Cheap Summer Movies Families Will Love in the Roanoke area
Summer break is officially here, and if you’re like most parents, you’re already looking for ways to keep the kids entertained without
Families in Roanoke, Virginia and the surrounding communities love outdoor movies series. Moviegoers have options in Roanoke, Salem, and Franklin County for Summer Movie deals for the whole family. While our local indoor theatres also offer summer matinees to make it affordable to get out of the heat and enjoy a show! We also have the scoop on Drive In's. If you're looking for movies in Roanoke, Virginia, you're in the right place!
The Grandin Theatre
Free KIDS' Summer Matinee Series
The free summer matinee series is a summer tradition for many Roanoke families.
The movies run on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Fridays and Saturdays of the month at 10 a.m.
Here's the schedule for this summer:
The Land Before Time
Fri. 6/19 and Sat. 6/20
10:00 am - Friday AND Saturday
IF
Fri. 6/26 and Sat. 6/27
10:00 am - Friday AND Saturday
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants
Fri. 7/3 and Sat. 7/4
10:00 am - Friday AND Saturday
Clifford the Big Red Dog
Fri. 7/17 and Sat. 7/18
10:00 am - Friday AND Saturday
Transformers One
Fri. 7/24 and Sat. 7/25
10:00 am - Friday AND Saturday
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Fri. 7/31 and Sat 8/1
10:00 am - Friday AND Saturday
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Fri. 8/14 and Sat. 8/15
10:00 am - Friday AND Saturday
Dora and the Lost City of Gold
Fri. 8/21 and Sat. 8/22
10:00 am - Friday AND Saturday
Salem, VA Parks and Recreation
Movies in Salem, VA at Kiwanis Field
Bring a blanket and chairs and enjoy a movie under the stars. The movie starts at dusk. Admission is free. Movie time snacks will be available to purchase from Kiwanis concessions (Cash ONLY).
Time: Gates open at 7:00 PM. Movies start at dusk (around 8:30 pm) unless otherwise specified
Location: Kiwanis Park (731 Indiana St.)
2026 Dates and Movies:
- Friday, June 26: Bad Guys 2
- Friday, July 24: Lilo & Stitch
- Friday, August 21: Elio
- Friday, September 18: How to Train Your Dragon
Other Info: Pets are not allowed at these events. For additional information, please call Salem Parks and Recreation at 375-3057.
Regal Valley View
$1 Summer Movie Express
If your kids could happily live at the movie theater all summer, Regal Valley View Mall Roanoke has you covered.
Regal’s Summer Movie Express returns June 1 through August 13 with $1 family movies showing Monday through Thursday starting at 11 a.m.
It’s one of the best summer entertainment deals around, especially for families trying to fill long summer days without spending a lot.
Along with $1 tickets, families can also grab discounted movie snacks. Everyone attending a Summer Movie Express movie can get $3 off a Snack Pack that includes a junior drink, popcorn, and fruit gummies. Dippin’ Dots discounts are also part of the fun.
June 1 - June 4
Sing
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
June 8 - June 11
Kung Fu Panda 4
David
June 15 - June 18
Kpop Demon Hunters A Sing-Along Event
The Wild Robot
June 21 - June 25
The Bad Guys 2
The Garfield Movie
June 29 - July 2
A Minecraft Movie
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
July 6 - July 9
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
How to Train Your Dragon
July 13 - July 16
Scoob!
My Neighbor Totoro
July 20 - July 23
Animal Farm
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants
July 27 - July 30
DogMan
Paddington in Peru
August 3 - August 6
Despicable Me 4
Charlie the Wonderdog
August 10 - August 13
Muppet Treasure Island
The Sandlot
Movies on the Move, Franklin County, VA
Join us for Movies on the Move as we travel around Franklin County to bring you an outdoor movie close to your home. Movies are Free to attend.
Dress accordingly for weather and bring a chair, blanket, and a light source. Arrive 1 hour early for outdoor games and visit with the Bookmobile for crafts and more. Concessions will be available. Giveaways for the first 50 kids.
In case of inclement weather, movie will be moved inside to the Essig Recreation Center.
Dress accordingly and bring a chair, blanket, and a light source.
| DATES | WHERE | TIME | COST |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 26, 2026 | Waid Park | "Lilo & Stitch" begins at 8:30pm Arrive 1 hour early for outdoor games | FREE |
| July 24, 2026 | Antioch Community Park | "Zootopia 2" begins at 8:30pm Arrive 1 hour early for outdoor games | FREE |
| August 21, 2026 | Ferrum Elementary School | "Goat" begins at 8:15pm Arrive 1 hour early for outdoor games | FREE |
| September 18, 2026 | FC Recreation Park | "Hoppers" begins at 7:30pm Arrive 1 hour early for outdoor games | FREE |
Still Waiting for 2026 Info: Summer Movie Camp at AMC Roanoke
 | Hulls Drive In, Lexington, Virginia Eden Drive In, Eden, NC | |
You could also Create Your Own Backyard Drive In Theatre | ||
