Summer 2011 Outdoor Movies in Sacramento

There is no reason to let your family's love of movies keep you cooped up indoors all summer. Various Sacramento venues host outdoor movie nights for the whole family, showing old favorites as well as new releases. And for guys like me, who were born in an era when drive-ins were still found throughout the United States, these events present a unique opportunity to get in touch with your own childhood.

Summer Breeze Film Series

The Summer Breeze Film Series is held throughout the summer of 2011 at Elk Grove Regional Park. The park is located at 9950 Elk Grove Florin Rd., and the movies begin playing at 7 p.m.

There are several dates included in the Summer Breeze Film Series, including June 24 and July 22. Visitors are invited to bring blankets, folding chairs, and anything else they need to make themselves comfortable during the movie. Currently, Toy Story 3 and How to Train Your Dragon are on the marquee.

Screen on the Green

Summer 2011 also brings you free movies at Screen on the Green, an annual event that includes four movie nights that are free to the public. Kid-friendly films ensure a safe and comfortable outing for parents and children of all ages.

On August 6, Screen on the Green will present Despicable Me at Stanford Park (205 27th Street). You can see Shrek Forever After at Hagginwood Elementary (1418 Palo Verde Avenue) on August 13, Secretariat at East Portal Park (51st and M Streets) on August 20, and Toy Story at Glenn Hall Park (Sandburg and Carlson Drives) on August 27. Movies begin at sundown, so arrive early to grab a good seat.

Sacramento 6 Drive-In

Perhaps the days of drive-in movies aren't as dead as we thought. The Sacramento 6 Drive-in is alive and well at 9616 Oates Drive. This summer they'll be showing new movies like Fast Five and The Adjustment Bureau, all in an authentic drive-in setting. Unlike the other outdoor movies locations on this list, the drive-in isn't free.

Adults pay $6.95, kids between the ages of five and eleven are charged $1.00, but kids under five do get free admission. If you want to try it out but the prices seem prohibitive, consider heading out on Tuesday Family Fun Nights where general admission drops to $4.95.

Outdoor movies are particularly pleasant in Sacramento, where the weather often cooperates and there are plenty of parks where weekday and weekend entertainment abound. There might be other outdoor movie events in your community, so visit the City of Sacramento Parks & Recreation web site to keep track of upcoming events.