Take a break from the heat by taking in a movie. Below is a round-up of the most budget-friendly summer movies in or near Wichita.
If you’re looking for inexpensive movie options year-round, click here for Wichita Movie Deals.
This is the ultimate guide to budget-friendly summer movie programs in and around Wichita. From $1 Kids’ Movies to Free Outdoor Movie Nights and discounted theater days, there are so many ways to enjoy a movie this summer while sticking to a budget.
Have I missed any? Please share it in the comments section below! Keep scrolling to see a list of upcoming summer movie events in the Wichita area.
Kids Summer Movie Specials 2026
Riverflix: FREE Outdoor Summer Movies
Riverflix at Exploration Place is a FREE outdoor movie series. This is one of my favorite FREE Things To Do during the summer. It’s a great family-friendly way to spend an evening in the newer outdoor amphitheater at Exploration Place, by the Keeper of the Plains. As an extra perk, the Destination Playscape will be open during Riverflix.
Regal Summer Movie Express: $1 Family Movies
Now this is a deal! You can go to see a family movie at the Regal East or West for just $1 this summer. They even have a discounted concession deal to go with the flicks. Click below to read my article about it and see what’s showing and the dates.
Boulevard Movie Theater Monday Deal
Boulevard Theatres, a locally owned cinema that is in Old Town Square and Towne West. They are known for offering an affordable, nostalgic Summer Classic Kids Movies series. Plus, don’t forget about their Movie Monday Deals, Trivia Nights, and Taco Deals.
Derby Plaza Theaters: $2 Summertime Movies (not confirmed for this Year)
Another great deal is at the Derby Plaza Theater. Showtime begins at 10:30 am, and admission is $2.00 for all ages. There’s a $6.25 kiddie combo that includes a small popcorn, a drink, and candy. Here’s where we’ve written up the details: Derby Plaza Theater $2 Summer Kids Movies
More Ways to Save on Movies this Summer
Summer at the Starlite Drive-In Theater
We love our Starlite Drive-In Theater here in Wichita and for good reason! It’s something the whole family and a tassel of your kids’ friends can enjoy together, and throughout the summer, you get two first-run movies for one low ticket price, in an outdoor movie experience very few in the country get to experience. They won’t have carload pricing regularly, but the owner told me there will be a few special carload pricing events so stay on the lookout for that. I advise making the drive-in part of your summer plans, even if you can only go once. (Pro tip: Don’t plan anything early the next day, especially if you stay for both movies.)
Starlight WOTC Tips & Info:
- As of the last time I checked, the per-person prices are: $10.75 for individuals 12 and older, $5 for those 3 through 11 years old, and free for those 2 years old and younger.
- Carload pricing will only be offered on special occasions and posted on our website and social media accounts. Follow us on Facebook HERE.
- Starlite does NOT offer speakers. All sound is through FM radio
- The box office opens one hour before the earliest movie
Starlight Location: 3900 S Hydraulic St, Wichita
Starlight Phone Number: (316) 524-2424.
New Release/First-Run Movie Bargains
Find cheap seats at local theaters showing new release movies:
Northrock AMC 14
50% off on Wednesdays. Find out more here: 50% off AMC Theater on Wednesdays
Regal Warren Theaters
Get discount movie tickets and a deal on concessions on Tuesdays at the Regal Cinemas in Wichita.
Find out more here: Wichita Regal Theatres Value Days
Augusta Historic Theater
Find out more here: Wichita Movie Deals
Matinee Pricing
In general, matinees (movies that start before 6 p.m.) have the lowest ticket prices. Don’t forget to take advantage of any military, senior citizen, or student discounts that theaters may offer.
Student Specials
Many theaters offer student discounts. Be sure to check a theater’s website or ask at the box office before you pay full price. Bring your student ID.
Specialty Theaters
Orpheum Theater Film Series shows an older favorite movie on a Thursday every month. Movies begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door.
Download the Sunflower Summer App to get into over 200 different attractions around Kansas, including Exploration Place, Botanica, and more.
Previous Summer Movie Specials
Although we haven’t received any hints yet from organizers, we hope some of these summer movie events return for 2025, so we’re leaving them here…
Free Movie at OJ Watson Park – May 28th
Tunes & Tallgrass Free outdoor movie – June 16th
Encanto at Riverfront Stadium – June 16th
CapFed Amphitheater in Andover FREE outdoor movie – June 25
CapFed Amphitheater in Andover FREE outdoor movie – July 30
Botanica’s Dino’s at Dusk outdoor Movie – August 5th
CapFed Amphitheater in Andover FREE outdoor movie – August 27
