Free Movies on the Lawn Returns to Irvine This Summer

The City of Irvine's free Movies on the Lawn series continues through August at Hicks Canyon Community Park, part of the city's broader Summer in the City lineup of free family events.

If you haven't packed a blanket and headed to the park for a movie under the stars yet this summer, there's still time.

What's on the schedule?

Movies on the Lawn runs at Hicks Canyon Community Park with a family-friendly lineup this year. Two showings remain on the calendar: "How to Train Your Dragon" (2025) on July 24, and "Zootopia 2" closing out the series on August 14. Earlier this summer, the series opened with "Lilo & Stitch" (2025) on June 26 and "A Minecraft Movie" on July 17, according to the City of Irvine.

Food trucks arrive around 6:30 p.m. for anyone who wants dinner before the show, with movies starting after sunset, weather permitting. Guests are welcome to bring low-back chairs, blankets, and a picnic, or grab something from the on-site food trucks and snack bar.

Why it's worth going

Free, high-quality family programming is one of those things that's easy to take for granted until you compare it to what other cities offer. Admission and parking are both free, and it's the kind of low-key, no-pressure evening that's hard to beat in the middle of summer, no tickets, no reservations, just show up with a blanket.

It's also a nice snapshot of what makes Irvine's parks system stand out: consistent, well-organized community programming layered on top of genuinely excellent park infrastructure. For families weighing neighborhoods, easy access to free events like this is a real, everyday quality-of-life factor.

The details

Movies on the Lawn takes place at Hicks Canyon Community Park. Food trucks open around 6:30 p.m., with movies beginning after sunset. Admission and parking are free; all seating is first-come, first-served.

Frequently asked questions

Where does Movies on the Lawn take place in Irvine?

At Hicks Canyon Community Park, as part of the city's Summer in the City series.

Is Movies on the Lawn free?

Yes, admission and parking are both free, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

What movies are left on the 2026 schedule?

"How to Train Your Dragon" (2025) on July 24 and "Zootopia 2" on August 14 remain on the calendar.

Looking for a neighborhood close to Hicks Canyon Community Park and Irvine's other family-friendly amenities? I'd love to help you find the right fit.

Final Thoughts

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