Universal CityWalk Hollywood Adds Free Movie Nights Through October 6

Universal CityWalk Hollywood is screening free outdoor movies on Tuesday nights this fall. Universal published the full lineup on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, and the run goes for five weeks.

Every screening happens at the 5 Towers Stage at Universal CityWalk Hollywood. All five films are family-friendly and PG-rated. There are no tickets and no admission charge.

The Movie Nights lineup

Here’s the full schedule Universal listed:

• Tuesday, September 8: “Minions: The Rise of Gru” (2022)
• Tuesday, September 15: “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” (1982)
• Tuesday, September 22: “Shrek” (2001)
• Tuesday, September 29: “Wicked” (2024)
• Tuesday, October 6: “Casper” (1995)

That’s a strong five. Wicked on a big outdoor screen with a CityWalk crowd is the one I’d plan around.

What to know before you go

Movies start at 7 p.m. sharp, and Universal points out there are no trailers. Pre-movie entertainment starts at 6:30 p.m. with trivia and giveaways, so getting there early is worth it.

There are no reserved spots, and only a limited number of chairs are available at the 5 Towers Stage. Universal recommends bringing your own blankets and chairs. You can bring outside food in, or buy snacks at CityWalk food and beverage venues.

Parking at CityWalk costs $10 after 5 p.m. That’s the only cost baked into the night if you bring your own food.

Why this is a good deal

A free, unticketed night at CityWalk is rare, and this one runs five weeks straight. You get a Universal film, an outdoor screen, and a whole entertainment district around you before and after. For a Tuesday in Los Angeles, that’s hard to beat.

If you’re building a CityWalk night around it, the NBC Sports Grill and Brew kickoff menu is right there, and Halloween Horror Nights is already running at Universal Studios Hollywood next door.

Source: Discover Universal official blog, September 8, 2026.