Where to Watch Movies on the Water in Austin This Summer
Explore the lineup of classics, comedies and summer blockbusters playing at pools, parks and lakes around Austin
As temperatures rise, a number of Austin venues are bringing back movie nights with a splash. From rooftop dive-ins to lakefront thrillers, these floating screenings offer a way to stay cool while watching cult favorites, throwbacks and summer blockbusters. Here’s a look at where to catch a film on the water this season:
Arriba Abajo Cine Flotante
Arriba Abajo’s rooftop cantina in downtown Austin is hosting a bi-weekly Cine Flotante film series at its rooftop pool. Each month features a themed lineup, with screenings beginning at 8:30 p.m. and doors opening at 8 p.m. General admission is $37.75, and daybed reservations are available for $86 for two guests.
Lineup:
June 5: Dirty Dancing
June 26: Mamma Mia!
July 3: Jaws
July 17: Shark Tale
Aug. 7: The Sandlot
Aug. 21: 10 Things I Hate About You
“Jaws” on the Water at Volente Beach Resort
Alamo Drafthouse’s annual Jaws on the Water event returns to Lake Travis with select screenings in honor of the film’s 50th anniversary. Guests watch the movie from the lake on custom inner tubes, with admission including access to Volente Beach Resort and waterpark attractions. Photo ops and event merchandise are also available. Screenings begin after sundown.
Dates:
June 7
June 21
July 12
July 26
Pride Movie in the Park at Deep Eddy Pool
On June 24, Austin Parks Foundation will host a free screening of the 2020 coming-of-age film “The Half of It” as part of its Movies in the Park series. The event, celebrating Pride Month, will take place at Deep Eddy Pool. Attendees are welcome to watch from the lawn or in the water. The event begins at 8 p.m. with the movie starting at dusk. Free popcorn will be provided by Cornucopia Popcorn.
Float Films at the Austin Motel
The Austin Motel will host a summer film series, Float Films: Soundwaves, featuring movies known for their iconic soundtracks. Screenings will be held every other Friday at the motel’s pool. Tickets are $50, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and movies starting at dusk. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own pool floats.
Lineup:
June 13: Almost Famous
June 27: Hedwig and the Angry Inch
July 11: La Bamba
July 25: High Fidelity
Aug. 8: Sister Act
Aug. 22: Saturday Night Fever
Swim Club Dive-In Movie Series
Swim Club, located at 701 E. 11th St., is launching a free dive-in movie series beginning June 12. Movies will be shown every Thursday night, with screenings on two outdoor screens: one poolside and another on the lawn. Night swims start at 7 p.m. and movies begin between 8:15 and 8:40 p.m., depending on sunset.
Lineup:
June 12: Wet Hot American Summer
June 26: Weekend at Bernie’s
July 9: The Meg
July 10: Jaws
July 24: Sharknado
Aug. 7: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Aug. 14: Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Aug. 21: The Breakfast Club
Movies on the Lake at Mozart’s
Beginning June 5, movies will be shown every Thursday at 8:30 p.m. on Mozart’s Coffee Roasters’ open-air deck. Seating is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis, though guests are welcome to bring their own chairs. For a more immersive experience, paddleboard and two-person float rentals are available for viewing the film directly from the water. Traditional concessions, including popcorn and pretzels, will be available, along with themed specialty drinks.
Lineup:
June 5 – High School Musical 2
June 12 – The Princess Diaries
June 19 – Black Panther
June 26 – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
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