guides

Free or Cheap Summer Movie Guide

Summer 2023

August 28, 2023

Free (or cheap) movie showings of kid-friendly films make for great fun during the summer months without breaking the bank. Not only is it refreshing to escape the heat in an air-conditioned theatre, who doesn't love seeing a movie on the big screen? Or how about an outdoor movie, watching the moving pictures while stars shine above in the evening sky?

There are plenty of movie showings to choose from this summer in the Western Piedmont.  Here are the schedules for Summer 2023... and we'll be adding more as they are released! You'll find all of these showings on our calendar under the appropriate dates. If you know of any other programs not mentioned here, please email me.  Please keep in mind that while every effort is made to provide the most up-to-date information, events are not confirmed after being added and are subject to change. We always suggest checking with the host prior to heading out.


Friendship Film Fridays
Southwest Branch Library
Free weekly movie screening Fridays in June- bring a friend!

Family Movie Matinees
Caldwell Public Library, Lenoir
120 Hospital Ave NE
Mondays at 2 PM in June

Library Matinee
Southern Branch Library
63 N Main St Granite Falls
July 11th, July 25th at 2 PM
Free screening of a PG movie- Popcorn, drinks, and other snacks provided!
(More Dates to come)

Statesville Dive-In Movies
Swim while you watch!
Statesville Leisure Pool
1877 Simonton Rd, Statesville

Splash-In Movies
Bentley Community Center,
1410 3rd St., Statesville

Movies in the Park
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
911 Lakewood Dr., Statesville 

Summer Movie Madness
Downtown Lenoir Social District
801 W Ave NW Lenoir
7 PM - 10 PM

  • June 16th- Sonic The Hedgehog
  • June 30th - Sonic the Hedgehog 2
  • July 28th - The Bad Guys 

Free Summer Movies
Marquee Cinemas Mimosa 7
101 South Green St, Morganton
9:30 AM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays


  • June 20th, 21st: Sonic 2, Minions The Rise of Gru
  • June 27th, 28th: Peter Rabbit 2, Super Pets
  • July 4th, 5th: The Bad Guys, Tom & Jerry
  • July 11th, 12th: Paws of Fury, Boss Baby Family Business
  • July 18th, 19th: Lyle Lyle Crocodile, Clifford the Big Red Dog
  • July 25th, 26th: Puss in Boots The Last Wish, Everybody Loves Marcel
  • August 1st, 2nd: Paw Patrol the Movie, Mummies
  • August 8th, 9th:  Space Jam, The Amazing Maurice

Saturday Screenings in Downtown Hickory
Taking place in downtown Hickory (except Aug 26th), concessions and games will be available before each movie begins. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs.

July 8: The Sandlot
July 22: Jumanji
August 12: The Karate Kid
August 26: Remember the Titans (Samuel Davis Multipurpose Field in Taft Broome Park)


Like this article?  Subscribe to the FREE Hickory - W Piedmont Macaroni Kid email newsletter to learn more about other local events and fun no matter the weather! Click on our local Events Calendar for an easy way to find fun events for your family!