Looking for a fun movie night with a little something extra? Mall of America’s Movies at the Star is bringing outdoor movie nights to the Twin Cities with blockbuster films, pre-show entertainment, food trucks and an open-air movie experience under the stars.
While these events aren’t free, they could make for a fun family night out — especially if you’re looking for something different to do as the summer winds down and fall gets underway.

Movies at the Star at Mall of America
The outdoor movie experience starts before the movie itself. Arrive early to enjoy music, lawn games, photo opportunities and food trucks before settling in for the evening’s feature film.
And if you don’t have your own lawn chairs, Mall of America says movie chair rentals are available, so you can still enjoy the movie on the grassy lawn.
Here’s the upcoming movie lineup:
Top Gun: Maverick
Saturday, August 22nd
Doors open: 7:30pm
Movie starts: 9:00pm
Kick off the series with Top Gun: Maverick. Arrive early to enjoy the pre-show activities and grab something from the food trucks before the movie begins around sunset.
The Mighty Ducks
Saturday, September 19th
Doors open: 7:00pm
Movie starts: 8:30pm
Get ready for a nostalgic family movie night with The Mighty Ducks. This September showing is a fun option for Minnesota families looking to squeeze in one more outdoor movie night before the weather gets colder.
Hocus Pocus
Saturday, October 17th
Doors open: 6:30pm
Movie starts: 8:00pm
For a little Halloween-season fun, Hocus Pocus takes over the outdoor screen in October. Costumes would definitely fit the theme!
Are the Mall of America outdoor movies free?
One important note for my fellow frugal families: these are ticketed events, so admission is not free.
Tickets are:
$25.00 for a car pass
$7.00 for a lawn lounge pass
There are some online fees so the total is then $28.00 and $8.50.
To me, the car pass is the better deal if you’re going with your family.
Tickets can be purchased through Mall of America’s official ticketing page:
Purchase Movies at the Star tickets
Be sure to check the ticket details before heading out, especially if you’re planning to bring the whole family.
What happens if it rains?
Minnesota weather can be unpredictable, especially when you’re planning an outdoor event!
If a movie needs to be canceled because of inclement weather, the feature film will be shown the following evening at the same scheduled time.
That means it’s a good idea to check for any weather-related updates before you head out.
A fun Twin Cities family night
Whether you’re a fan of fighter jets, hockey-loving underdogs or Halloween classics, the Movies at the Star lineup offers a few fun opportunities to enjoy a movie outdoors at Mall of America.
For families trying to keep entertainment costs in check, I’d recommend looking at the total cost before buying tickets — including admission, food and any chair rentals — and deciding whether the experience fits your family’s budget.
Dates at a glance:
- August 22: Top Gun: Maverick — 9 p.m.
- September 19: The Mighty Ducks — 8:30 p.m.
- October 17: Hocus Pocus — 8 p.m.
Bring your family, arrive early for the pre-show fun, and enjoy a movie night under the stars!
Want more Mall of America fun? Check out my guide:
15 Free Things to Do with Kids at the Mall of America (& FREE Printable Scavenger Hunt)

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