Redwood City presents a series of movie screenings at Courtyard Square on Thursdays from June 25 through Sept. 3.
The Bay Area’s summer outdoor entertainment season extends beyond concerts and festivals. Movie lovers can spread out on blankets or settle into lawn chairs for screenings of animated favorites, recent blockbusters and Hollywood classics in parks, plazas and waterfront spaces across the region.
An added bonus: Many of the screenings are free or donation-based.
Check out the Chronicle’s guide to outdoor movies around the Bay Area this summer.
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San Francisco
Cinema on the Square
Hang out for a special Saturday evening in Union Square. Enjoy a movie night with pre-show activities before sunset, including movie trivia, prizes, live entertainment and more. Then settle in after dusk for the film screening, popcorn and drinks from the bar.
Screenings scheduled include “KPop Demon Hunters” (Saturday, June 20, with sing-along), “The Birdcage” (June 27), “The Princess Diaries” (July 25), “Pokémon: Detective Pikachu” (Aug. 29) and “The Conversation” (Sept. 26).
4 p.m. Saturdays, June 20 and 27; July 25; Aug. 29 and Sept. 26. Free. Union Square, 333 Post St., S.F. www.visitunionsquaresf.com
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Blankets and Blockbusters: ‘GOAT’
Enjoy a screening of the animated film featuring the venue-appropriate voice talent of Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry. Grab some popcorn and a beverage, snap a photo and explore movie-themed activities around the plaza.
5 p.m. July 17. Free. Thrive City, 1 Warriors Way, S.F. www.chasecenter.com/events
Redwood City presents a series of movie screenings at Courtyard Square on Thursdays from June 25 through Sept. 3.
South San Francisco Movie Night in the Park
Celebrate parks and recreation month with an evening of family-friendly activities followed by a screening of “Zootopia 2.” Bring blankets and low-back chairs.
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6-10 p.m. Friday, July 17. Free. Orange Memorial Park, 1 West Orange Ave., South San Francisco. 650-829-3800. www.ssfca.gov
San Francisco Standard Presents: ‘Sundown Cinema’
The free, outdoor movie series will feature film screenings on third Fridays, at parks around the city.
Upcoming screenings include “Inside Out” (July 24), “The Parent Trap” (Aug. 21), “School of Rock” (Sept. 25) and “Beetlejuice” (Oct. 16).
6 p.m. Fridays. Free. July 24 at the Presidio Civil War Parade Ground, Graham St. • Aug. 21 at Marina Green, 401-411 Marina Blvd. • Sept. 25 at the Ferry Building, 1 Market St. • Oct. 16 at Crane Cove Park, 701 Illinois St., S.F. www.sfstandard.com/sundown-cinema
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Cut to Summer: Outdoor Cinema Series at the Cut
Enjoy outdoor cinema in downtown San Francisco. Tickets include use of blankets and silent cinema headphones. There are varied seating options, including reclining chairs and oversized bean bags on outdoor rugs. Popcorn, candy and beverages (including beer, wine and cocktail options) as well as warm merchandise will be available for purchase.
Upcoming screenings include “Princess Diaries” (June 26), “Up” (July 30), “Jurassic Park” (Aug. 27) and “Top Gun: Maverick” (Sept. 24).
Through Sept. 24. Free, reservations encouraged. Outdoor Cinema at the Crossing at East Cut, 250 Main St., S.F. www.thethirdplace.is/events/explore
East Bay
Starlight Movies in the Park
The family-focused event series set in Alameda parks begins with games and crafts for children and film screenings to follow as dark sets in. Snacks available for purchase.
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Films scheduled include “The Aristocats” (June 26), “Dive-in Film: The Little Mermaid” (July 17), “Back to the Future” (July 24), “The Goonies” (Aug. 28) and “Jurassic Park” (Sept. 18).
6:30 p.m. kids activities; 8:15-8:45 p.m. film screenings. June 26 at Alameda Point Multi-Purpose Field, 1101 West Redline Ave. • July 17 at Encinal Swim Center, 230 Central Ave. • July 24 at Alameda Point, 1101 West Redline Ave. • Aug. 28 at Leydecker Field, 3225 Mecartney Road • Sept. 18 at Jean Sweeney Open Space Park, 1925 Sherman St., Alameda. 510-747-7529. www.alamedaca.gov
Moonlight Movies
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and movie snacks and gather on select Friday evenings for a movie night under the stars in Danville. Family-friendly crafts, lawn games and movie trivia are scheduled from 6:30 until the movie begins when evening sets in around 8 p.m.
Films scheduled include “Cool Runnings” (June 19), “Captain America: The First Avenger” (July 3), “ Lilo and Stitch” live action (July 17) and
“Princess Bride” (July 31).
6:30 p.m. Fridays, July 3, 17 and 31. Free. Town Green, 420 Front St., Danville. www.danville.ca.gov
Hayward Area Parks Outdoor Movie Nights
The Hayward recreation and parks presents its monthly summer series of Friday evening outdoor movie screenings taking place in regional parks. Bring along a picnic meal, a blanket or low-backed chairs for seating as you enjoy the show.
Upcoming screenings include “Elio” (July 10), “Hoppers” (Aug. 14) and “Super Mario Galaxy” (Sept. 11).
7 p.m. July 10 at San Lorenzo Community Park, 1970 Via Buena Vista, San Lorenzo • Aug. 14 at Tennyson Park, 28377 Huntwood Ave., Hayward; • Sept. 11 at Meek Estate Park, 240 Hampton Road, Hayward. 510-881-6700. www.haywardrec.org
Jack London Square: Waterfront Flicks
Bring a blanket, lawn chair and enjoy a Saturday night film screening, and take out goodies from venues around the square.
Films scheduled include “Gabby’s Dollhouse” (July 11), “10 Things I Hate About You” (July 18), “ ET The Extra Terrestrial” (July 25) and “Maleficent” (Aug. 1).
8:30 p.m. Saturdays, July 11, 18, 25 and Aug. 1. Free. Ferry Lawn, 10 Clay St., Oakland. www.jacklondonsquare.com
Orinda Movies in the Park
Movie screenings presented by the Orinda Parks and Recreation Department and Community Foundation are scheduled as part of its summer Thursdays events series. Bring a blanket or low chair for seating and picnic snacks.
Upcoming screenings include “Zootopia” (July 16) and “Despicable Me” (Aug. 26).
5-10 p.m. Thursdays, July 16 and Aug. 26. Free. Orinda Community Center Park, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda. 925-254-2445. www.cityoforinda.gov
Berkeley Movies in the Park
Bring a blanket, sleeping bag or low-back beach chairs to sit on as you enjoy a family-friendly film screening under the stars in a Berkeley park.
Screenings include “The Color Purple” (June 20), “Jurassic World Rebirth” (June 26), “Smurfs” (July 10), “GOAT” (July 24), “Super Mario Galaxy Movie” (Aug. 7) and “The Spongebob Movie: The Search for Squarepants” (Aug. 21).
8 p.m. Saturday, June 20 at Greg Brown Park, 1907 Harmon St. • 8 p.m. June 26 at Glendale La Loma Park, 1300 Glendale Ave. • July 10 at San Pablo Park, 2800 Park St. • July 24 at Cedar Rose Park, 1300 Rose St. • Aug. 7 at Grove Park, 1730 Oregon St. • Aug. 21 at Codornices Park, 1201 Euclid Ave., Berkeley. Through Aug. 21. 510- 981-2489. www.berkeleyca.gov
Green Music Center presents a series of movie screenings on the Weill Hall lawn in Rohnert Park on Saturdays, July 11, Aug. 1, 8 and 29.
North Bay
Marin Country Mart Movie Nights
Bring the kids to a Friday evening outdoor screening. Let them play on the mini-park structure made from natural materials, enjoy an adult beverage, and pick up dinner and dessert from one of the establishments open late for the evening events.
Upcoming screenings include “Babe” (Friday, June 19), “The Aristocats” (June 26), “Aladdin” (July 3), “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” (July 10), “Chicken Little” (July 17), “The Tigger Movie” (July 17), “Up” (July 24), “Charlotte’s Web” (July 31), “Cinderella” (Aug. 7), “Peter Pan” (Aug. 14), “101 Dalmatians” (Aug. 21) and “A Bug’s Life” (Aug. 28).
6 p.m. Fridays. Through Oct. 30. Free. Marin Country Mart Courtyard, 2257 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur. 415-448-5043 www.marincountrymart.com/movie-night
Movies at the Green
Claim a spot out on the lawn at Sonoma State University’s Weill Hall and enjoy a picnic supper from home or pick up food and treats from the on-site food vendors.
Upcoming screenings include “Zootopia” (July 11), “Zootopia 2” (July 11), “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” (Aug. 1), “GOAT” (Aug. 8) and “Hannah Montana: The Movie” (Aug. 29).
5 p.m. Saturdays, July 11, Aug. 1, 8 and 29. $5, free for children younger than 12. Weill Lawn, Green Music Center, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 707-664-4246. gmc.sonoma.edu/summer-at-the-green-2026
Redwood City presents a series of movie screenings at Courtyard Square on Thursdays from June 25 through Sept. 3.
South Bay/Peninsula
Movies on the Square
Part of the robust lineup of seasonal, outdoor arts programming from Redwood City Events, this outdoor double feature movie series lineup includes its “Soccer on the Square: World Cup” community watch party on June 25. Screenings scheduled include “Elio” (July 2) and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (July 2), “Bravemaker Film Festival” (July 9), “Shrek” (July 16) and “A Minecraft Movie” (July 16), “Superman” (2025) (July 23), “Zootopia 2” (July 30) and “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” (July 30), “The Naked Gun” (Aug. 6), “Lilo and Stitch” (Aug. 13) and “Jurassic World: Rebirth” (Aug. 13), “F1” (Aug. 20), “Smurfs” (2025) (Aug. 27) and “The Pursuit of Happyness” (Aug. 27), and “Freakier Friday” (Sept. 3).
6 and 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, June 25, July 2, July 16, 23 and 30, Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27 and Sept. 3; 1, 4 and 7 p.m. June 25. 8:30 p.m. July 9. Through Sept. 3. Free. Courthouse Square, downtown Redwood City. 650-780-7250. www.redwoodcity.org
Movie Evenings on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Enjoy classic boardwalk amusements, then settle in with fresh saltwater taffy, corn dogs and snacks for ocean-side films up on the big screen. Bring a beach blanket or low-back chair for seating.
Films scheduled include “Kicking and Screaming” (June 26), “Thirteen Going on Thirty” (July 10), “Back to the Future” (July 17), “A Minecraft Movie” (July 24), “Jurassic Movie” (July 31) and “The Goonies” (Aug. 7).
9 p.m. Fridays. Through Aug. 7. Free. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz. 831-423-5590. www.beachboardwalk.com/movies
West Wind Drive-In Theaters
If you are seeking a real drive-in experience, this outdoor theater chain has three locations in Northern California offering a classic, old-fashioned movie-watching vibe with a wide variety of current to classic film choices and screening times.
Movie times and schedules vary. $3-$11.50. West Wind Solano, 1611 Solano Way, Concord. 925-825-1951 • West Wind Capitol Drive-In, 3630 Hillcap Ave., San Jose. 408-226-2251 • West Wind Sacramento, 9616 Oates Dr., Sacramento. 916-363-6572. westwinddi.com
