Does an evening of snuggling up under a blanket for a spooky, family-friendly movie sound about perfect to you? With Halloween almost upon us, the communities surrounding Indianapolis are offering free and cheap screenings of favorite films to complement the season. Most of these Halloween movies are kid-friendly or at least teen-friendly, so you can bring the whole crew and prepare to be (just a little) scared!
Since fall weather can often be unpredictable, some of these screenings will be held indoors and others are outside. We also recommend checking the venue’s social media or website immediately before movie time to be sure there are no date or location changes due to weather.
Halloween Movies in Central Indiana Communities
Easily find an event on a date that works for you on our list. Don’t forget to load up the blankets, cozy clothes, and snacks for any outdoor movies! Even on warm days, that fall air gets extra crisp when the sun goes down.
Movie Night on the Farm
Piney Acres Farm, 1115 E 1000 N, Fortville
September 27, 8 pm-11 pm
What’s Showing: It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown & Hocus Pocus
Come out to Piney Acres for an early viewing of some Halloween favorites! The free double feature starts at 8 pm and guests are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs. Want to enjoy the fall activities at Piney Acres beforehand? The farm will be open starting at 5 pm, but you’ll need to purchase a ticket for admission.
Coco Movie Night
Little Flower Catholic Church, 4720 East 13th Street, Indianapolis
October 4, 7 pm
What’s Showing: Coco
Little Flower Catholic Church welcomes visitors and parishioners alike to a family-friendly movie night! Grab some popcorn and snacks, available for purchase, before the movie, then sing along to the unforgettable songs in Coco.
Movie Night in the Park
Scamahorn Park, US 136 Pittsboro
October 5, 8 pm
What’s Showing: The Nightmare Before Christmas
Free movies at Scamahorn Park also feature free popcorn! Bring blankets and chairs to enjoy this community movie night. The film will start shortly after sunset.
Greenfield Parks and Recreation Movie Series
HJ Ricks Centre for the Arts, 122 W Main Street, Greenfield
October 19, 7 pm
What’s Showing: Hotel Transylvania
Greenfield Parks and Recreation has a fun, family-friendly lineup of free movies throughout the summer and fall. Wear a costume and head to the HJ Ricks Centre for the Arts for their Halloween showing of Hotel Transylvania. Activities begin at 7, a costume contest will be held at 7:45, and the movie starts at 8 pm.
Movies at Midtown
Midtown Plaza, 365 Monon Blvd, Carmel
October 12 at 2 pm & 17 at 6 pm
What’s Showing: Coco
October 29 at 12 and 6 pm & 31 at 6 pm
What’s Showing: Hotel Transylvania 3
The Movies at Midtown series in Carmel brings a fantastic lineup of family films to the big screen almost every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the summer and fall. This year’s spooky picks are Coco and Hotel Transylvania 3. Note that the first showing of Coco will actually be held on Saturday, October 12, in conjunction with Midtown’s popular The Arts in Autumn event.
Butler Schrott Center for the Arts Free Movie Series
Schrott Center for the Arts, 610 W 46th Street, Indianapolis
October 8, 7 pm
What’s Showing: The Exorcist
October 15, 7 pm
What’s Showing: Twilight
Calling families with teens! The movie options at Butler’s Schrott Center for the Arts were selected to appeal to an older audience than many others on this list. If you’re seeking chills, head to campus on October 8 for The Exorcist. Prefer some fantasy and romance? Twilight will play on October 15. All movies in this series are free and do not require tickets.
Halloween Movie Nights at Hornet Park Community Center
5245 Hornet Ave, Beech Grove
October 4, 7 pm
What’s Showing: Hotel Transylvania
October 11, 7 pm
What’s Showing: Casper
October 18, 7 pm
What’s Showing: Hocus Pocus
October 25, 7 pm
What’s Showing: Halloween Cartoon Shorts
Each Friday in October features another kid-friendly spooky movie at Hornet Park Community Center. Movies will be shown outdoors near the campfire, so bring your blankets and chairs. The fire will be lit around 6 pm. Come early to roast some marshmallows before the film begins!
Family Movie Night at the Irvington Halloween Festival
Crystal Creek Farm, 625 N Edmondson Ave
October 23, movie begins at dusk
What’s Showing: Haunted Mansion
The Historic Irvington Halloween Festival is an Indianapolis tradition with a schedule packed full of both frightful and friendly events. The 2024 festival will begin October 19 and runs through October 26. Register ahead of time for tickets to this family-friendly movie night, as spots are limited! Guests can also check out the haunted maze and bonfire during the event.
Looking for more frightful fun? Check out these community Trunk or Treat events.
Don’t miss out on these Fall Festivals happening around Central Indiana.