Budget friendly movies shown outdoors to keep your kids entertained this summer
Warm weather entertainment doesn’t have to break the bank! Where to find free (or cheap) outdoor movies for families in Champaign-Urbana and beyond
Movies shown outdoors are a unique tradition for Midwest families. Whether spectators watch the show projected on a sheet in the backyard, or more people gather for the occasion in a park, village square, or pool, we have a list of places you can find movies OUTDOORS around Champaign-Urbana.
Chambanamoms thanks Illini Union Board Summer Films on the Quad for presenting this list of outdoor movies.
The Illini Union and the Illini Union Board present the Summer Films on the Quad. Each Thursday during the summer, come enjoy a free movie out on the University of Illinois Quad facing the Illini Union. Snacks and drinks can be purchased from the Illini Union Quad Shop.
There’s something special about movies during the summertime, isn’t there? And it gets even more special when you get to watch them — gasp — outside!
We find movie nights popping up where the film is shown on the side of downtown buildings, on big screens next to our favorite pools, and even in the middle of places like Allerton Park. If you’re going to be stopping at the quad for a movie, you may also want to check out our ideas for great places to eat in Campustown. We list all of the local outdoor movie events we know of in the list below. And check back often – we definitely will add to this list as the season progresses.
RELATED: Looking for info on the free summer movies at the Savoy 16 movie theater? Check here!
Thursday, May 29, 2025
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
05/29/2025
9:00 pm |
IU Board FREE Summer Movies on the Quad
at U of I Quad, Urbana |
Friday, May 30, 2025
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
05/30/2025
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm |
Moo-vie Nights at Prairie Farm | A Bug's Life
at Prairie Farm, Champaign IL |
Thursday, June 5, 2025
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
06/05/2025
9:00 pm |
IU Board FREE Summer Movies on the Quad
at U of I Quad, Urbana |
Thursday, June 12, 2025
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
06/12/2025
9:00 pm |
IU Board FREE Summer Movies on the Quad
at U of I Quad, Urbana |
Friday, June 13, 2025
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
06/13/2025
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm |
Moo-vie Nights at Prairie Farm | Chicken Little
at Prairie Farm, Champaign IL |
Thursday, June 19, 2025
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
06/19/2025
9:00 pm |
IU Board FREE Summer Movies on the Quad
at U of I Quad, Urbana |
Saturday, June 21, 2025
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
06/21/2025
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Movie Night at Sholem – Kung Fu Panda
at Sholem Aquatic Center, Champaign Illinois |
Thursday, June 26, 2025
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
06/26/2025
9:00 pm |
IU Board FREE Summer Movies on the Quad
at U of I Quad, Urbana |
Friday, June 27, 2025
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
06/27/2025
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm |
Moo-vie Nights at Prairie Farm | Open Season (2006)
at Prairie Farm, Champaign IL |
Thursday, July 3, 2025
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
07/03/2025
9:00 pm |
IU Board FREE Summer Movies on the Quad
at U of I Quad, Urbana |
Thursday, July 10, 2025
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
07/10/2025
9:00 pm |
IU Board FREE Summer Movies on the Quad
at U of I Quad, Urbana |
Friday, July 11, 2025
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
07/11/2025
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm |
Moo-vie Nights at Prairie Farm | Babe (1995)
at Prairie Farm, Champaign IL |
Thursday, July 17, 2025
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
07/17/2025
9:00 pm |
IU Board FREE Summer Movies on the Quad
at U of I Quad, Urbana |
Thursday, July 24, 2025
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
07/24/2025
9:00 pm |
IU Board FREE Summer Movies on the Quad
at U of I Quad, Urbana |
Friday, July 25, 2025
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
07/25/2025
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm |
Moo-vie Nights at Prairie Farm | Home on the Range (2004)
at Prairie Farm, Champaign IL |
Saturday, July 26, 2025
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
07/26/2025
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Movie Night at Sholem – Nacho Libre
at Sholem Aquatic Center, Champaign Illinois |
Thursday, July 31, 2025
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
07/31/2025
9:00 pm |
IU Board FREE Summer Movies on the Quad
at U of I Quad, Urbana |
Thursday, August 7, 2025
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
08/07/2025
9:00 pm |
IU Board FREE Summer Movies on the Quad
at U of I Quad, Urbana |
Friday, August 8, 2025
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
08/08/2025
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm |
Moo-vie Nights at Prairie Farm | Charlotte’s Web (2006)
at Prairie Farm, Champaign IL |
Thursday, August 14, 2025
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
08/14/2025
9:00 pm |
IU Board FREE Summer Movies on the Quad
at U of I Quad, Urbana |
Get ready for summer in Champaign-Urbana:
- Beaches Within a Short Driving Distance of Champaign-Urbana
- 7 Great Summer Festivals in Central Illinois
- Visiting Champaign-Urbana Area Parks and Playgrounds with Your Family
- Best Midwest Summer Road Trips for Champaign-Urbana Families
- Summer Fun in Chicago: Free Days at the Best Museums
- Splash Pads Around Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign-Urbana Area Summer Fairs and Festivals
- Strawberry Picking Near Champaign-Urbana
- 13 Things To Do on the University of Illinois Campus This Summer
- Champaign-Urbana Area Swimming Pools
- Champaign-Urbana Area Summer Reading Programs
- Summer Fun for Families in Champaign-Urbana
- Where to Watch Free and Cheap Outdoor Movies in Champaign-Urbana
- Farmers Markets in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
- Fishing Fun for Families in the Champaign-Urbana Area
- Swim Teams in Champaign-Urbana
- Outdoor Concerts in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
- Season Pool Passes On Sale in Champaign-Urbana
- Where to Take Swim Lessons in Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign-Urbana Summer Camps for Kids
