One of my favorite simple pleasures during a summer stay in Hampton Beach is heading down to the beach on Monday nights for Movie Night Mondays. There’s something pretty magical about kicking off your shoes, spreading out a blanket on the sand, and watching a big family-friendly movie on a giant screen with the sound of waves in the background.
It’s completely free, super casual, and one of those classic Hampton Beach traditions that both kids and adults look forward to all week.
How Movie Night Mondays Works
Every Monday throughout the summer (usually starting in early July and running through late August), the Hampton Beach Village District sets up a huge outdoor screen right on the beach next to the playground.
- Movies start at dusk (right as it gets dark) — usually between 7:30 pm and 9:00 pm depending on the time of year.
- All the movies are family-friendly — think recent hits like The Wild Robot, Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon, and other crowd-pleasers.
- Bring your own blanket or low beach chairs, snacks, and maybe some bug spray. Some families even pack a little picnic.
The vibe is super laid-back. You’ll see grandparents, toddlers, teens, and couples all mixed together on the sand. Kids get excited when the movie starts, and there’s just this nice community feel with everyone enjoying the cool ocean breeze.
2026 Movie Lineup (So Far)
Here’s what’s scheduled for this summer (subject to change — always double-check closer to your dates on hamptonbeach.org):
- July 6 – The Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants
- July 13 – The Wild Robot
- July 20 – The Bad Guys 2
- July 27 – Zooptopia 2
- August 3 – Lilo + Stitch
- August 10 – How to Train Your Dragon (Live Action)
- August 17 – Wicked For Good
- August 24 – Hoppers
- August 31 – Elio
Pro tip: Movies start promptly at dusk, so get there a little early if you want a good spot closer to the screen.
Why Guests Love It
From our Hampton Beach vacation rental, it’s a quick drive down to the main beach area or call the golf cart taxi to come pick you up. Many of our guests say Monday Movie Night ends up being one of the highlights of their trip — especially for families with kids. It’s a nice, low-key way to wind down after a full beach day instead of everyone just crashing early at the house.
It also pairs perfectly with other Monday or nearby activities: grab dinner or ice cream on the boardwalk beforehand, or combine it with a Wednesday fireworks night for a full week of evening fun.
Tips for the Best Movie Night
- Arrive 30–45 minutes early on busy summer nights for a prime viewing spot.
- Bring layers — it can get breezy once the sun goes down.
- Check the weather — shows are weather permitting (rain date is usually Tuesday).
- Download the movie poster or schedule from the official Hampton Beach site so you know exactly what’s playing.
If you’re planning a family vacation to the NH Seacoast this summer, adding Movie Night Mondays to your itinerary is a no-brainer. It’s free, fun, and creates those simple memories that kids talk about long after the trip is over.
Staying nearby makes it even better. Our ocean-view beach house is just a short drive from the movie screen, so you can head back easily when the credits roll and everyone’s ready for bed. If you don’t want to drive, add to the fun by calling Ocean Cycle Rentals that is offering golf cart Taxi service to the main beach all summer long . You can reach them at 603-395-1246
Planning your Hampton Beach getaway? Check availability at our family-friendly vacation rental — we’d love to host your next summer escape.