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 QUICK! 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!
Doko Meadows Park: 2025 Movie in the Park (FREE!)
CANCELED: Due to safety concerns, Blythewood has canceled all events at Doko Meadows Park
Pack up the big field blankets, lawn chairs, pillows and snacks because Doko Meadows Park in Blythewood is hosting a 2025 outdoor summer movie series called “Movie in the Park.” Family-friendly movies are played once each month until October. And the best part is . . . they are FREE! You can follow “Doko Meadows Park” on Facebook for movie and event details as well as updates for potential weather interferences. The movies will each begin at sunset and are as follows:
- May 24 – Shrek
- June 21 – Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
- August 30 – IF
- September 27 – Harry Potter: Sorcerer’s Stone
The Little Theater: Summer Vacation Movies – 2025 TBA
A little under 45 minutes away from Columbia, in Camden, SC, The Little Theater is hosting a summer movie series with $2 movie tickets and $3 kids popcorn and drink combos! These movies will be held every Tuesday at 10 am and 1 pm beginning (TBA). Here is the list of movies that you can expect to see:
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 history 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 June 2025. The promotional series will begin on June 2, 2025. 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.
2025 Summer Movie Titles at The Big E
- June 2 – 7: The Bad Guys
- June 9 – 14: The Wild Robot
- June 16 – 21: The Garfield Movie
- June 23 – 28: Sonic 3
- June 30 – July 5: Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie
- July 7 – 12: Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
- July 14 – 17: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
- July 21 – 26: Transformers One
- July 28 – August 2: Despicable Me 4
- August 4 – 9: Show Me the Monkey! Curious George
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 2025 season include: A Minecraft Movie, Snow White, The Accountant 2, Lilo & Stitch, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, Karate Kid: Legends, How to Train Your Dragon, Superman, Jurassic World: Rebirth 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 Tuesday and Wednesday at 11:00 am throughout the summer, Regal Summer Movie Express is offering family movie tickets for just $1. Check out their 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.
