Bernalillo County brings back free Movies in the Park Friday night

Bernalillo County and the City of Albuquerque opened another summer of free outdoor movies Friday night, bringing back Movies in the Park as a low-cost option for families looking for an easy Friday outing. The series runs every Friday through July 31, with gates opening at 7 p.m. and movies starting at 8 p.m.

The opening-night film is Jurassic World Rebirth at Westside Community Center. Later screenings will move from park to park across the city, including Arroyo del Oso Park, Vista Del Norte Park, Mariposa Basin Park, Manzano Mesa and Winrock Park. Visit Albuquerque also lists titles in the 2026 lineup such as How to Train Your Dragon, Superman, Zootopia 2, Smurfs, Hoppers and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. One June 26 screening is still listed as location TBD.

The county places Movies in the Park under its Community Services and Cultural Services programming, and county materials describe it as a free summer tradition built for blankets, snacks and families gathering under the stars. A promotional video posted by Bernalillo County on May 20 repeated the same message: a free event, different movie, different park, every Friday night.

The series also fits into the broader Seasons of Nonviolence initiative run by the city and county. City materials say the program, formerly called Summer of Nonviolence, is meant to foster peace, community cohesion, recreation, learning, socializing and access to wellness resources. At a separate city movie night in the International District, more than 500 people attended, and families, youth and neighbors were offered free food, family-friendly activities, behavioral health services, shelter support, food assistance and youth programming.

County Commission Chair Adriann Barboa said events like these help build stronger relationships and reinforce nonviolence through connection. Mayor Tim Keller said bringing fun into neighborhoods helps young people build positive memories and strengthen relationships.

For Bernalillo County households, the appeal is simple: a free night out, a predictable schedule and public spaces that are active, visible and built for community use. In a summer when every dollar matters, Movies in the Park gives families a safe place to gather without paying for tickets, parking or concessions, while local government uses parks as one more tool for connection and public safety.