Five movies, five Thursdays, and a downtown skyline doing the lighting work for you. White River State Park is bringing back its family outdoor movie nights at Celebration Plaza this summer, with a feature film on the third Thursday of each month from May through September. Tickets are $5 per person, or $20 for a family pass that covers up to eight people, which is roughly what you’d pay to rent one of these on streaming.
Here’s the part that makes this feel less like “movie night in a field”: the park is partnering with Heartland Film, and every screening opens with a Heartland-curated short before the main feature. So you’re getting a little film festival energy without leaving the lawn.
Want more movies under the stars? Browse our full roundup of outdoor movies around Indianapolis.
The 2026 Lineup
May 21: The Incredibles (PG, 1h 55m). The one where a family of retired superheroes argues about dinner before saving the world. A strong opener for younger kids and a nostalgia hit for parents who remember seeing it in theaters.
June 18: National Treasure (PG, 2h 11m). Nicolas Cage steals the Declaration of Independence. Somehow the whole family will be into it.
July 16: Shrek (PG, 1h 29m). The shortest runtime of the bunch at 89 minutes, which matters when you’re trying to get kids home at a reasonable hour on a school-free Thursday in July.
August 20: Mamma Mia! (PG-13, 1h 48m). Greek island, three possible dads, an ABBA soundtrack. Bring the older kids, the in-laws, and anyone who’ll sing along without being asked twice.
September 17: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (PG-13, 2h 33m). The longest movie on the schedule and a fitting summer send-off. Jack Sparrow under the stars hits different.
Related Article: 95 Cheap or Free Things to Do in Indianapolis with Kids
What to Bring
Lawn chairs, blankets, bug spray, and sunscreen are all welcome. You can pack your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, or buy soda, water, popcorn, and snacks on-site. Dogs are allowed as long as they stay on a leash.
Weather, Parking, and Other Logistics
Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 7:30 p.m. If it rains, the screening moves to its rain date and ticket holders get an email with the update. Rain dates are May 28, June 25, July 30, August 27, and September 24.
Free validated parking is available in the White River State Park underground garage in front of the Indiana State Museum while spaces last. The surface lot by the Visitor Center is not included.
Tickets and full event info are at whiteriverstatepark.org.
