Budget friendly movies shown outdoors to keep 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 to 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. This year’s line-up includes Wicked, Project Hail Mary, Grease, Hoppers and more. 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.
For more information: Website
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, June 11, 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
06/11/2026
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm |
Films on the Quad - Jurassic Park (PG-13)
at Main Quad, Illini Union, Urbana Illinois |
Saturday, June 13, 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
06/13/2026
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Dark Sky Series: Disney and Pixar's Elio
at Activity Center, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, Penfield |
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
06/16/2026
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Movie Night at Sholem – Kung Fu Panda 2 | Pre-registration Recommended
at Sholem Aquatic Center, Champaign Illinois |
Thursday, June 18, 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
06/18/2026
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm |
Films on the Quad - Zootopia 2 (PG)
at Main Quad, Illini Union, Urbana Illinois |
Thursday, June 25, 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
06/25/2026
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm |
Films on the Quad - Jaws (PG*)
at Main Quad, Illini Union, Urbana Illinois |
Friday, June 26, 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
06/26/2026
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Moo-vie Nights at Prairie Farm - The Bee Movie
at Prairie Farm, Champaign IL |
Thursday, July 2, 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
07/02/2026
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm |
Films on the Quad - Grease (PG*)
at Main Quad, Illini Union, Urbana Illinois |
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
07/07/2026
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Movie Night at Sholem – The House with a Clock in Its Walls | Pre-registration Recommended
at Sholem Aquatic Center, Champaign Illinois |
Thursday, July 9, 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
07/09/2026
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm |
Films on the Quad - Michael (PG-13)
at Main Quad, Illini Union, Urbana Illinois |
Thursday, July 16, 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
07/16/2026
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm |
Films on the Quad - Wicked (PG)
at Main Quad, Illini Union, Urbana Illinois |
Thursday, July 23, 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
07/23/2026
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm |
Films on the Quad - Coco (PG)
at Main Quad, Illini Union, Urbana Illinois |
Thursday, July 30, 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
07/30/2026
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm |
Films on the Quad - Power Ballad (R)
at Main Quad, Illini Union, Urbana Illinois |
Friday, July 31, 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
07/31/2026
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Moo-vie Nights at Prairie Farm - Wall-E
at Prairie Farm, Champaign IL |
Thursday, August 6, 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
08/06/2026
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm |
Films on the Quad - Project Hail Mary (PG-13)
at Main Quad, Illini Union, Urbana Illinois |
Thursday, August 13, 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
08/13/2026
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm |
Films on the Quad - Mandalorian and Grogu (PG-13)
at Main Quad, Illini Union, Urbana Illinois |
Friday, August 28, 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
08/28/2026
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Moo-vie Nights at Prairie Farm - Brother Bear
at Prairie Farm, Champaign IL |
Friday, September 25, 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
09/25/2026
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Moo-vie Nights at Prairie Farm - Luca
at Prairie Farm, Champaign IL |
Get ready for summer in Champaign-Urbana:
- Champaign-Urbana Area Fourth of July FIREWORKS!
- Fourth of July Events in Champaign-Urbana (2026 Guide)
- 7 Great Summer Festivals in Central Illinois
- Champaign-Urbana Area Free Summer Meals for Children
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- 50+ Ways to Have Summer Fun on a Budget In and Around Champaign-Urbana
- Summer Fun for Families in Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign-Urbana Area Swimming Pools
- Champaign-Urbana Area Summer Reading Programs
- Where to Watch Free and Cheap Outdoor Movies in Champaign-Urbana
- Visiting Champaign-Urbana Area Parks and Playgrounds with Families
- Strawberry Picking Near Champaign-Urbana
- Summer Fun in Chicago: Free Days at the Best Museums
- Champaign County Fair Preview
- Farmers Markets near Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign-Urbana Area Summer Fairs and Festivals
- 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
