Asheville's Free Movies in the Park Returns to Pack Square This Summer

Four nights of free outdoor cinema are coming to Pack Square Park this summer, with Asheville Parks & Recreation screening films on the second Friday of each month from May through August, no ticket required and parking free on two city lots starting at 6 p.m.

The 2026 Movies in the Park lineup kicks off May 8 with Zootopia 2 (PG), sending Detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde undercover on a new case at an 8:25 p.m. start. Black Panther (PG-13) follows June 12 at 8:45 p.m., Freakier Friday (PG) screens July 10 at 8:45 p.m., and Cars (G), the Pixar original that deposited Lightning McQueen in Radiator Springs, closes the season August 14 at 8:25 p.m. Each night comes with a themed giveaway while supplies last: bunny-and-fox ear visors for Zootopia 2, superhero masks for Black Panther, and groovy sunglasses for Freakier Friday.

APR Director D. Tyrell McGirt said the series extends what Pack Square already does well during daylight hours. "Movies in the Park makes it a great place for memory making after the sun goes down, too," McGirt said. "It's the perfect opportunity for kids, parents, grandparents, and friends to connect with neighbors and enjoy shared experiences that build community."

On-site, the APR Rec 'n' Roll Play Zone opens roughly an hour before each showtime with games, music, and activities for kids and teens while the sky darkens behind Asheville City Hall. Kona Ice of Asheville and Kernel Mike's World Famous Kettle Corn will be on hand all four nights; food truck and tent vendors interested in selling fuller meals can contact Calvin Owens at (828) 747-1347.

A family of four at a commercial theater would typically spend $50 to $70 in admission alone. Here, the cost of the night is whatever families choose to spend at the snack vendors. City-owned lots on Marjorie and Valley streets flip to free after 6 p.m., and marked spaces on surrounding city streets require no meter feeding at that hour. Blankets and folding chairs are the recommended setup for the lawn; pets, smoking, and alcohol are not permitted in the park. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the listed showtime to secure a good sightline.

Because Pack Square is entirely exposed to summer weather, APR posts real-time cancellation notices on its Instagram and Facebook pages when storms intervene.

The series is produced by APR and sponsored by Au Pair in America. Returning to a full four-date schedule after disruptions tied to the Helene recovery period, this summer's lineup puts Movies in the Park back on its traditional rhythm, anchoring four free Friday evenings downtown through August 14.