Capitol Park After Dark’s free outdoor showing of the film “Out of the Past” in West Capitol Park on August 15, 2018.

Where to Catch a Summer Movie in Albany County

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 Local Film Venues to Check Out This Summer

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 each week to enjoy a kid-friendly movie on the big screen. The 2026 lineup runs July 7 through August 26 and includes Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch, Dog Man, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, Tangled, How to Train Your Dragon, The Lego Movie, and The Spongebob Movie: Search for SquarePants.

Love Albany Presents Movies Under the Stars

Free, family-friendly, and moving around the city all summer long — Love Albany's Movies Under the Stars brings a movie to a different neighborhood park each month. Pre-show fun (games, activities, and free popcorn) starts at 7:30 PM, with the movie beginning at sunset. No registration required.

Capitol Park After Dark

Make sure to add this annual community 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 Notorious, The Goonies, and Arsenic and Old Lace. This event is free! 2026 dates: Wednesdays, August 19, 26, and September 2 at 8:00 PM in West Capitol Park.

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 and in 2026 the series runs June 1 through August 13, with $1 showtimes Monday through Thursday mornings (around 11:00 AM); the full lineup is posted at regmovies.com.

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 has been back under local operator Scene One Entertainment since spring 2024 and remains open in 2026, 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!

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!

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