Milwaukee North Shore Outdoor Movies Guide 2025
Milwaukee's north shore offers excellent outdoor movie experiences for families, with Bayshore Family Flicks leading as the premier destination featuring 12 free weekly screenings. The region provides diverse options from lakefront Milwaukee County parks to intimate suburban community events, all within easy reach of north shore residents. Most events are free and family-friendly, typically running from June through August with movies starting at dusk.
Bayshore Family Flicks dominates the north shore outdoor movie scene with the most comprehensive programming and highest production values. Located at The Yard in Glendale, this series offers professional-quality outdoor cinema just minutes from most north shore communities.
Bayshore Family Flicks at The Yard
Location: The Yard at Bayshore Town Center, 5800 N. Bayshore Drive, Glendale
Schedule: Every Wednesday, 5:30 PM movie start (pre-show at 4:30 PM)
Duration: June 11 - August 27, 2025
Admission: FREE
Complete 2025 Movie Lineup:
June 11: "Wicked" (2024)
June 18: "Moana 2"
June 25: "Sonic the Hedgehog 3"
July 2: "Mufasa: The Lion King"
July 9: "Despicable Me 4"
July 16: "Inside Out 2"
July 23: "The Wild Robot"
July 30: "Paddington in Peru"
August 6: "Snow White" (2025)
August 13: "If" (2024)
August 20: "The Garfield Movie"
August 27: "Dog Man" (2025)
What makes it special: Large outdoor screen with surround sound, pre-show entertainment including bounce houses and character meet-and-greets, food trucks and vendors, covered parking available at the shopping center.
What to bring: Lawn chairs and blankets (required for seating), snacks and drinks
Restrictions: No alcohol carry-ins, no pets
Parking: Free parking throughout Bayshore shopping center
Contact: thebayshorelife.com/events, follow @thebayshorelife on social media
Milwaukee County Parks provide scenic lakefront options
Veterans Park and Lake Park offer stunning Lake Michigan backdrops for outdoor movies, combining natural beauty with quality programming. These venues provide the closest thing to beach movies that Milwaukee offers.
Veterans Park
Location: 1010 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr., Milwaukee
Distance: 10-15 minutes from north shore communities
2025 Movies:
August 16: "Captain America: Brave New World"
August 23: "The Garfield Movie"
August 31: "Shrek"
Park features: Lagoon with swan boat rentals, extensive walking trails, picnic areas, playground, restrooms
Parking: Free street parking along Lincoln Memorial Drive
What to bring: Chairs, blankets, picnic dinner
Lake Park
Location: 3233 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee
2025 Movies:
July 25: “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory”
August 8: "Airplane!"
August 29: "The Princess Bride"
September 26: "The Birds"
Park features: Scenic ravine setting, walking paths, playground, historic pavilion
Parking: Free parking available in park lots
Special note: Features classic movie selections alongside current releases
Several north shore communities host their own outdoor movie events, providing opportunities to connect with neighbors while enjoying family entertainment.
Bayside Movie on the Hill
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Time: 7:15 PM (part of Fall Fest starting at 2:00 PM)
Location: Village Hall, 9075 N. Regent Road, Bayside
Movie: To be announced (residents vote for preference)
Admission: FREE
Additional Fall Fest activities: Food service 2:00-6:00 PM, Torzala Brewing Company beverages until 9:00 PM, 5K run/walk at 4:00 PM
What to bring: Blankets, lawn chairs
Parking: Available at Village Hall
Contact: baysidewi.gov, sign up for "Bayside Buzz" newsletter
Brown Deer
Brown Deer: "Summer Scenes" movies at Village Park & Pond (4920 W. Green Brook Drive), contact 414-371-3000
Whitefish Bay: Summer programming typically announced March-April, contact Recreation Department at 414-963-3921
Shorewood: Events usually at Atwater Park, summer schedules released April-May, contact 414-963-6913
Downtown Milwaukee's Deer District offers urban outdoor movie experiences, while suburban communities throughout the Milwaukee area provide additional family-friendly options.
Deer District
Location: 1111 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave., Milwaukee
Time: 6:30 PM start
2025 Movies:
August 7: "Encanto"
September 4: "Wicked"
Tip: Arrive by 6:00 PM for best seating and snacks
Distance: 20-25 minutes from north shore
Parking: Paid parking available, public transit accessible
Waukesha
Waukesha: Les Paul Performance Center at Cutler Park features pre-movie activities (June 16, July 21, August 18)
Brown Deer: August 15 - "Moana 2" at Village Park & Pond
Elm Grove: August 8 - "The Wild Robot" at Gazebo Park (8:30 PM start)
What to pack for every event
Seating: Lawn chairs or blankets (required at most venues)
Food: Picnic dinner and snacks (most venues allow outside food)
Comfort items: Bug spray, light jackets for cooler evenings, flashlights
Entertainment: Activities for kids during pre-show time
Cash: For concessions where available
Timing and logistics
Arrival: Come 30-60 minutes early for best seating, especially at popular venues like Bayshore
Weather: Most events are weather-dependent - check venue social media for last-minute updates
Parking: Generally free at park locations, arrive early during peak summer weekends
Accessibility: All major venues offer accessible parking and viewing areas
Money-saving tips
Free events: Most community and park events are completely free
Food costs: Bringing picnic dinners saves money over concession stands
Parking: All park venues offer free parking, unlike some downtown options
Multiple events: Season passes not required - attend as many different venues as desired
Key dates to check for updates
Whitefish Bay: March 10-21 (summer guide mailing)
Shorewood: April-May (summer programming release)
Fox Point: Spring 2025 for summer event announcements
Mequon: Contact City Hall at 262-242-3100 for current programming
Milwaukee's north shore offers outstanding outdoor movie experiences for families, with Bayshore Family Flicks providing the most comprehensive programming and Milwaukee County parks delivering scenic lakefront settings. The region's combination of weekly programming, community events, and regional options ensures families can find outdoor movie experiences that fit their schedules and preferences. With most events free and easily accessible, outdoor movies provide affordable summer entertainment that builds community connections while creating lasting family memories under the stars.
For the most current information and last-minute updates, families should bookmark their preferred venues' websites and follow their social media channels, as outdoor events are subject to weather conditions and occasional programming changes.