Parks and recreation departments, libraries, senior centers, and community facilities host free movie nights several months each year, with some locations offering free movies year-round.
Check out the offerings in these Eastern NC towns. Free movies may be indoors or outdoors; popcorn is sometimes provided or snacks available for purchase.
Knightdale NC: Movie Night Series
Knightdale Parks, Recreation & Cultural Programs hosts an Outdoor Movie Night Series each spring and fall. Movies are free and open to the public.
The series includes free movies that are PG or PG-13, shown at the Knightdale Station Park Amphitheater, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale NC, with movie screenings beginning at dusk (after sunset).
- June 23, 2017: Trolls (PG)
- June 30, 2017: BIG (PG)
- July 7, 2017: Independence Day, 1996 (PG-13)
- July 14, 2017: Ice Age: Collision Course (PG)
In case of cool weather, it is suggested movie-goers bring a blanket and a portable chair for their comfort.
Groups from local schools will be running the concession stand, with drinks and snacks available for purchase. All proceeds will directly support the associated school. Cub Scout Pack 365 will be volunteering at the Movie Night Series.
For more information on this Town of Knightdale event series, see this webpage or contact Megan Thornton via email.
Garner NC: Outdoor Movie Series
This Garner series kicks off Thursday, May 4, 2017, will be Hidden Figures. Movie time is approximately 8-10pm, with movie beginning at sunset. Gather on the back lawn at the Garner Performing Arts Center, 742 W Garner Road, Garner NC. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for comfort.
“The 2017 Outdoor Movie Series is presented by Downtown Garner, Planet Fitness, Home Towne Realty, and the Town of Garner.” Additional movie dates include:
- June 1, 2017
- July 6, 2017
- August 3, 2017
- September 7, 2017
- October 5, 2017
Parents are asked to use discretion, check movie rating information, if planning to bring children. Pets may not come.
Note that this outdoor movie may be cancelled if weather does not cooperate. Check the town’s Facebook events for updates/confirmation.
Nash County NC
The NASH Senior Center: Friday Afternoon Popcorn and a Movie
Seniors, come and enjoy a free movie on the fourth Friday of each month, starting at 2pm in Room 112, at The NASH, 103 N Alston Street, Nashville NC. Popcorn is available for 25 cents a bag during the screening.
Movies scheduled are:
- Friday, April 28, 2017: Hacksaw Ridge, 2016 (Rated R)
- Friday, May 26, 2017: Hail Caesar!, 2016. (Rated PG-13)
- Friday, June 23, 2017: Race, 2016 (Rated PG-13)
For more information or to let them know you’re coming, call 252.459.7681. Pre-registration is requested to ensure seating and refreshments may be prepared.
Bailey NC’s Mount Pleasant Senior Group: Popcorn and a Movie
The NASH also includes a satellite program, the Mount Pleasant Senior Group, which shows occasional movies for seniors. Movies are screened inside the Mount Pleasant Community Building, 7637 Harris Road, Bailey NC. The next showing is Monday, June 19, 2017, 10am, with a showing of Sully (2016).
Rocky Mount NC
Braswell Memorial Library: Teen Movies
Just about every month, the library holds movie showing for teenagers. The next Teen Movie Night is May 3, 2017, 5:30pm, in the Computer Lab at Braswell Memorial Library, 727 N Grace Street, Rocky Mount NC.
See more movie and event information at braswell-library.libguides.com.
Imperial Centre: Lawn Chair Theater
Held in the Courtyard at Imperial Centre, 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC, these nights offer family-friendly free movies. The Children’s Museum at Imperial Centre offers activities before the movie begins.
Online voting has been taking place to select the movies, with winning movies to be available online after April 14. Movie dates are:
- June 16, 2017
- June 30, 2017
- July 14, 2017
- July 28, 2017
Doors open at 7pm; movies begin at 8:30pm. Bring a lawn chair for comfort. Concessions will be available for purchase at the site. See more at imperialcentre.org/events/lawn-chair-theater.
Rocky Mount Sports Complex: Kids & Family Movie Night
On Friday, May 19, 2017, 6-8pm, the City of Rocky Mount is showing Moana, with added goodies like live entertainment and inflatables. The free event’s location is the Rocky Mount Sports Complex, 600 Independence Drive, Rocky Mount NC.
Rolesville NC: Family Movie Series
Head down to watch free movies on the football field, Rolesville Middle School, Rolesville Middle School, 4700 Burlington Mills Road, Rolesville NC. Start time is 8:15pm.
- May 13, 2017: E.T.
- June 10, 2017: Home Alone
- August 12, 2017: Little Rascals
Concessions will be available at each movie showing. See the town website, rolesvillenc.gov, for more event information.
Wilson NC Libraries: Teen Movie Nights/Days
The library holds movie showing for teenagers in several locations, at different times.
The next Teen Movie Night at the Main Library (249 Nash Street W, Wilson NC) is April 18, 2017, 6pm — Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
The next Teen Movie Day at the Lucama branch (103 E Spring Street, Lucama NC) is April 20, 2017, 4pm — Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
More information on Wilson County Public Library movies and events may be found on their website, www1.youseemore.com/wilsoncountypl.
Zebulon NC: Free Family Movie Night
The town shows movies on the second Friday of each month at the Zebulon Community Center, 301 S Arendell Avenue,
Zebulon NC. Dates are:
- May 12, 2017
- June 9, 2017
- July 14, 2017 (*updated)
- August 11, 2017
The doors always open at 6:30pm and the movies begins at 7pm. Enjoy the movie plus free popcorn and bottled water. Movie titles are available in advance by calling 919.823.0432 to see what’s playing. Watch their event webpage for movie dates.
At this time, no outdoor movie is on the schedule. Last year, one outdoor movie was shown at the Municipal Complex.
