Wherever you park yourself, chances are good you will be watching ‘Zootopia 2’ on an outdoor screen around the state

Last summer, our parks were “Wicked” to the core. This year, the grass will be a different shade of green.

It’s going to be a total zoo out there when the summer outdoor movie season gets going in earnest. And no doubt, the movie of the coming summer is “Zootopia 2” – not only Disney’s highest-grossing animated film of all time, but the most commonly slated outdoor film of the season by far – at least in and around Denver.

From downtown Golden to Glendale, moviegoers will be going on the lamb with the rabbit and the red fox who have been framed for a crime they didn’t commit. “Zootopia 2” is playing in at least nine outdoor film series this summer.

This is the season of food trucks, live music and outdoor fun ’n film. Here’s our annual guide to what’s playing from neighborhood parks to hipster bars to Denver’s last drive-in. You’ll see plenty of perennial summer favorites like “The Princess Bride,” “The Goonies” and “Shrek.” You’ll see cult classics like John Carpenter’s “The Thing.” You’ll even see an occasional wild card like “Stagecoach.” (Think Bing Crosby and Ann-Margret.)

Among newer films, the red-hot “Sinners,” pardon the pun, is on fire. There’s even a “Hamilton” singalong. And, all told, you’ll learn not 10 but 30 Things I Hate About You.

It’s hard to go wrong with any movie under the stars on a mild Colorado summer night. Most will come with ice cream and kids’ activities. Some municipalities emphasize community building with local politicians. Grab a blanket and your friends and join the party.

The films at a glance:

• Film on the Rocks: Denver Film and the city of Denver’s always-on-Mondays summer series at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater continues with “Sinners” (June 22, with a pre-show performance by The Reminders); indie darling “Little Miss Sunshine” (July 13, with pre-show performances by Wheelchair Sports Camp and DeVotchKa); “Bridesmaids,” (Aug. 3, with a pre-show performance by May Be Fern); and the Steven Spielberg blockbuster Jurassic Park” (Aug. 10, with a pre-show presentation by National Geographic explorer Tyler Lyso). Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with music at 7 p.m. and most films starting at 8:30 p.m. (“Sinners” starts at 8.) Your emcee is again local comedian and actor Janae Burris, with an additional featured standup comedian (chosen by Denver’s Comedy Works). All tickets $25 at denverfilm.org.

• Sunset Cinema: Denver and Denver Film also partner on a free Tuesday film series at the Denver Performing Arts Complex’s Sculpture Park (next to the dancing aliens off Speer Boulevard and Champa Street). This year’s lineup: “The Fifth Element” (June 23, with pre-show entertainment from Denver Fashion Week); “National Treasure” (July 3 with DJ Walt White and Mayor Mike Johnston; drone show to follow); “The Sandlot” (July 7 with DJ The Jason Gregory); “The Prestige” (July 21 with The Psychic Soulmates and magician James Lopez; “Best in Show” (Aug. 4 with DJ CYN, and a best-dressed pet photo contest in partnership with Denver Animal Shelter); “Shaun of the Dead” (Aug. 18 with Kevon Ward from the SyFy special-effects competition series “Face Off”). Entertainment at 6:30 p.m., films at 7:30 p.m. (Except for July 3: 5:30 and 6 p.m.).

• Outdoor Movies at the Lyric: The biggest and best-curated outdoor summer film series is always at the Lyric in Fort Collins. For up to $12, you get a local band and a huge outdoor lineup that includes a free mystery horror movie every Monday night, and an array of films spread throughout the week that this year spans 1966 to 2024. This year includes: “Hairspray” (1988 version, June 11); “Disclosure Day” (June 12);  “Dumb and Dumber” (June 16); “Cry Baby” (June 18); “Sinners” (June 19); “Serial Mom” (June 25); “Predator” (June 26); “Idiocracy” (July 3-4); “BlacKKKlansman (July 7); “Preserved” (July 9); “500 Days of Summer “ (July 10); “City Slickers” (July 21); “K-Pop Demon Hunters” (July 24); “The Goonies” (July 31); “The Shining” (Aug. 4); “CatVideoFest” (Aug. 7); “Labyrinth” (Aug. 14); “A League of Their Own” (Aug. 18): “The Princess Bride” (Aug. 21); “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” (Aug. 28); “South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut” (Sept. 1); “Twilight” (Sept. 11); “Stagecoach” (Sept. 15); “The Thing” (Sept. 18); and “Hocus Pocus” (Oct. 2-3). I swear, if I lived in Fort Collins, I’d just roll out a sleeping bag and crash under the Lyric stars all summer. 1209 N. College Ave.

• Monday Night Movies (Edgewater): Another epic and unpredictable, free, fun (!) outdoor lineup is on tap at Edgewater Public Market’s sixth summer of free outdoor screenings: “Zootopia 2” (July 13);  “10 Things I Hate About You” (July 20); “Stand By Me” (July 27); “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (Aug. 3); “Sleepless in Seattle” (Aug. 10); “The Goonies” (Aug. 17); “The Birdcage” (Aug. 24); “The Parent Trap” (Aug. 31); “Crazy Rich Asians” (Sept. 14); “Sinners” (Sept. 21);  “Hocus Pocus” (Sept. 28); and “Practical Magic” (Oct. 5). Films begin at sundown. 5505 W 20th Ave.

• Avanti Movie Nights: Free outdoor screenings on Thursday nights on a 30-foot screen at Avanti Food & Beverage Hall, 3200 Pecos St.: “Holes” (June 11); “10 Things I Hate About You” (June 18); “Clueless” (June 25); “The Sandlot” (July 2); “The Parent Trap” (July 9); “High School Musical” (July 16); “Anchorman” (July 23); “White Chicks” (July 30); “Shrek” (Aug. 6); “The Hangover” (Aug. 13); “Pitch Perfect” (Aug. 20); “Mean Girls” (Aug. 27); and “The Princess Bride” (Sept. 3). Films start at 8:30 p.m. All screenings are weather dependent.

• McGregor Square again will be showing free movies at 6:30 p.m. (unless noted) right across from Coors Field: “Project Hail Mary” (July 4); “Zootopia” (6 p.m.) and “Zootopia 2” (a July 16 double feature); “A League of Their Own” (July 30); “10 Things I Hate About You” (Aug. 6); and “Super Mario Galaxy Movie” (Aug 20). 1901 Wazee St.

• Historic Elitch Theatre: A quintessential Denver experience has long been watching free films on the grass outside the Old Globe-like theater that preservationists have been sloooooowly trying to save for more than 40 years. But guess what? This year, the movies are being shown inside Denver’s oldest cultural venue. Those films are: “Ghostbusters” (with a costume contest, June 12); “Zootopia 2” (with Denver Zoo animal ambassadors on site, July 17); “The Greatest Showman” (with circus performers, Aug. 21); and “Coco” (Sept. 13). Films at 7 p.m. (except “Coco” at 2); activities begin 30-60 minutes before that. No tickets required. The original Elitch’s (the only one that matters) is located at 4550 W. 38th Ave. — not downtown.

• RegiRama Films on the Quad: Regis University’s signature summer film series is back with  “Kung Fu Panda” on June 12 and “Freakier Friday” on July 17. At 3333 Regis Blvd.

• Music at the Movies (Aurora): The city of Aurora is bringing back its now 2-year-old  roving Wednesday film series starting June 24 with “How to Train Your Dragon” and music by Animal Farm (at Terrace Park, 18801 E. Montview Blvd.). First 100 people get a free Kona Ice. July 15 is a “Hamilton” sing-along,” with music by Little Moses Jones (at Settler’s Park, 14800 E. Walsh Drive). “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants” is happening July 29 with music by Unindicted Co-conspirators (at Meadowood Park, 3054 S. Laredo St.). Music at 5 p.m., films at 6 p.m. 

• Movies & Music in the Park (Golden): Three animated films and live music at Parfet Park in downtown Golden start June 12 with “Zootopia 2” (music by The Man Cubs). Also: “Balto” with the Atomic Jones Band (July 10); and “Lilo & Stitch” (music byThe Beloved Invaders (Aug. 7). Music at 7 p.m.; movies at sundown. 719 10th St.

• Westminster Movies in the Park: This Friday-night film series moves from park to park: “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants” (June 26, Westminster High School); “Bad Guys 2” (July 17, Amherst Park); and “Goat” (Aug. 14, Legacy Ridge Golf Course). Films at 7 p.m.

• Movie Nights at Infinity Park (Glendale): “Zootopia 2” (June 22); “F1” (July 2); “Ratatouille” (July 6); and “Monsters vs. Aliens” (Oct. 12). Gates at 6 p.m., films at 7 p.m. (except 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 12). 4400 E. Kentucky Ave.

• Northglenn Neighborhood Nights: Food trucks, concerts and free films at rotating locales: “Zootopia 2” (June 18 at Danahy Park); “How to Train Your Dragon” (July 16 at Central Park at Fox Run; “Hook” (July 23 with Grateful Dead tribute band Tumbledown Shack at Festival Lawn); “Super Mario Galaxy Movie” (July 30 at Wyco Park). Activities start at 5:30 p.m. with food trucks and meet-and-greets with Northglenn city-council members.

• Thornton Rhythms and Reels: Free films and live music in rotating parks: “Elio” (July 9 with the Michael Friedman Band at Trail Winds Park); “A Minecraft Movie” (June 11 with Kingpin Posse at Woodglen-Brookshire Park); “Wonka” (July 23 with Lucky Catch at Fallbrook Park). Music at 6 p.m., movies at 7:30 p.m.

• Flix & Kicks in Brighton: “Zootopia 2” (June 11); “Lilo & Stitch” (June 18); “The Greatest Showman” (June 25); “Field of Dreams” (July 9); “IF” (July 30); “Elio” (Aug. 6); and “Monsters University” (Aug. 13). Kids’ activities start at 5:30 p.m.; movies at 7 p.m. at Carmichael Park (except “Monsters University,” which is at Brighton Park).

• Movies on the South Green: Free films in Central Park: “The Princess Bride” (June 26); “Zootopia 2” (July 10); “National Treasure” (July 24); “Shrek” (Aug. 14); and “Wicked: For Good” (Sept. 4). Movies at dusk. 2823 Roslyn St.

• Evergreen Movies in the Park: Free Friday movies, games and live music, with food trucks at Buchanan Park: “The Incredibles” (July 31); “Wall-E” (Aug. 28); “Jurassic Park” (Sept. 25); “E.T.” (Oct. 30). Activities begin at 4 p.m.; movies at sunset. 32003 Ellingwood Trail.

• Food & Flick Friday (Firestone): The town welcomes area families back to school with an Aug. 7 double-feature screening of  “Big Hero 6” (starts at 6 p.m.) and “The Iron Giant” (8 p.m.)   in Harney Park, followed by “Paddington 2” (Sept. 11, Settlers Park). With food trucks.

At the drive-in …

• 88 Drive-In: Yes, the metro area’s last drive-in plays on fully three years after it was reported to have been sold for demolition, In fact, this summer is the old standby’s 50th birthday, so, I guess … never underestimate the dingy glory of old-school outdoor cinema in Commerce City. Current offerings are “The Mandalorian” and “Backrooms.” 8780 Rosemary St.

Indoors, but still cool …

• The CO150 Festival will be a massive, statewide summer event celebrating Colorado’s 150th birthday. It features 150 screenings of Colorado-connected films across more than 35 historic venues and drive-ins, showcasing movies that were shot in the state, set in the state, or made by homegrown talent. It all starts with “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” on June 12 at The Lamar in, yes, Lamar, and runs through Nov. 28. …

If you want a unique (and cool!) moviegoing experience this summer, check out the Colorado Symphony’s two upcoming big-buzz 25th anniversary screenings of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” The film will play on four screens at Boettcher Concert Hall while accompanied by an 80-piece orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live. It all goes down June 20-21. Tickets $32-$170 at coloradosymphony.org …

• MCA Denver at the Holiday. The MCA welcomes back Colorado’s Elusive Ingredient for an immersive, audience-participation screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 8 p.m. June 13. That’s where actors perform certain roles and scenes in real time along with the film at 2644 W. 32nd Ave. …

• And, this just in: Ellen Greene is coming to the Paramount Theatre on Sept. 23 to host a 40th anniversary screening of “Little Shop of Horrors” (the musical film) and answer audience questions. Greene originated the role of the battered beauty in the stage musical and continued on to star in the iconic film adaptation. For the unwashed: ”Little Shop of Horrors” is the 1986 cult-classic sci-fi musical comedy directed by Frank Oz, featuring a nerdy florist who cultivates a man-eating, blood-thirsty plant he names Audrey II, who, oops, eats the planet. (Spoiler!) Tickets ($55) are on sale at  ticketmaster.com.

John Moore is the Denver Gazette’s Senior Arts Journalist. Email him at [email protected].