This summer, Bay Area movie lovers may already be feeling the absence of San Francisco’s Sundown Cinema, the annual open-air film series that was abruptly canceled last month.

The beloved 22-year-old program was run by the nonprofit San Francisco Parks Alliance, which is currently facing an official review of its finances by city officials.

But if you’re looking to fill the Sundown Cinema-shaped hole in your heart, luckily there are other spots in the Bay Area offering ways to enjoy the movies outdoors for free this summer.

Many cities and counties are hosting their own film series in local parks and public spaces, which are generally free. Among the frequent repeats in the Bay Area outdoor movie slate this summer (with Wicked and Clueless particularly on rotation), some less expected screenings to watch for include Field of Dreams in Danville on June 27, Jack London Square’s screenings of Space Jam (July 12) and Happy Gilmore (August 2) and 10 Things I Hate About You on August 15 at San Francisco’s Chase Center.

Grab a picnic blanket and keep reading for more, including local outdoor film festivals, movies on the beach in Santa Cruz and even the old-fashioned drive-in theater. (And if you’re looking for family-friendly screenings instead? Check out our guide to Bay Area outdoor movie screenings for kids this summer.)

• Jump straight to: Where to see outdoor movie screenings in the Bay Area this summer

Watching movies outdoors in the Bay Area: Tips for first-timers

These movies usually start just after dusk around 8:30 p.m., so audiences can see the projected screen as clearly as possible. It’s a good idea to get to the “theater” early to secure a good view of the screen. Most screenings do not require a ticket or reservation, but some of the special showings at community pools do ask for an RSVP.

Before heading out to any show, be sure to check the weather and see if the screening will continue in the event of rain or other disruptive weather.

For the comfiest experience bring picnic blankets, a sweater and (non-crackling) snacks. A camping chair could offer you the most comfort, but be mindful you’re not blocking anyone’s view of the screen with your set-up. Remember that some venues may also discourage — or outright prohibit — pets or alcohol.

If you are seeking captions for an outdoor movie, you may need to contact the city’s parks and recreation department at least two days in advance. For example, for the Berkeley showings, contact the city at least two days before the screening at jolee@berkeleyca.gov or (510) 926-1458, and for Santa Cruz shows, call (831) 423-5590. According to the Santa Cruz Movies on the Beach website, a “limited number of assistive listening devices (ALDs) are available for check-out at the Mini Golf Kiosk inside Neptune’s Kingdom.”

Where to watch free movies outdoors in the Bay Area this summer

Outdoor movie screenings in June

June 25: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Town Green, Danville

June 26: Dune Part 2, Courthouse Square, Redwood City

June 27: Field of Dreams, Town Green, Danville

Outdoor movie screenings in July

July 12: Space Jam, Jack London Square, Oakland

July 17: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Courthouse Square, Redwood City

July 19: Wicked, Thrive City at Chase Center, San Francisco

July 24, The Lady and the Tramp, Cimarron Park, San José

July 24: Wicked, Courthouse Square, Redwood City

Outdoor movie screenings in August 

August 2: Happy Gilmore, Jack London Square, Oakland

August 5: The Goonies (part of National Night Out), Civic Park, Walnut Creek

August 7: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Courthouse Square, Redwood City

August 14: Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Courthouse Square, Redwood City

August 15: 10 Things I Hate About You, Thrive City at Chase Center, San Francisco

August 16: Clueless, Jack London Square, Oakland

August 21: Clueless, Courthouse Square, Redwood City

August 28: Argylle, Courthouse Square, Redwood City

Outdoor film festivals in the Bay Area this summer

As part of the 49th Frameline film festival, San Francisco’s Proxy SF in Hayes Valley will be screening Jimmy, a documentary about James Baldwin’s time in Paris, on June 22.

Redwood City’s Movies on the Square series will also host the BraveMaker Film Festival on July 10 in the city’s Courthouse Square. The program will include three documentaries: This is Me, Cycling Without Age and Everywhere.

Head to Santa Cruz for a movie on the beach 

Yes, it’s a drive from the Bay Area. But Santa Cruz’s free movie screenings take place right on the beach, in front of the historic Colonnade — with films on offer every Friday except the Fourth of July. PG13-and-over fare this summer includes:

• Men in Black: June 20
• Ghostbusters (1984): June 27
• Jumanji (1995): July 11
• Clueless: July 18
• The Goonies: August 8

Dinner and a show at Foreign Cinema

If you are willing to dole out cash for a date night or a birthday celebration, Foreign Cinema in San Francisco’s Mission District offers dinner accompanied by an outdoor movie screening, projected onto the wall of their covered patio.

Currently, they’re showing the San Francisco-based comedy Mrs. Doubtfire through June 21. The catch is that you likely won’t hear much — if any — sound during the movie, but in this reporter’s opinion, the vibes are still good.

And finally … don’t forget the drive-in theater

Curling up in the comfort of your car at the classic drive-in theater is a unique way to catch a newly-released movie under the stars.

The Bay Area has two major West Wind drive-in theaters in San José and Concord, as well as Sacramento. New releases currently playing include: Materialists, Ballerina, Lilo and Stitch and Final Destination: Bloodlines.

According to its website, the theater is open even if it is raining.

If you’ve never been to a drive-in theater, West Wind has a Frequently Asked Questions on its website. A major tip is to keep your headlights off and if you have a larger car, like an SUV, park closer to the back of the lot so you aren’t obstructing other people’s views. Your car battery isn’t likely to die during the movie, but West Wind does offer a complimentary jump-start in the case that it does go down during your time at the theater.