Watching movies at the theater is always a fun experience. However, as we look forward to long, sunny summer days, watching movies outdoors may be an idea to consider. Bring a blanket, or chair, or sit in your vehicle, and enjoy a unique movie experience as the starry summer night slowly settles in. Here in Essex County, towns like Montclair, West Orange, and South Orange will be hosting outdoor movie nights for everyone of all ages to enjoy. Read on for our list of outdoor movies in Essex County for summer 2023.
Disclaimer: These events are included editorially as a community resource. The Montclair Girl is not affiliated with any of these events. Please always check directly with the host to confirm an event is still running. If you know of any other outdoor movie events happening in Essex County, please email hello@themontclairgirl.com.
Zoo-Vies at Turtle Back Zoo | 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange
Wednesdays in July
On Wednesday evenings from July 5th – July 26th, Essex County’s Turtle Back Zoo will be hosting Zoo-vies night. Bring your chairs and make yourself comfortable on the rooftop of Turtle Back Zoo’s parking deck. Films include Luca, Madagascar, and more. Tickets are free, and the movies begin at dusk. Admission to the zoo is not required. However, rain may cause the movie night to reschedule or cancel. Learn more here.
- July 5th: Disneynature Oceans
- July 12th: Madagascar
- July 19th: Luca
- July 26th: Godzilla vs. Kong
Read More: 12 Movies + TV Shows Filmed in Essex County
Moonlit Movies | Floods Hill in Meadowland Park, 5 Mead Street, South Orange
Wednesdays in August
As part of South Orange’s Summer Nights program, movies will be shown on Wednesdays in August, beginning on August 9th at 8PM. You can check the South Orange Village website for movie announcements, which should be made soon. We will update this list as information becomes available.
Montclair Film’s Movie Night Under the Stars | Montclair + Bloomfield
Various dates
Montclair Film is back with its annual “Movie Night Under The Stars” summer series. This series will kick off on Sunday, July 16th with the showing of Top Gun: Maverick at Lackawanna Plaza in Montclair. There will also be a screening of The Goonies on Sunday, August 6th at Essex County Anderson Park in Montclair. To end the series, Encanto will be shown at Brookdale Park Archery Field in Bloomfield. Films are free and open to the public. Showings will begin at sunset. Guests are welcome to bring chairs, blankets, and picnics. Registration is encouraged for guests to be aware of any weather delays + rain dates of these films. Learn more here.
See More: Hoboken’s Movies Under the Stars 2023 Schedule
Movie Night at Ginny Duenkel Pool | 60 1/2 Cherry Street, West Orange
August 27th
This movie night is happening on Sunday, August 28th. You can refer to the West Orange website for more information. The movie has not been announced yet — we will update this list as more information becomes available.
