Skip to Main Content

Your Guide to Five Free Movie Nights Under the Stars at Flicks at the Fountain

Blog Post - June 16, 2026

Category: What's New

We’re less than a month away from the return of Flicks at the Fountain, and summer movie nights in Carlsbad Village can’t come soon enough.

Beginning July 9, the Fountain Parking Lot will once again transform into an outdoor movie theater, welcoming families, friends, neighbors, and visitors for five Thursday nights of free movies under the stars.

Movie Dates:

July 9Zootopia
July 16Beethoven
July 23Alice in Wonderland
July 30Mamma Mia!
August 6Superman

Already have the movie lineup marked on your calendar? Here’s what else you need to know before opening night.

Arrive Early and Make an Evening of It

The parking lot opens at 6 PM each Thursday (movies usually begin around 8PM), and if you’ve been before, you know the pre-movie hours are part of the experience.

Bring your blankets and low-back chairs, claim your spot, then take a stroll through Carlsbad Village to pick up dinner, dessert, snacks, or a refreshing drink before settling in for the movie.

Want to stay put? Knockout Pizza will be on-site every week taking orders and delivering pizza directly to your seat.

The Fun Starts Before the Movie

While the movies may be the main attraction, there’s plenty happening before the opening credits roll.

Kids crafts and activities begin around 6 PM each week, giving young moviegoers something to enjoy while they wait for showtime.

New this year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad will host themed activities during Zootopia on July 9, Beethoven on July 16, and Superman on August 6. Kids can enjoy hands-on projects inspired by the films, including the chance to create their own Superman cape before the season finale.

On July 23, Mad Hatters will be joining us! Kids aged 4-13 (and those young at heart) can tap into their imaginations to craft a hat that’s as unique as they are. On July 30, Trivia Tim will get the crowd involved with super fun rounds of Music Bingo!

A Summer Tradition Returns

There’s something special about seeing blankets spread across the Fountain Lot, kids playing before the movie starts, and families gathering together on summer evenings in the heart of the Village.

Whether you’re coming for one movie or planning to join us every Thursday, Flicks at the Fountain is the perfect way to spend a summer night in Carlsbad Village.

The countdown is officially on. We’ll see you July 9!