Movies by Moonlight: 5 outdoor summer flick series

As the peak summer season sets in, Central Ohioans are doing everything they can to stay outside at all times. This means taking every activity out-of-doors to savor the summer. One possibility that transfers easily to the outside is putting on your chicest loungewear and stepping out to watch movies under the stars. The list of places around Columbus that show movies outside in the evenings is a mile long, so no matter what part of Franklin county you reside in, you’ll have an outdoor theater at your fingertips all season long. A quick Google search will show you the dizzying multitude of options all around central Ohio. (614) has combed through the options to provide you with a map of movies. After all, everything feels better with a sweet summer breeze.

Northwest: Zoombezi Bay

If you live in Dublin or Powell, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and Zoombezi Bay are already a big part of your life. But if you live elsewhere, it’s worth the drive to include the mega-attraction in your summer lineup. Every Friday night through August second, the water park will be open until 11 p.m. and feature family friendly “Dive-In” movies.

Next Up:
July 12: Jumanji: Into the Jungle
July 19: Jaws (in honor of Shark Week)
July 26: The Grinch (in honor of Christmas in July, presented by Wendy’s)

Central: Genoa Park

Ever since Nightlight (614) started a few summers back, it’s been all the rage. Season passes to the downtown movie night sold out at soon as they were offered, and tickets to individual shows regularly sell out well in advance. And it’s no wonder, this adult-oriented, recurring summer event has everything you want for a chill night out on the town. Food trucks, live entertainment before the main show, a selection of wines at each event, and perhaps most importantly, a brewery partnership with each show, so you can get your curated suds on the side with your pop-culture nostalgia.

Next Up:
July 11: Training Day

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Northeast: Easton Town Center Movies by Moonlight

Easton is an ever-evolving conundrum, but it seems to be continuously evolving to fit the needs and wants of its shifting clientele. Or maybe we’re just saying that because we’ve grown up with the mall and its myriad facelifts. They have plenty of kid-friendly activities throughout the summer, and the movie night is no exception. You can do some shopping, snag some snacks, and settle into the grass on the square to catch a flick with the kids as the sun sets.

Next up:
July 9: Pokemon: The First Movie July 16: Inspector Gadget
July 23: The Lego Movie 2
July 30: Muppets from Space

Southeast: Fryer Park, Grove City

Do y’all know about Grove City? This place is a well-kept secret little slice of heaven just outside the outerbelt. With a cute little downtown, high-walkability, and plenty to do with or without the kiddos, this town is worth putting on your list of places to check out, if you’ve never seen it in person. The movies are shown on a giant inflatable screen at the Fryer Park sledding hill. How picturesque is that?

Next up:
July 11: Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald July 18: Incredibles 2
July 25: Christopher Robin

Southwest: Stradley Park, Canal Winchester

With the exploding house market, a quaint historic center, and the recent addition of Brew Dog’s hotel/dog park/recreation complex, Canal Winchester has got it goin’ on. Take off from Columbus and make a stop at one of the three Metroparks along the way: Three Creeks, Pickerington Ponds, or Walnut Woods (They have a dog swimming pool!) and then finish your summer night on the lawn of Stradley Park. This ick is meant for kids, as well as kids at heart.

Next up:
July 12: Spider Man: Into the Spiderverse

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