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Where to Watch Movies on the Water in Austin This Summer

Explore the lineup of classics, comedies and summer blockbusters playing at pools and lakes around Austin

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Guests watch a movie from the pool during the annual Float Films summer film series at Austin Motel. (Photo by Constanza Ulloa-Colina)

As temperatures rise, several Austin venues are bringing back movie nights with a splash. From hotel pools to lakeside screenings, these summer film series offer a fun way to cool off while watching cult favorites, nostalgic throwbacks and blockbuster hits. Here’s where to catch a movie by the water this season:

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Jaws on the Water at Volente Beach. (Courtesy of Alamo Drafthouse)

“Jaws” on the Water at Volente Beach Resort

Volente Beach Resort and Waterpark brings its floating movie night back to Lake Travis with “Jaws on the Water,” an outdoor screening of the summer classic viewed from the water. Guests watch the movie from the lake on 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 20
July 18

Moviegoers gather for a screening during the Float Films series at the Austin Motel pool on South Congress Avenue.
Moviegoers gather for a screening during the Float Films series at the Austin Motel pool on South Congress Avenue. (Photo by Alison Marlborough)

Float Films at the Austin Motel

Austin Motel’s Float Films series returns this summer with “Summer of 1999,” a lineup of cult-classic films from the 1990s screened poolside at the motel’s retro kidney-shaped pool. Screenings will be held every other Friday at the motel’s pool. Tickets are $18, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and movies starting at dusk. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own pool floats.

Lineup:
June 12 – Detroit Rock City
June 26 – Varsity Blues
July 10 – 10 Things I Hate About You
July 24 – The Matrix
August 14 – The Talented Mr. Ripley
August 28 – The Mummy

Guests watch a lakeside screening during Movies on the Lake at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters in Austin. (Photo courtesy of Mozart’s Coffee Roasters)
Guests watch a lakeside screening during Movies on the Lake at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters in Austin. (Photo courtesy of Mozart’s Coffee Roasters)

Movies on the Lake at Mozart’s

Beginning April 2, movies will be shown every Thursday at 8 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 11 – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
June 18 – Shrek
June 25 – Black Panther (2018)
July 2 – Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
July 9 – Captain America: The First Avenger

Fairmont Austin's Dive-In Movie Series. (Photo courtesy of Fairmont)
Fairmont Austin’s Dive-In Movie Series. (Photo courtesy of Fairmont)

Fairmont’s Dive-In Movie Series⁠

Held on Fairmont Austin’s seventh-floor rooftop deck, the Dive-In Movie Series brings fan-favorite films to the pool every other Tuesday throughout the summer. Movies begin at twilight, with popcorn, candy and classic theater snacks available for purchase. Admission is complimentary for hotel guests and $25 for general admission, with a $30 deluxe ticket option that includes popcorn and a pool floatie.

Lineup:

June 9 – The Goonies⁠
June 23 – Lilo & Stitch⁠
July 7 – Grease⁠
July 21 – Super Mario Galaxy Movie⁠
August 4 – Zootopia 2⁠
August 18 – Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl⁠

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