Warm summer nights have us all hankering for the outdoors, and San Diego offers great opportunities to turn your next movie night into an evening under the stars. Here’s where to watch outdoor movies in San Diego.
By Lisa Kelley
Movies in the Park
Summer Movies in the Park features family-friendly flicks at various public parks throughout San Diego. The events are free to attend and the screening starts at dusk. Some parks offer food options or are dog-friendly. Check the website for details regarding outdoor movie schedules and locations around San Diego. summermoviesinthepark.com
Film in the Garden
Mondays in August. Enjoy a night under the stars in the May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden as the San Diego Museum of Art presents films inspired by current exhibitions. Grab a blanket, bring friends and pick up some dinner, drinks or snacks at Panama 66 (kitchen open until 5 p.m.). Entry begins at 4 p.m. and films start at 7:45 p.m. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931. sdmart.org
Stone Movie Nights
Tuesdays ongoing. Every Tuesday night during the summer, Stone Brewing in Liberty Station hosts its night of outdoor movies in San DIego. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets to set up on the lawn and can settle in for a fun evening of watching cinema and sipping from Stone’s extensive lineup of craft brews. Screening begins at 8:30 p.m. 2816 Historic Decatur Rd., Liberty Station, 619.269.2100. stonebrewing.com
Little Italy Summer Film Festival
Saturday nights June 18-Aug. 27. Enjoy Italian cinema from the heart of San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood as each Saturday night, the Amici Park Amphitheater showcases Italian films with English subtitles. Bring blankets and snacks (but no booze or pets) and grab a seat on the lawn. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the film starts at 8 p.m. $5/pp. West Date St., Little Italy, littleitalysd.com
Dive-In Movies at The Pearl
Wednesdays ongoing. Step into the retro-cool vibe at The Pearl Hotel, then settle back to catch their weekly flick, projected poolside on their 10’x13’ screen. Enjoy noshes from EAT at The Pearl until 10 p.m. and craft cocktails at the bar until 11 p.m. The swimming pool is open to hotel guests for free and others with a drink purchase. Screening starts at 8 p.m. 1410 Rosecrans St., Point Loma, 619.226.6100. thepearlsd.com
South Bay Drive-In Theatres
Ongoing. With three screens and six films playing every night, The South Bay Drive-In has something for everyone. One ticket allows admission for two movies playing on the same screen, so every night is a double header. Enjoy current releases from the comfort of the car or set up chairs and blankets outside. $9/pp for adults, kids 5-9 $1/pp. 2170 Coronado Ave., Imperial Beach, 619.423.2727. southbaydrivein.com
Cinema Under the Stars
Ongoing. San Diego’s premier outdoor theater offers outdoor recliners, love seat cabanas, deck chairs, ottomans and tables to make everyone comfortable. Featured films through the summer are classic favorites like Sixteen Candles, How to Steal a Million, Casablanca, Pretty Woman and more. Thurs.-Sun. $15/pp. 4040 Goldfinch St., Mission Hills, 619.295.4221. topspresents.com
