Where to Catch an Outdoor Movie this Summer in Sacramento

We’re midway through the summer season, and there may be things you still need to check off your summer bucket list. For many people, watching an outdoor movie is one of them! There’s nothing like enjoying an outdoor movie on a warm summer night, sprawled out on a picnic blanket while munching on popcorn. 

Although many spots in the Sacramento area began their summer movie series in June, there’s still time to catch an outdoor movie before the season is over. Best of all, most of them are free and family-friendly (though there are adults-only showings too). From Sacramento to Placerville, Rocklin to Winters, following is a chronological list of outdoor movie nights scheduled throughout the summer and well into fall.

Movies in the Park | South Sacramento | July 24, Aug. 7

Pack up the kids and head to south Sacramento for a fun-filled evening with movies and activities. Before the movie even starts, your kiddos will have a blast with games, crafts, and other activities. Bring a blanket and settle in before the movie starts, which is around sunset. Following are the dates and locations:

•  July 24: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Larry Gury Community Park
• Aug. 7: Moana, Jimmie R. Lee Park

Placerville Aquatic Center

Family Swim & Movie Night | Placerville | July 26

Can’t choose between swimming and watching a movie? Why not do both? This event in Placerville begins with a family swim at the Placerville Aquatic Center from 6–8 p.m., followed by a showing of Moana 2 at the adjacent city park. Bring some blankets and some snacks and enjoy summertime in the foothills!

Want to watch a movie from your own pool? See where you can! 

Family Movie Night | Winters | Tuesdays through September

Moana, The Parent Trap, Lilo & Stitch, and The Sandlot are just a few of the movies you can watch each Tuesday at Hotel Winters. The movies begin at 8 p.m. and are shown in their lovely outdoor courtyard, complete with comfy seating. You can even pick up a pizza, snacks, or drinks from the onsite restaurant.

Movies in the Park | Arden Arcade | Various Dates

The Arden Arcade area offers free summer movies at Arden Park on the first Friday of the month. So, bring some lawn chairs or blankets and check out the following lineup:

• Aug. 1: The Wild Robot
• Sept. 5: Paw Patrol
• Oct. 3: A Minecraft Movie

Be closer to the fun, find a home here!

Movies in the Park | Meadow Vista | Aug 1

The Auburn Recreation District has been screening movies in the Auburn area since mid-June. The last show of the season — Paddington in Peru — will be held Aug. 1 at Meadow Vista Park. The show begins around 8:45 p.m. There’s even free popcorn!

 Family Movie Night | Folsom | Aug. 2

Grab your swimsuits and head to the Steve Miklos Aquatic Center for a night of family fun. The evening kicks off at 6:30; you can swim, splash around in the kids’ zone, bounce off the inflatables or whoosh down the water slide. At 8:30, the lights go down for a showing of Moana 2.

Courtesy of Barnflix 

Barnflix | Drakes: The Barn | Various Dates

Grab your blankets and head to Drakes: The Barn in West Sacramento to enjoy a movie while overlooking the Sacramento River. The free movies are shown on the first Wednesdays of the month through October. As always, food and beverages will be available for purchase. Following is the schedule:

• Aug. 6: Dodgeball
• Sept. 3: The Fall Guy
• Oct. 1: It

Cinema at Sundown | West Sacramento | Aug. 8

In West Sacramento, Cinema at Sundown is hosting a “dive-in” movie at the West Sacramento Aquatic Center. You can swim while you watch or just chill out on a blanket on the lawn. On Aug. 8, the movie will be Ralph Breaks the Internet, beginning at around 8:30 p.m.

Friday Night Movies | Galt | Aug. 8, Sept. 12

If you’re near the Galt area, consider taking advantage of the tail end of their summer movie season. Cars will be shown on Aug. 8, and Lilo & Stitch will be shown on Sept. 12. The event is held at Veterans Field. Come early, bring a picnic, and enjoy the show!

Courtesy of City of Roseville 

Friday Flicks | Roseville | Aug. 15

The city of Roseville will be hosting Friday Flicks on Aug. 15 at the Vernon Street Town Square featuring Sonic 3. Although the movie doesn’t start until 8 p.m., there’s a pre-party from 6:30–7:30 p.m. with themed activities and treats inspired by Sonic’s favorite snacks. There will also be a concession stand offering popcorn, pizza by the slice, and sweet treats. Although the move is free, tickets to the pre-party are $12 and must be booked in advance.

Movies in the Pool | Elk Grove Aquatics Center | Aug. 15

Elk Grove is organizing a special edition of their popular “Movies in the Park” series. On Aug. 15, it will become “Movies in the Pool” at the Elk Grove Aquatic Center with Moana as the feature. The pool opens at 4 p.m. and the movie begins at 6. Admission is $8 for those 5 and older, $5 for kids aged 2–4, and free for kids under 2.

Evenings in the Park | Rocklin | Aug. 15, Oct. 17

Love movies? Love music? Now you can have both! Rocklin’s Evenings in the Park series, held at Quarry Park, kicks off with a live local band, followed by a family-friendly movie. There’s also interactive art, lawn games, vendors, and food trucks. Moana 2 will be the movie on Aug. 15, while Wicked will be shown on Oct. 17.

Movie Night in the Vines | Bogle Winery | Aug. 18, Sept. 12

There’s no reason kids should have all the fun! This monthly event at Bogle Winery in Clarksburg is 21 and older only. Upcoming movies include Clueless on Aug. 18 and The Fugitive on Sept. 12. A pre-movie wine tasting is included, and a food truck will be on site. Just bring your camp chairs or blanket and you’re good to go! Tickets start at $31 per person.

Courtesy of Crocker Art Museum

Movies Off the Wall | Crocker Art Museum | Aug 21

The Crocker Art Museum also hosts adult-centric films throughout the summer. On Aug. 21, they will be screening Wicked in their outdoor courtyard. Seating is provided or you can bring your own chair. Arrive early to purchase delicious bites and hear music from a local DJ. Tickets are $8 for museum members and $16 for non-members.

Catch a Free Outdoor Movie this Summer

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly event that will keep the kiddos entertained, or a chill adult-centered event, there are plenty of spots where you can catch an outdoor movie near Sacramento. From wineries and breweries to public parks and even swimming pools, there’s sure to be an event near you. So, kick back, relax, and enjoy a summer night in Sacramento.