Are you wondering where you can find free movies for summer in Columbia, SC?
Regal Movies, the Town of Blythewood, the Icehouse Amphitheater, and The Big Mo are hosting summer movie events that your whole family will love! Below, we’ve got the details on where you can see movies for free or super budget-friendly this summer.
Let’s Go to the Summer Movies: Columbia, SC
It’s no secret that taking your family to the movies can be quite expensive – the tickets, popcorn, drinks, and candy all add up quickly! Maybe you’ve even got a toddler or two that you’re just not sure are ready to make it through a whole movie in a crowded evening theater, but taking them during the day or even to an outdoor venue might seem a little more manageable!
This summer, we found great options to not only make going to the movies cheap but also fun and memorable for your whole tribe. Try these summer movies for kids and families this year, and don’t break the bank to do it!
The Little Theater: Summer Vacation Movies – 2026
A little under 45 minutes away from Columbia, in Camden, SC, The Little Theater usually hosts a summer movie series with popcorn and drinks available. Be sure to follow their Facebook page to see what they have coming up.
Make Camden, SC a Day Trip!
If you’re headed up to Camden for a movie, you’ll want to check out this day trip guide to Camden, SC. The Revolutionary War history you can discover with your kids in this town is amazing. Plus there are some great restaurants, good hiking, and more. Camden is definitely worth the trip!
$5 Movies In Gaffney, SC at The Big E
Worth the day trip, the $5 Summer Movie Series at The Big E in Gaffney returns in May 2026. The promotional series will begin on May 26, 2026. Movies showings occur Monday-Saturday at 10:30 am.
This one is more than just a movie ticket . . . making it worth the 2 hour drive from Columbia. The $5 package includes one summer series movie viewing, popcorn, soda, and a $2 game card.
Kids Bowl Free: Your Kids Can Go Bowling for Free All Summer Long: The Big E is also a Kids Bowl Free location! Get your Kids Bowl Free Coupons now.
2026 Summer Movie Titles at The Big E
- May 26 – 30: IF
- June 1 – 6: The Wild Robot
- June 8 – 13: Charlie the Wonderdog
- June 15 – 20: Paddington in Peru
- June 22 – June 27: Spongebob Movie
- June 29 – July 4: Dragon
- July 6 – 11: Dog Man
- July 13 – 16: The Bad Gus 2
- July 20 – July 25: Goat
- July 27 – August 1: Sing
- August 3 – August 8: Kung Fu Panda 4
The Big Mo: The Monetta Drive-In Theater
The Big Mo is a drive-in theater located just outside of Columbia, SC. They only show movies on weekends during the summer. The showings will be announced each Tuesday for the upcoming weekend. A few of the movies they plan to show for the 2026 season include: The Breadwinnder, Masters of the Universe, The Mandalorian and Grogu, Disclosure Day, Toy Story 5, Spider Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, Moana, Minions and Monsters, and so many more! There are 3 different screens that show 2 movies each night so there are plenty of options for all ages! Admission prices are as follows:
- 3 and under FREE
- $5 ages 4 – 11
- $10 ages 12 and older
*Please be aware that the box office only accepts CASH!
Regal Summer Movie Express
Every Monday through Thursday at 11:00 am throughout the summer, Regal Summer Movie Express is offering family movie tickets for just $1. Check out the Regal Summer Movies website here for more information about specific movies and showings at a Regal location near you.
Find your new favorite movie theater in Columbia, SC!
Give Them An Epic Summer
It all starts with our HUGE Summer Guide to Columbia, SC. Find unique things to do, totally free adventures, summer camps, and lots more.
Heading to the Upstate? Here are the summer movie deals happening near Greenville, SC and Free Outdoor Movies in Charlotte, NC.
