The Bay Area's best outdoor movie nights: Where to watch films under the stars

San Francisco Chronicle​

18 hours ago

Late summer in the Bay Area is packed with free and low-cost outdoor movie screenings in parks, plazas and community spaces. Channeling retro vibes and a nostalgic nod to drive-in movies of the past, these pop-ups offer distinctly modern and fun twists from creative community organizers, including high definition film and audio elements, movie-themed activities and a wide range of food and drink options.
Everyone can enjoy a fun night out with films ranging from family-friendly choices, such as 'Moana 2' and 'Inside Out 2,' to cult classics like 'Clueless' and '10 Things I Hate About You.'
Redwood City's Movies on the Square
As part of its robust lineup of seasonal, outdoor arts programming, Redwood City offers Thursday evening double features starting with a family-friendly film or independent shorts followed by a mix of classics and newer releases.
Films scheduled include 'Bravemaker Film Fest Short Film' and 'Clueless,' and finally 'Kung Fu Panda 4' and 'Argylle.'
6 and 8:30 p.m. Thursdays. Through Aug. 28. Free. Courthouse Square, downtown Redwood City. 650-780-7250.
Blankets & Blockbusters Date Night: '10 Things I Hate About You'
Thrive City invites you to bring a blanket and settle in to watch the classic rom-com. Explore arts and crafts stations for couples, enter a trivia contest and get movie night snacks from onsite vendors.
6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15. Free. Thrive City, 1 Warriors Way, S.F. www.chasecenter.com
Marin Country Mart Movie Nights
Bring the kids out for a Friday evening outdoor film night. Enjoy an adult beverage as the kids frolic on a mini-park structure made from natural materials. Pick up dinner and dessert from one of the nearby establishments, which are open late for the evening events.
Films scheduled include 'Pete's Dragon,' 'Shaun the Sheep,' 'The Fox and the Hound' and 'The Little Prince.'
6 p.m. Fridays. Through Oct. Free. Marin Country Mart Courtyard, 2257 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur. 415-448-5043 www.marincountrymart.com
Friday Flicks at Temescal Brewing
Hang out on the patio for a weekly movie night under the stars. With rotating food pop-ups, and classic movie snacks at the bar. Follow its Instagram feed for weekly screening details.
7 p.m. Fridays, Aug. 15, 22 and 28. Through Oct. Free. Temescal Brewing, 4115 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 510-306-2727.
Moonlight Movies at Farm in Napa
Cozy up on the picturesque resort's lawn for movie night with popcorn and wine, outdoor games and more. Food and drinks options available. Bring your own seating.
8-11:30 p.m. Fridays, Aug. 15, 22 and 29; Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26. Free. Farm at Carneros Resort and Spa, 4048 Sonoma Hwy, Napa. www.carnerosresort.com
Bring your friends, family and favorite tree huggers to a double feature screening under the stars of the 1972 classic movie followed by its 2012 remake.
5:45-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16. $10-$12.51. Neighborhood Plant Dealer, 419 Georgia St., Vallejo. 707-656-2667. www.neighborhoodplantdealer.com
Cinema on the Square in San Francisco
Arrive early for movie trivia with prizes, live performances, drinks from the bar and free popcorn. Bring a low chair or blanket and warm layers.
Films scheduled include 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' 'Big Hero 6' and 'The Birds.'
7 p.m. Saturdays, Aug. 16, Sept. 20 and Oct. 4. Free. Union Square, 300 Powell St., S.F. 415-781-4456. www.visitunionsquaresf.com
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and set up a picnic for two nights of movies, live sets from Oakland-based DJ Bukue One, lawn games, popcorn and an outdoor movie screening.
Films scheduled include 'Dirty Dancing' and 'The Wild Robot.'
7-10 p.m. Saturdays, Aug. 16 and Sept. 13. Free. Red Oak Realty, 6450 Moraga Ave., Oakland. 510-292-2000. www.montclairvillage.com
Ardenwood Family Movie Night: 'Moana 2'
Spend a family evening outdoors enjoying a screening of Disney's newest 'Moana' film. Bring a flashlight and a blanket or chairs. No pets allowed.
8-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16. Free. Patterson House Lawn, Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont. www.ebparks.org
Jack London Square Waterfront Flicks: 'Clueless'
Grab a round of drinks at the historical Heinhold's First and Last Chance Saloon, where Jack London practiced his writing, and dinner out ahead of the movie at one of the cool venues nearby. Options for takeout are available for a picnic-style supper.
8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16. Free. Jack London Square, Broadway at Embarcadero West, Oakland. 510-645-9292. www.jacklondonsquare.com
'Films with Friends' North Beach Movie Crawl
Those Guys present the August installation of its monthly free North Beach film screening event with a 'Renegade Cinema' program curated by Nanci Gaglio and Amber Ortiz. This month offers 'Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory' at Piazza Pellegrini, 'Salvia Divinorum - A Western Approach" at Live Worms Gallery and 'Magic Mike' at the Savoy Tivoli.
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20. Free. Piazza Pellegrini, 659 Columbus Ave., S.F. • Live Worms Gallery, 1345 Grant Ave., S.F. • Savoy Tivoli, 1434 Grant Ave., S.F.
San Jose's 'Viva Parks' programming includes a free outdoor movie night series in local parks.
Films scheduled include 'Moana 2' and 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3.'
6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21 at Brigadoon Park, Brigadoon Way & Maloney Dr., San Jose; 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28 at Cahalan Park, Pearwood Way and Cahalan Ave., San Jose. 408-535-6887. www.sanjoseca.gov
Alameda's Starlight Movies in the Park
The family-focused event begins with games and crafts for children, followed by movie screenings. Snacks available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the Alameda Youth Committee and its teen programming.
Films scheduled include 'Mufasa: The Lion King' and 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3.'
6:30 p.m. kids activities; 8:15 p.m. film screenings. Friday, Aug. 22 at Alameda Point Multi-Purpose Field, 1101 W. Redline Ave., Alameda • Friday, Sept. 26 at Leydecker Field, 3225 Mecartney Road, Alameda. 510-747-7529. www.alamedaca.gov
Berkeley Movies in the Park
Bring a blanket, sleeping bag or beach chairs to sit on as you enjoy a free, family-friendly film under the stars in a Berkeley park.
Films scheduled include 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3,' 'Wicked' and 'Inside Out 2.'
8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22 at Grove Park, 1730 Oregon St., Berkeley • 7:40 p.m. Sept. 5 at Willard Park, 2720 Hillegass Ave., Berkeley • 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12 at Cordonices Park, 201 Euclid Ave., Berkeley. Free. 510-981-2489. www.berkeleyca.gov
Orinda Movies in the Park
Movie screenings presented by the Orinda Parks and Recreation Department and Community Foundation are in full swing again. Bring your own seating and snacks.
Scheduled films include 'Inside Out 2' and 'Shrek.'
8-10 p.m. Fridays, Aug. 22 and Oct. 3. Free. Orinda Community Center Park, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda. 925-254-2445. www.cityoforinda.org
Movies at the Green at Sonoma State University
Claim a spot out on the sprawling greenspace at Sonoma's Weill Hall and enjoy a family-friendly Saturday evening film screening. Bring a picnic or pick up food and drinks from rotating on-site food vendors.
Films scheduled include 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3,' ' Wicked' and 'A Minecraft Movie.'
5 p.m. Saturdays, Aug. 23, Sept. 13 and Sept. 20. Through Sept. 20. $6, under age 13 free. Weill Lawn, Green Music Center, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 707-664-4246. https://gmc.sonoma.edu
Cut to Summer Movie Nights at the Crossing
Bring a blanket, grab some snacks and wind down with an end-of-week outdoor movie screening in downtown San Francisco.
Films scheduled include 'Mean Girls' and 'Jaws.'
6-9 p.m. Fridays, Aug. 29 and Sept. 26. Free. The Crossing at East Cut, 250 Main St., S.F. www.theeastcut.org
Walnut Creek Summer Breeze Movie Series
Enjoy classic summer movies on a big screen. Food and drinks available.
Films scheduled include 'The Parent Trap' and 'The Sandlot.'
6 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 4 and 18. Free. Pinstripes Walnut Creek, 1115 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek.
Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema
For its 22nd season, the series will host free, locally-produced, short film screenings, presented in three installations at outdoor locations in Bernal Heights. Low-backed chairs, blankets and picnic snacks are encouraged.
The 'Film Crawl on Mission' kicks off the series on Sept. 4 with selected films screened in four Mission District venues. On Sept. 5 its 'Film Crawl on Cortland' event is set to feature films in six venues in San Francisco's Cortland Ave. area.
Its Sept. 6 'Under the Stars' programming in Precita Park is scheduled to include a ceremony with the filmmakers awarding 'Best of Bernal,' 'Spirit of Bernal' and 'Bernal Bright Star' honors, followed by screenings of the award-winners.
The 'Season Finale,' scheduled for Oct. 14, will celebrate its 'Good Life Audience' award winner with a film screening and a party. Details and location to be announced.
7 p.m. Sept. 4 at venues around 29th and Mission St., S.F. • 7 p.m. Sept. 5 at venues along Cortland Ave., S.F. • 6 p.m. Sept. 6 at Precita Park, 3200 Precita Ave., S.F. www.bhoutdoorcine.org
Walnut Creek Movies Under the Stars: 'Moana 2'
Arrive early to stake out a spot, enjoy activities and indulge in food/beverage offerings. The movie will begin after sunset at about 8 p.m.
6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5. Free. Civic Park 1375 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. www.walnutcreekartsrec.org
San Mateo Movies in the Parks
Bring a blanket or chair. Movie snacks available for purchase.
Films scheduled include 'Shrek,' 'Despicable Me 4,' 'Inside Out 2' and 'Moana 2.'
7:30-9:30 p.m. Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26. Free. At various San Mateo Parks. www.cityofsanmateo.org
Mission Rock Movie Nights
Bring a friend and enjoy a movie at China Basin Park on select Thursdays. Bring an extra blanket to keep things cozy.
Films scheduled include 'Best in Show' and 'Always Be My Maybe.'
7 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 11 and Oct. 9. Free. China Basin Park, 1 China Basin Park, S.F. 415-972-1744. www.missionrock.com
San Rafael Movies in the Parks
Films scheduled include 'Paddington in Peru,' at Peacock Gap Park, 'Wild Robot' in Gerstle Park, 'Mufasa' (in Spanish) at Pickleweed Park and 'Lilo & Stitch' in Terra Linda Park.
7-9 p.m. Fridays, Sept. 12 and 26; Oct. 10 and 24. Free. At various parks in San Rafael. www.cityofsanrafael.org
Hayward Area Parks Outdoor Movie Night: 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3'
Hayward Area Recreation and Parks District presents a free outdoor movie screening in the park. Bring a picnic, blankets or low-backed chairs for seating.
7:45 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12. Free. Meek Park, 240 Hampton Road, Hayward. 510-881-6700. www.haywardrec.org
Yerba Buena Movie Night: 'Coco'
Movie Night returns to the gardens with a screening of the animated family favorite. Bring a picnic and enjoy fresh popcorn available at the show. Arrive early for live pre-show entertainment, activities and games. Blankets, low-lawn chairs and movie-inspired costumes are encouraged.
6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. Free. Great Lawn, Yerba Buena Garden, Mission St. between Third and Fourth Streets, S.F. 415-543-1718. www.ybgfestival.org
Family Movies in Novato's Pocket Park
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and picnic snacks to enjoy during the show.
Films scheduled include 'A Bug's Life' and 'Brave.'
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13; 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Free. Pocket Park, 950 7th St., Novato. www.novato.org
Movie in the Park: 30th Anniversary Pixar's 'Toy Story'
Bring a blanket and friends to celebrate the film's big anniversary with themed activities, photo ops and an outdoor screening of the animated classic.
6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19. Free. Doyle Hollis Park, Hollis St., Emeryville.
Petaluma Movies in the Park
Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Movie snacks available.
Films scheduled include 'Cars' and 'Ghostbusters.'
6 p.m. Fridays, Sept. 19 and Oct. 24. Free. Lucchesi Park, 320 North McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. www.cityofpetaluma.org
West Wind Drive-In Theaters
For an authentic drive-in experience, West Wind's outdoor theater chain has three locations in Northern California offering that classic vibe. Each offers a wide variety of film choices and screening times.
• • West Wind Sacramento, 9616 Oates Dr., Sacramento. 916-363-6572.