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Float-in flicks: Where to watch a movie on the water in Austin

Make the most of summer nights with this guide to the best poolside and lakeside movie screenings in Austin.

June 3, 2025 • 
Morgan O’Neal
People relax and socialize in and around a pool at the Austin Motel during a “Float Film” event. An inflatable movie screen is set up at the edge of the pool, with inflatable floats and colorful drinks adding to the festive atmosphere. Some guests float in the water while others stand or sit poolside under red-and-white umbrellas. The motel’s retro sign and mid-century buildings are visible in the background.

Movies begin at dusk at the motel’s bean-shaped pool.

Photo by Alison Marlborough

Austin’s summer temperatures call for creative ways to cool off. When the Texas heat hits, there’s nothing quite like floating in the water and watching a movie under the stars.

Here are 27 flicks to enjoy from the pool or lake on a hot summer night.

Float Films: Soundwaves | The Austin Motel

BYOFloat to the retro pool on South Congress Avenue to see films with iconic soundtracks. Pro tip: Stop by the newly opened Rocky’s Bar for a colorful cocktail before the tape rolls.

  • “Almost Famous” | Friday, June 13
  • “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” | Friday, June 27
  • “La Bamba” | Friday, July 11
  • “High Fidelity” | Friday, July 25
  • “Sister Act” | Friday, Aug. 8
  • “Saturday Night Fever” | Friday, Aug. 22

Movies on the Lake | Mozart’s Coffee Roasters

Rent a paddleboard, donut boat, or lounge float to watch a family-friendly screening from the water at this lakeside coffee shop. If you’d prefer to stay on land, you can also reserve a spot on the cafe’s patio.

  • “High School Musical 2" | Thursday, June 5
  • “The Princess Diaries” | Thursday, June 12
  • “Black Panther” | Thursday, June 19
  • “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” | Thursday, June 26

Movies in the Park | Deep Eddy Municipal Pool

Grab your swimsuit + towel and head to the historic pool for a uniquely Austin outing, complete with complimentary concessions from Cornucopia Popcorn.

  • “The Half of It” | Tuesday, June 24
  • “Moana 2" | Thursday, July 10
  • “Splash” | Thursday, Aug. 14
A large crowd enjoys a movie screening at Deep Eddy Pool in Austin during dusk. People are floating and swimming in the spring-fed pool while an inflatable screen displays a film. The scene is framed by trees and surrounded by lush greenery, with attendees watching from both in the water and on the grassy lawn with blankets and chairs.

It’s officially time for summer nights in the pool.

Photo courtesy of Austin Parks Foundation

“Jaws” on the Water | Volente Beach Resort and Waterpark

What’s scarier than watching “Jaws” at home? Watching “Jaws” in the water. Thrill seekers won’t want to miss this interactive screening at Lake Travis, which includes surprises beneath the water’s surface. Pro tip: Don’t get too comfortable in your tube.

  • “Jaws” | Saturday, June 7
  • “Jaws” | Saturday, June 21
  • “Jaws” | Saturday, July 12
  • “Jaws” | Saturday, July 26

Cine Flotante: Dive-In Movie Series | Arriba Abajo

Level up your movie night with skyline views on the Thompson Austin’s rooftop, where you can float in the pool or book a daybed. Psst — City Editor Morgan recommends visiting the bar for a passion fruit margarita.

  • “Dirty Dancing” | Thursday, June 5
  • “Mamma Mia!” | Thursday, June 26
  • “Jaws” | Thursday, July 3
  • “Shark Tales” | Thursday, July 17
  • “The Sandlot” | Thursday, Aug. 7
  • “10 Things I Hate About You” | Thursday, Aug. 21
  • “Coco” | Thursday, Sept. 4
  • “Selena” | Thursday, Sept. 18
  • “Scary Movie” | Thursday, Oct. 2
  • “Insidious” | Thursday, Oct. 16

Looking for more things to do this summer? Check out our events calendar.