat. Movies being shown range from fun vintage films to newer releases and many locations are offering popcorn to movie goers. Below is a list of locations and movies being shown, but be sure to visit each libraries website for more specifics. 
Wichita Central Library movies begin at 2:30pm on the following Fridays:

July 7:: Harry and the Hendersons
July 21:: The Mighty Ducks
July 28:: The Princess Bride

Park City Public Library movies begin at 12:30 each Thursday in July:   

July 6:: Finding Dory
July 13:: Inside Out
July 20:: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
July 27:: Moana

Andover Public Library movies begin at 2pm on the following Tuesdays: 

July 11:: The Secret Life of Pets
July 25:: Monster Trucks

Valley Center Public Library movies begin at 11am each Thursday in July:

July 6:: National Treasure
July 13:: Finding Dory
July 20:: Camp Rock
July 27:: Zootopia

If you know of any other cheap or free summer movies happening around town, include them in the comments below, and we’ll add them to our list!

Samantha Jacob
Samantha is a Kansas girl through and through. Born and raised in a rural community near Topeka, KS, she moved to Wichita in 2002 to attend WSU. Obtaining her graduate degree from the Wichita State School of Social Work, she loves her job as a pediatric medical social worker. Samantha calls East Wichita home with her husband, two beautiful children, and dog. Having lived in Wichita for over a decade she has enjoyed rediscovering Wichita through the eyes of her children. When time allows Samantha enjoys spending time with friends, trying new restaurants, and re-watching episodes of the West Wing.