Calgary is getting a free outdoor screening of a beloved 2000s movie

Movie nights can get expensive quickly, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip out on a fun evening at the big screen. Calgary’s new Cinema at Stampede Campus series is bringing free outdoor movie nights to the city this August, starting with a screening of the beloved 2000s classic Night at the Museum. For anyone who grew up watching the movie, now you can relive the nostalgia while enjoying it outdoors along the river.

Now let’s take a further look at everything happening during the Cinema at Stampede Campus movie nights.

What to expect at the outdoor movie night

The first Cinema at Stampede Campus event will feature a screening of Night at the Museum on Saturday, Aug. 8. The movie night will take place at the BMO Amphitheatre, an outdoor venue located along the Bow River. The space has a built-in screen and plenty of grassy spaces where guests can sit and enjoy the movie.

Before the movie begins, you can enjoy free admission to the Sam Centre from 4 to 5 p.m., where you can explore exhibits that help bring stories from the Calgary Stampede to life.

And according to organizers, the first 200 guests will score a free bucket of popcorn courtesy of Maisie Eatery. If you don’t make the cut, don’t worry; there will be plenty of food and drink options available to purchase throughout the evening.

The series will continue later this month with a screening of Barbie on Saturday, Aug. 22, featuring special appearances from Barbie-inspired roller skaters from Biggies Roller Rink.

Cinema at Stampede Campus details

If you’re planning on heading to the event, make sure to arrive early with a blanket or lawn chair, especially if you want to claim a good spot or grab a free bucket of popcorn.

Free parking will be available for up to three hours at the event, but the lot does fill up quite quickly. To avoid the parking rush, consider carpooling with friends or taking transit to the venue.

So, if you’ve been looking for an activity that won’t break the bank, there’s no better time to take advantage of a free outdoor screening like this. Plus, you can’t really beat watching a beloved film with Calgary’s river views as your backdrop.

When: Saturday, Aug. 8 and Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026
Time: Activities start at 4 p.m., Movie starts at 5 p.m.
Where: Riverfront BMO Amphitheatre – 1420 6th St. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free

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Kaiya Williams

Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.

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