There’s a certain kind of date night that doesn’t need a reservation, a dress code, or a plan beyond “bring a blanket.” Central Ohio’s outdoor movie scene is built for exactly that. Grab someone you like, a bottle of wine or a couple of local beers, and let a big screen and the summer sky do the rest.
We rounded up the romantic outdoor movie nights still on the calendar for the rest of this summer, with an eye toward the ones that actually feel like a date and not just a kids’ activity.
Here’s where to go.
Romantic Outdoor Movies in Columbus and Central Ohio 2026
NightLight 614 at Genoa Park
If you want the most date-night-coded option on this list, it’s this one. NightLight 614 takes over Genoa Park near COSI with a downtown skyline backdrop, a lineup of food trucks, and drinks from Columbus breweries. It’s a 21-and-up event, so no wrangling other people’s kids for a spot on the grass.
Tickets are $12.99 in advance (more at the door if seats remain), and they sell out, so plan ahead at nightlightseries.com.
Remaining 2026 dates include:
- July 30: 10 Things I Hate About You
- July 31: She’s the Man
- August 13: The Devil Wears Prada 2
- August 20: Superbad
- August 27: Mamma Mia!
- September 10: La La Land
- September 24: Project Hail Mary
- October 7: Beetlejuice
- October 8: Obsession
- October 9: Sinners
Black Flix & Chill at Columbus Commons
Columbus Commons already has the downtown vibe of being surrounded by skyscrapers going for it, and this series leans into the romance with a lineup built around Black joy and genuine love stories. It’s free, no ticket required, and there’s a bar on-site if you want a drink with your movie.
- Thursday, July 23: Love & Basketball
- Saturday, August 29: Poetic Justice
- Friday, September 11: The Best Man
Movies start at 7 pm and popcorn is free while supplies last.
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Cinema Saturdays at Riverside Crossing Park, Dublin
Dublin’s Riverside Crossing Park sits right along the Scioto River, which makes it one of the prettier settings on this list for an evening out. Pack a real dinner (or grab something to go) and settle in along the water for the last Saturday of the month through October.
- July 25: A Christmas Story and Ready Player One
- August 29: Finding Dory and Draft Day
- September 26: Zootopia 2 and Superman 2025
- October 31: Coco and Wicked: For Good
The earlier date each month tends to lean toward a younger-audience, G-rated pick, while later screenings run up to PG-13, so this one flexes well depending on who you’re bringing. The full film lineup wasn’t posted at the time of writing, so it’s worth a quick check before you head out.
Movie Nights at the Historic Trolley District
For a date night with a little more polish, the Trolley District’s Switch Yard is worth the drive. Dinner and drinks are available from vendors right in East Market, and the movies start at dusk in a setting that feels more like a curated outdoor lounge than a park lawn.
- Thursday, July 23: Sing 2
- Thursday, July 30: Wicked: For Good
If it rains, the screening moves inside to Railhouse, so weather isn’t a dealbreaker.
Goodale Park Screen on the Green
Short North‘s Goodale Park hosts this one on the third Friday of July, August, and September, with a giant inflatable screen and food vendors on-site. It’s a classic, low-effort pick if you’re already in the neighborhood for dinner beforehand.
- Friday, August 21: Best In Show
- Friday, September 18: Death Becomes Her
Make It a Date Night
The best part of Columbus’s outdoor movie season is that none of it requires much planning. Pick a night, grab a blanket and a couple of camp chairs, and let the movie be the excuse to slow down together for a few hours.
Bookmark this list and start claiming your Friday nights before the summer runs out.
Date Ideas
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