It's showtime in Albany all summer long! Looking for something to do on a long summer's day? Check out our list of where to catch a summer flick throughout the county. From special events to local movie theaters, scroll on to plan your next movie outing in Albany County.
Special Summer Movie Events
Summer in the City Free Family Movies
Spend your summer day in the capital city enjoying a free movie with the family! Head over to the historic Palace Theatre on a select day each week to enjoy a kid-friendly movie on the big screen. The lineup includes 2024 releases like Inside Out 2, Mufasa: The Lion King, Kung Fu Panda 4, and more! Every showing is accompanied by kid-friendly activities making for a whole afternoon of fun.
Live Score Movie Nights
Have you ever watched one of your favorite movies and wondered what it would be like if the music were being performed by a live band? Well, that's exactly what you'll find at this series of live score movie nights, presented by the Downtown Albany BID and Bee Side Cassettes. A lineup of acclaimed local musicians spanning various genres and backgrounds will perform live, re-imagined scores of these classic adventure movies, as the movies play on a big outdoor screen against the stunning backdrop of Downtown Albany at dusk.
Capitol Park After Dark
Make sure to add this annual event to your Albany summer bucket list! Hosted by the Empire State Plaza, close out your summer spending a warm evening on the lawn of West Capitol Park. A series of classic (and modern classic) films will be showing each Wednesday including The Princess Bride, To Catch A Thief, and Some Like It Hot. This event is free!
Regal Cinemas' Summer Movie Express
Looking for an easy and cost-effective way to entertain the kids this summer? Travel over to a local Regal Cinema for the annual Summer Movie Express. During these summer showings on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, enjoy a selection of family-friendly films for just one dollar per ticket! Regal Cinemas can be found in both Crossgates Mall and Colonie Center Mall. Movies are pre-selected by Regal, a full line-up for the summer can be found through the event link!
Local Film Venues to Check out This Summer
Spectrum 8 Theatres
An Albany staple since 1983, Spectrum 8 Theatres is an arthouse theater known for showing independent, foreign and avant-garde films along with major, widely-released features. After a brief closure in early 2024 due to ownership changes, Spectrum 8 is back and ready for a summer inviting visitors to see their favorite stories old and new take to the big screen.
Jericho Drive-In
See Hollywood stars under the stars at Jericho Drive-In in Glenmont. Enjoy this classic way to enjoy a summer movie every weekend. The venue shows summer blockbusters all season long. Add a twist to your movie night and grab a cone from the Twist Ice Cream Shoppe located right on the Drive-In Lot!
The Madison Theatre
A neighborhood favorite since 1929, the Madison Theatre offers a mix of the latest blockbusters, classics, and special screenings in a historic setting. Located in Albany’s Pine Hills neighborhood, the theater also features a full-service restaurant and bar, so you can enjoy dinner and a movie all in one spot this summer!
Regal Cinemas - Crossgates Mall
Need a way to fill the day beyond seeing a movie? Crossgates Mall offers plenty of places to shop, dine, and find entertainment. Located right next to the mall's Regal Theater is 5 Wits Entertainment, close-by is a Dave & Buster's. Head to the Regal in Crossgates Mall all summer long for the newest features and enjoy a day of fun at the shopping center.
Regal Cinemas - Colonie Center
Beat the heat and make a whole day out of your movie outing at Colonie Center Mall. Shop 'til you drop at the mall's stores, stop on the second-floor food court for something delicious to eat, then head up to the third-floor Regal. Enjoy summer blockbusters all season long!
