Theme Park Scope

Universal CityWalk Hollywood is turning Tuesday nights into outdoor movie nights this September and October.

If you’re looking for something fun to do around Universal Studios Hollywood without spending another evening inside the park, Universal just announced a new series of Movie Nights at the 5 Towers Stage.

Beginning September 8, 2026, Universal CityWalk Hollywood will screen a different fan-favorite movie every Tuesday night beneath the stars.

The movies begin at 7 PM, and the lineup includes everything from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Shrek to Wicked and Casper. Universal summed it up perfectly in its announcement: “When the sun goes down, the fun turns up at Universal CityWalk this September and early October.”

Universal CityWalk Movie Nights Schedule

Movie Nights take place every Tuesday from September 8 through October 6, 2026, at the 5 Towers Stage.

Here is the full lineup:

September 8 — Minions: The Rise of Gru

Universal kicks things off with Illumination’s Minions: The Rise of Gru, following young Gru and the Minions during his attempts to join the supervillain group known as the Vicious 6.

September 15 — E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

The following week brings one of Universal’s most recognizable films to the outdoor screen. Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial follows Elliott and his friends as they attempt to help a stranded alien return home.

It’s also a particularly fitting choice for Universal fans thanks to the movie’s long history with the theme parks.

September 22 — Shrek

Everybody’s favorite ogre takes over CityWalk on September 22.

The original Shrek follows Shrek and Donkey as they head out to rescue Princess Fiona, kicking off one of DreamWorks Animation’s most popular franchises.

September 29 — Wicked

CityWalk heads to Oz on September 29 with Wicked.

The film adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda brings the story of the witches of Oz to the 5 Towers Stage just as spooky season is in full swing at Universal Studios Hollywood.

October 6 — Casper

And there’s probably no better way to wrap up the series in October than with a friendly ghost.

The 1995 film Casper closes out the Movie Nights schedule on October 6, adding a little Halloween flavor without turning the evening into a full horror movie marathon.

The timing of these screenings makes them especially useful for fall visitors. Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood runs on select nights from September 3 through November 1, 2026, making September and October some of the busiest nighttime periods of the year around the resort.

Movie Nights take place on Tuesdays, giving visitors another evening activity at CityWalk whether they’re building a longer Southern California vacation or simply looking for something more relaxed than a night of haunted houses.

Because the screenings happen at the 5 Towers Stage in Universal CityWalk, you don’t need to be inside Universal Studios Hollywood to enjoy the atmosphere. That also makes this an easy option for a non-park evening: grab dinner somewhere around CityWalk, shop for a while, then head toward the stage for the movie.

Universal notes that the event is subject to change or cancellation without notice, so we’d recommend checking the Universal CityWalk calendar before heading out.

Keep checking back with Theme Park Scope for the latest Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk entertainment, event, and Halloween Horror Nights updates.