PHOENIX — Between the popcorn, pretzels, candy and tickets, a family night at the movies can quickly add up.
How does a FREE movie sound? Just ahead of the summer heatwave, some cities and shopping centers around the Valley are hosting their own movie nights. All you have to do is bring yourself, some snacks (just in case you get hungry), and a chair or blanket to sit on.
Related: How to see a movie for $6 or less at these eight Valley movie theaters
Looking to save on movie snacks? The dollar store is a great place for movie theater candy. Or you can use the snacks you own and put them in small plastic bags.
Chandler CinePark
Grab a blanket or lawn chair and some snacks and head to Tumbleweed Park for a free family-friendly movie. Movies start at 8 p.m. However, from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. there will be themed activities and food available for purchase. Tumbleweed Park is near Germann and McQueen roads. More information.
May 3 - Ralph Break the Internet
May 10 - Dr. Seuss' The Grinch
May 17 - Incredibles 2
Desert Ridge Marketplace
The Phoenix shopping center will have two to three movie screenings each month through August. The lineup for May is below. The movie will start at 6:30 p.m. in the Barnes & Noble courtyard.
Upcoming dates: June 13, June 27, July 11, July 25, August 8 and August 22. If you're hungry, some restaurants will have grab-and-go items. More information.
May 2 – Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
May 16 – Mary Poppins Returns
May 30 – A Dog’s Way Home
Mesa's Movies on Main
Jump start the weekend in downtown Mesa for its monthly "2nd Friday Night Out" art festival. More than 60 artists will have booths showcasing their works, live music, and food trucks. Families can also watch a free movie in the Silver Lot. Movies start at dusk. Feel free to bring your own chairs and blankets. More information.
May 10: Ralph Breaks the Internet
June 14: The Goonies
July 12: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
August 9: Lego Movie 2
Odysea in the Desert
Each month, Odysea in the Desert, the entertainment complex near the Loop 101 and Via de Ventura, shows a free movie in the courtyard. There is some seating, but its recommended that people bring lawn chairs. The movie starts at 6:30 p.m. Before the movie there are crafts, music, games and character meet-and-greets. More information.
May 11: The Little Mermaid
Tempe Movies in the Park
Pack a picnic dinner, snacks and a blanket and head to Kiwanis Park to watch a free movie under the stars. Movies are shown on an inflatable screen on the north soccer field. Movie will start at dusk, usually around 7 p.m. More information.
May 3 The Karate Kid
May 10 Ralph Breaks the Internet
May 17 Jumanji
May 24 A Bug's Life
May 31 The Little Mermaid
Scottsdale Promenade
Those looking for a date-night idea can make a Friday night visit to the Scottsdale Promenade. They will have a block party every Friday in May from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. in the parking lot near the Golden Spoon ice cream shop. At 8 p.m. they will screen a free movie (they ask that you bring a canned good to donate). More information.
May 3 – Bohemian Rhapsody
May 10 – A Star Is Born
May 17 – Pretty Woman
May 24 – Sleepless in Seattle
May 31 – When Harry Met Sally
