The Bay Area’s outdoor summer movies are sheer nostalgic fun

When the sun goes down this summer, the screens come up.

On the Town Green in Danville. At the beach in Santa Cruz. On the grounds of the former Alameda naval air station. And in parks from San Jose and Cupertino to Dublin and San Pablo.

Outdoor movies have become a summer staple from coast to coast, with the Bay Area’s typically pleasant evenings making them especially popular. The alfresco trend that began well over a decade ago — and went on hiatus at some venues during the pandemic — should make a strong showing in 2023.

What’s the appeal? The film licensing fees and other costs may show up on budget spreadsheets as “civic engagement” or “customer enhancement,” but it’s all about fun and free entertainment, fresh air and community building.

And, perhaps, “a chance to see a film on the big screen that you haven’t had for 35 years,” said Redwood City park events coordinator Brandon Council, who likes to occasionally book throwback movies or classics for the city’s Movies on the Square series, which will run on Thursdays through Aug. 31.

“OK, campers, rise and shine, and don’t forget your booties cause it’s cold out there. It’s cold out there every day.” — “Groundhog Day”

Last year, he said, an anniversary showing of “A League of Their Own” gave parents a chance to share that film with their kids. “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” is another one that resonates with multiple generations. This year, “Groundhog Day” (Aug. 24) may fill that niche.

A digital LED screen means Redwood City doesn’t have to wait until the sun sets to show flicks at Courthouse Square. So they’re taking advantage of the technology and scheduling double features. “Every other week,” he said, “we show a children’s movie at 6 p.m., which allows them to make their bedtime.” The main feature starts at 8:30 p.m. On the off weeks, an independent film is slotted at 8 p.m.

“What if the rescue lady catches you? And locks you in the back room? Where they only listen to smooth jazz.”  — “DC League of Super Pets”  

“Nobody can hide from the long snoot of justice.” — “DC League of Super Pets”

Danville’s long-running “Moonlight Movies” program appeals to children with both games and films tailored to that audience. For two hours before showtime, there will be cornhole, arts and crafts and other activities on the Town Green.

Last year, a “Cinderella” cosplayer showed up when the Disney flick screened, and “kids ate that up,” said John Dunn, Danville’s program coordinator for performing arts. So he’s already thinking of surprise guests for this series, which includes a screening of “Lightyear” on June 30.

Both the Danville and Redwood City event sites are located in restaurant-rich downtown districts, making it convenient for filmgoers to grab takeout dinner for a picnic too.

And some cities spread the cinematic joy to more than one location.

After launching its Starlight Movies in the Park series in May at Bohol Circle Immigrant Park, the Alameda Recreation and Park Department will move the July/August viewings of “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” “Lightyear” and “Space Jam: A New Legacy” to Alameda Point and then wrap up Sept. 15 on Bay Farm Island with “Top Gun: Maverick.”

The city of Mountain View is doing a six-films-in-six-parks rotation. “We’re bringing an activity to the neighbors,” city recreation supervisor Maureen Grzan-Pieracci said. “It’s kind of a chill time. Families bring lawn chairs, picnics, snacks. They’ll bring a soccer ball and play until the movie begins.”

The Summer Outdoor Movie Night series will start Friday, July 7, at Cuesta Park with “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” then move to Sylvan Park with “Lightyear,” Stevenson Park with “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” then Whisman Park with “DC League of Super-Pets.” The final two weeks will feature “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” at Eagle Park and “Strange World” at Rengstorff Park on Aug. 11.

The movies all have the kid seal of approval. Or at least teenager approval. Mountain View’s Youth Advisory Committee, composed of middle school and high school students, makes the selections.

“You can’t do anything alone. Find your tribe, and never, ever let them go.”  — “Minions: The Rise of Gru”

At the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk movie series, teens on the screen are the big draw … teen vampires. The Boardwalk first showed “The Lost Boys,” the 1987 cult classic that was filmed in Santa Cruz, in 2007 for the 20th anniversary, then started including it nearly every year when the regular series of movies launched in 2011, according to Karley Pope, the director of sales and marketing.

More than 5,000 people were expected to pack the Main Beach in front of the Boardwalk’s Colonnade for the June 16, screening — including fans from afar who Pope says will schedule their summer travel around that date.

“But it’s a massive beach,” she said, and the 40-foot-wide screen offers good viewing for big crowds. Still, no matter what the movie, “if you want to be front and center, you probably want to get here early to stake your claim.” Or join the diehards who arrive hours ahead to dig holes in the sand to create a lounge chair effect, she said.

The setting invites audience participation. The crowd will erupt in cheers when a favorite Santa Cruz scene shows up on the screen. They’ll holler key lines in unison. When “Selena” and “Shrek” are shown, expect singalongs, dancing and costumes. “I’m excited to see what we get this year for “Top Gun: Maverick,” she said. That film is scheduled for July 28.

“It’s not the plane. It’s the pilot.” — “Top Gun: Maverick”