"It's awesome to see Outdoor Cinemas visiting our suburbs and the return of the popular Dive in Cinemas. I can't wait to get out to enjoy a movie and some popcorn with the community," Maitland mayor Loretta Baker said.

Community members will be able to start off the new year with a range of family friendly movies scattered across Maitland on January 8, 9 and 17.

The movie Wonder will light up the screen at Max McMahon Oval in Rutherford on Thursday, January 8 while A&D Lawrence Oval in Thornton will fill with the familiar songs from the 2019 movie The Lion King on Saturday, January 9.

Favourite Inside Out will round out the film festival at Roy Jordon Sports Complex in Gillieston Heights on Sunday, January 17.

Gates will open at 6pm with movies set to start at 8pm. All tickets are $5 and include free popcorn, a sausage sizzle, entertainment and lawn games.

But it doesn't stop there.

On Monday January 25, family favourites of Australian film are coming to Morpeth Common with Aussie Cinema at The Common.

Red Dog and The Castle will be showing on the night, with free popcorn, a sausage sizzle, music entertainment and lawn games included in the $5 ticket price.

Gates will open at 6pm with movies set to start at 8pm.

To end the month of January, splash into the Dive in Cinema which is returning to East Maitland Aquatic Centre.

On Thursday, January 28 classic family movie Free Willy will be showing while families can sing along to Moana on Friday, January 29.

And don't forget to buy tickets to Finding Dory on Saturday, January 30.

Gates will open at 6pm with free swim time for all ticket holders and lots of other fun activities before the movie kicks off around 8pm.

In pool tickets are available for $10 and out of pool tickets for $5.

For full details about the events and to secure tickets go to mymaitland.com.au/summer.