Denver’s free outdoor movie series, ‘Sunset Cinema,’ returns
Jun 23, 2026, 5:33 PM
Sunset Cinema, the free outdoor movie series produced by Denver Arts & Venues and Denver Film, kicks off its 2026 season tonight (June 23) in Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex with a screening of Luc Besson’s 1997 sci-fi classic “The Fifth Element” — and a runway show to match.
Tonight’s pre-show runway begins at 6:30 p.m., with the movie rolling at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free; organizers ask attendees to RSVP through Eventbrite so they can plan for crowd size. Seating is first-come, first-served, and blankets, lawn chairs and dogs are all welcome.
The series, presented by Coca-Cola, runs through August with themed pre-show entertainment before each screening. The next event — a July 3 showing of “National Treasure” — will double as an America 250/Colorado 150 celebration featuring an appearance by Mayor Mike Johnston and a drone show after the credits. The rest of the summer lineup includes “Independence Day,” “The Wild Robot,” “Jurassic Park,” “Shrek” and “The Breakfast Club.” Food trucks will be on-site at every screening.
“One of the best parts of summer in Denver is seeing our public spaces come alive with community, culture and connection,” Johnston said in a statement announcing the season. “The Sunset Cinema Series brings people together downtown to enjoy a film under the stars and celebrate the creativity, energy and spirit that make Denver such a vibrant city.”
Sculpture Park is located at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1400 Curtis St. The full schedule and RSVP links are available at artsandvenuesdenver.com.
