The 2025 Ultimate Guide To Nashville's Movies In The Park: Dates, Lineup, And Insider Tips For A Perfect Night
Nashville's iconic outdoor cinema tradition, Movies in the Park, is officially returning for its 31st season in 2025, promising a spectacular series of free, family-friendly entertainment under the stars. As of Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the highly anticipated schedule for the longest-running outdoor movie series in Music City has been largely confirmed, revealing a blockbuster lineup of both new releases and nostalgic classics set to light up Elmington Park every Thursday night in June. This comprehensive guide details the essential dates, the confirmed film schedule, and all the insider information you need to plan your perfect summer night out in Nashville.
The event, presented by the Nashville Scene and a host of local sponsors, is a cornerstone of summer life in the city, drawing thousands of attendees eager for a free evening of community, food trucks, and big-screen fun. Whether you're a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, the Movies in the Park series at Elmington Park is a must-do Nashville summer event, offering a unique blend of outdoor cinema and vibrant local culture. Get your blankets ready, because the pre-show fun starts at 5:00 PM, with the main feature beginning at sundown around 8:00 PM.
The Confirmed 2025 Movies in the Park Lineup at Elmington Park
The 2025 season marks the 31st year of this cherished Nashville tradition, held exclusively at the expansive and centrally located Elmington Park (3531 West End Ave). The free, family-friendly film series is scheduled for four consecutive Thursday evenings in June. The organizers, including FW Publishing Events and the Nashville Scene, have curated a lineup that appeals to all ages, ensuring a perfect night for families, couples, and groups of friends. All films are shown with open captions to ensure accessibility for everyone.
- Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025
- Movie: *Inside Out 2*
- Genre: Animated / Family
- Notes: Kicking off the series with a major 2024 animated hit, this is a must-see for families and fans of Pixar's emotional journey.
- Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025
- Movie: *The Sandlot*
- Genre: Sports / Comedy-Drama / Nostalgia
- Notes: A classic choice that taps into the series' long history, perfect for a nostalgic evening under the stars.
- Date: Thursday, June 19, 2025
- Movie: *The Goonies*
- Genre: Adventure / Comedy / Cult Classic
- Notes: Another beloved 80s classic, offering a great outdoor cinema experience for all generations.
- Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025 (Season Finale)
- Movie: *Twisters*
- Genre: Action / Disaster / Blockbuster
- Notes: Wrapping up the season with a high-octane 2024 blockbuster, ensuring an exciting finale to the free summer entertainment series.
Planning Your Perfect Night: Logistics, Food Trucks, and Activities
Attending Movies in the Park is more than just watching a film; it’s an immersive community event. To ensure you have the best experience at Elmington Park, a little planning goes a long way. The pre-movie activities are a major draw, starting promptly at 5:00 PM, three hours before the movie begins at sundown (approximately 8:00 PM).
What to Bring and What to Expect
The event is entirely free, but you should prepare for a full evening outdoors. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming kids and pets alike.
- Seating: Bring your own blankets, lawn chairs, or comfortable seating. Since the event is highly popular, arriving early is essential to secure a prime spot on the lawn, especially for larger groups.
- Food & Drink: While outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are welcome, the event features a rotating lineup of popular Nashville food truck vendors. This is a great opportunity to sample local cuisine, from gourmet tacos to sweet treats, making dinner part of the fun.
- Entertainment: The hours leading up to the movie are filled with various activities. Look out for sponsor booths offering games, giveaways, and interactive experiences. This pre-show fun is a key element of the family-friendly event series.
- Parking: Parking around Elmington Park can be competitive. Consider using rideshare services or parking in designated areas and walking. Always be mindful of residential parking restrictions.
Beyond Elmington Park: Other Outdoor Cinema Series in Nashville
While the Nashville Scene’s Movies in the Park at Elmington Park is the city's longest-running and most famous series, it is not the only option for enjoying outdoor cinema. For those looking for different settings or an adult-focused experience, Nashville offers several other unique outdoor film events that add to the city’s rich tapestry of outdoor entertainment options. These alternative series provide excellent topical authority and variety for movie lovers.
NightLight 615: Nashville's 21+ Outdoor Movies
For a sophisticated evening away from the family crowds, NightLight 615 is the premier choice. This series is strictly for ages 21 and up, offering a unique adult outdoor cinema experience.
- Concept: NightLight 615 features a curated bar serving craft beer and wine, alongside local food trucks and a pre-movie DJ set, all with the stunning backdrop of the downtown Nashville skyline.
- Location: The primary venue is the scenic Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, offering a fantastic urban setting.
- 2025 Dates: The series typically kicks off in late May, with the 2025 season beginning on Thursday, May 29, and continuing with select dates throughout the summer and early fall.
- Tickets: Unlike the free Elmington Park series, NightLight 615 is a ticketed event, so be sure to check their official schedule for movie titles and purchase details.
Movies on Tap: A Local Brewery Partnership
Another popular option for Nashville film enthusiasts is the Movies on Tap series, a collaborative effort between the Nashville Film Festival and local craft breweries.
- Concept: This series blends the love of cinema with Nashville's booming craft beer scene. It offers a more intimate setting, often featuring classic or cult films.
- Location: A frequent host is Jackalope Brewing Company, providing a great industrial-chic backdrop for a movie night.
- Schedule: These events are typically held on select Sundays from June through December, offering a schedule that extends beyond the traditional summer months.
The Entities and Community Behind the Screen
The success of the Movies in the Park series is due to the dedication of numerous entities and sponsors who ensure this community-focused event remains free and accessible. The primary organizing body is the Nashville Scene, one of the city's most respected alternative newsweeklies, which has championed the series for over three decades.
Key entities and sponsors that support the various outdoor film series in Nashville include:
- Nashville Scene: The main presenter of the Elmington Park series.
- FW Publishing Events: The production company responsible for executing the event logistics.
- Amazon: Often a key presenting sponsor, helping to keep the event free.
- Nashville Film Festival: A major cultural entity involved in the Movies on Tap series.
- Metro Nashville Parks: The department that manages Elmington Park and other public spaces.
- The Forge: A non-profit organization often supported by the NightLight 615 series.
- Whitland Area Neighborhood Association: A local group that helps promote and support the series in the surrounding community.
- NightLight 615: The specific organizer for the 21+ series.
- Jackalope Brewing Company: A consistent partner for the Movies on Tap events.
- Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park: The stunning venue for NightLight 615.
With the 2025 schedule featuring a mix of highly anticipated new releases like *Inside Out 2* and *Twisters*, alongside classic feel-good films like *The Sandlot* and *The Goonies*, Movies in the Park confirms its status as the ultimate destination for free, outdoor fun in Nashville. Mark your calendars for Thursdays in June and prepare for a memorable summer night with thousands of your closest neighbors.
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