You can watch free movies under the stars on a Calgary rooftop this summer

If you’ve been dreaming of movie nights outside under a starry sky, High Park Movies With A View is bringing them back to Calgary this summer, with a full lineup of free rooftop screenings right above downtown.

Set at High Park, the series transforms the open-air rooftop into an outdoor cinema with skyline views and a massive 30-foot screen that delivers a full theatre experience.

Movie nights with skyline views

If you’ve never been to High Park before, it’s a 90,000-square-foot rooftop space located above downtown Calgary. The park has basketball courts and art installations, and it hosts plenty of community events, like yoga, making it a surprisingly active space right in the middle of the city.

Movies With A View began running in 2023 and has quickly become a city favourite, drawing Calgarians back each summer with free screenings.

Hosted by the Beltline Neighbourhood Association, the screening uses a 4K projector and a concert-style sound system to create a big-screen experience that feels completely different from your typical night at the theatre.

It kicks off with Scott Pilgrim vs. the World on June 25, 2026, followed by a lineup that includes cult favourites, animation, and indie films throughout the summer. The series will wrap up with a stop-motion animation showcase, featuring a live music score and curated programming.

What to know before you go

High Park Movie With A View runs throughout the summer, taking place every second Thursday starting June 25, 2026, with screenings beginning after sunset, once it is dark enough for films to play.

Movies are first-come, first-served, and since there is no designated seating on the turf, guests are encouraged to bring blankets or low lawn chairs.

And if you get hungry, popcorn and drinks will be available for purchase on-site, but no outside food is allowed.

The movies are free to attend, with no registration required. However, donations to the Beltline Neighbourhood Association are encouraged to ensure that these events can continue in the future.

Summer in Calgary can get busy and sometimes a little costly, with lots of events and plans happening every weekend. This is one of the easier ways to enjoy it, without needing much planning or spending to have a good night out.

So grab your besties, a few blankets, and head over to High Park for a movie under the stars with the city glowing around you!

When: Thursday, June 25, Thursday, July 16, Thursday, Aug. 16, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026
Time: Time varies based on the movie
Where: 340 10th Ave. SW, 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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