Summer in San Francisco is the season of free movies, shown mostly on big screens outdoors. Though you won’t be watching first-run films, you can’t beat the price. And under the open sky, you can bring your own food and stretch out on a blanket. Here are some of the places in and around San Francisco to catch a free flick between June and September 2011.
Stonestown Family Movie Night
Every other Tuesday at 7 pm, June 7-Aug. 16Toy Story 3, Shrek Forever After and other solid family fare, plus free popcorn. Store discounts, story-telling, balloons and entertainment are offered starting at 6 pm.
At Center Court, Stonestown Galleria, 3251 20th Ave., San Francisco.
Starlight Cinemas
Most Wednesdays at dusk, June 8-Aug. 31Movies such as Spaceballs, Viva Las Vegas and The Big Lebowski are shown in three different districts of San Jose. Restaurants nearby usually offer food and drink specials. Pre-movie entertainment includes costume contests, live music, sing-alongs, games, prizes and a zombie crawl.
At San Pedro Square, the Historic District and SoFA District, San Jose. Bring your own chair and/or blanket.
Temescal Street Cinema
Thursdays at 8:45 pm, June 9-July 14A showcase of films made by Bay Area artists. This season includes animated and experimental films and documentaries about urban homesteaders and poet and ecologist Gary Snyder. Live music starts at 8 pm. Free popcorn.
At 49th and Telegraph Ave. (side of Bank of the West building), Oakland. Arrive early for a seat or bring your own chair.
Film Night in the Park
Most Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, June 10-Sept. 24The biggie of San Francisco’s free summer film series rotates among three locations in San Francisco on select Saturday evenings. Nearly every Friday and Saturday night, it also screens a movie in Marin, usually in San Anselmo. Blankets, pillows and low chairs allowed. Films range from National Velvet and Dr. Strangelove to Jaws and Toy Story 3.
At San Francisco’s Dolores Park, Washington Square Park and Union Square, and various venues in Marin.
Wind Down With Wine & A Movie at the Mark
Tuesdays at 5:30 pm, June 21-Sept. 6The iconic Mark Hopkins shows off its Hollywood stardom by showing movies “filmed at, around, or from” its turf--such as Dirty Harry, The Birds, Junior, and The Maltese Falcon. Complimentary tasting of Domain Chandon or other wine starts at 5:30; film begins at 7:30 pm.
At the Top of The Mark, 19/F, InterContinental Mark Hopkins, One Nob Hill, San Francisco.
Waterfront Flicks
Every other Thursday at sundown, July 7-Sept. 29Dinnertime food and flicks, with cooking demos, trivia contests and then screenings of delectable foodie films like Big Night, Julie and Julia, No Reservations and Ratatouille.. Miss Pearl's Jam House and New Belgium Brewery offer sustenance, with part of the proceeds going to local nonprofit organizations.
At Jack London Square Market Lawn, Oakland.
Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema
Aug. 31–Sept. 4A neighborhood tradition highlighting local filmmakers. The 2011 films had not been announced as of late June, but expect five nights of indie shorts, documentaries, fiction, animation, experimental and music videos, all appropriate for general audiences. Live music and a reception with the filmmakers generally precede the screenings.
At various locations in Bernal Heights.
