Going to the movies as a kid felt like this monumental experience. Heading to the old Century movie theater in Redwood City, tossing a coin in the big fountain out front and watching a film on a giant screen with a bucket of popcorn was a special occasion compared to pulling a VHS tape out of the pile at home and pressing play.
Now, going to the movies as an adult doesn’t have quite the same luster when you consider the convenience of watching a film from the comfort of your couch mere weeks after its release. But for those looking for a way to mix up movie night and see recent releases and favorite films for free, Silicon Valley’s slate of summer outdoor movie screenings is just the ticket.
Get the lineup of movies being shown in parks and plazas across the Peninsula (and vote to help determine what will be screened in a couple of spots) through Ellis Yang’s guide in this week’s edition.
Julia Brown
Six Fifty Editor
editor@thesixfifty.com
Where to catch free outdoor movie nights around Silicon Valley this summer
This summer, cities across the Peninsula are rolling out giant screens and transforming parks and plazas into open-air cinemas, showcasing free movie screenings ranging from animated family favorites to blockbuster new releases.
Why medical murals by a Diego Rivera protégé adorn a Peninsula museum
The Palo Alto Museum isn’t expected to open until the fall, but you can already to catch a glimpse of history there, thanks to 17 frescoes artist Victor Arnautoff painted on the building’s exterior.
How a 30-year-old Mountain View distillery is adapting to survive amid decreasing drinking
Essential Sprits Alambic Distilleries is looking to shift from contract production to cementing a presence at local bars and restaurants.
No one was able to identify where last week’s photo was taken (it’s “Le Mont Rouge” by Flo de Bretagne in downtown Menlo Park!).
The first person to reply to this email with the correct place where the below photo was taken will win a gift card from The Six Fifty and a shoutout in our next newsletter!
Find more things to do in our Fourth of July guide and roundup of World Cup watch parties and festivities.
The Corner Laughers: July 3 Local indie-pop band The Corner Laughers performs original songs at the July edition of Woodside’s free art and culture series, held on the first Friday of the month.
Drop Everything and Read: July 5 Mountain View Library hosts an afternoon of community silent reading in Pioneer Park – with snacks. Bring a blanket, towel or fold-out chair and your book (or grab one at the library).
BraveMaker Film Fest: July 8-12 BraveMaker’s annual festival of independent films returns for five days of screenings, Q&As and more.
Literature & Lore Hike: July 9 Docents discuss how nature has inspired lore and literature throughout history on a guided hike at Skyline Ridge Preserve.
Public Canoes in Sloughs: July 11 Marine Science Institute naturalists lead a leisurely canoe trip at the Bair Island wetland sanctuary, with participants checking out flora and fauna, having an on-canoe picnic lunch and helping with a brief creek cleanup.
Music@Menlo: July 17-Aug. 8 Boasting more than 60 in-person and online events, Music@Menlo’s annual chamber music festival includes mainstage concerts, artist-curated recitals, talks and master classes.
Four Shillings Short: July 18 The longtime Celtic, folk and world music duo Four Shillings Short kicks off its final U.S. tour in Palo Alto.
Plan Ahead:
Book Bedazzling: July 21 Feeling like your books need a bit of extra sparkle? Something Made craft club hosts an evening of bedazzling books at Books Inc. Palo Alto. Bring a book or purchase one there at a discount.
Walking Tour of the Purissima Old Town Site: July 25 Take a docent-led tour of what was once the site of the Purissima Old Town settlement, hosted by Coastside Land Trust.
Swap Don’t Shop: July 26 Craving a wardrobe update that’s easy on the wallet and the planet? Bring clothes to trade at Little Green’s free potluck-style clothing swap.
Filoli’s Art Walk: July 26-27 Local artisans showcase their wares in Filoli’s garden, along with food trucks and hands-on art activities for kids.
A Walk With Wine 2026: July 30 Stroll the streets of downtown Burlingame while sampling wines and listening to live music, with around 30 local merchants participating.
Island Vibes: July 31 Island-inspired live music and tropical flavors are on the menu for the July Summer Nights event at Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company, along with craft beer, food trucks and local vendors.
Stanford Jazz Festival: Through July 31 The 2026 edition of the summer jazz fest includes performances by the Branford Marsalis Quartet, Billy Childs, Luciana Souza, Anat Cohen, Stefon Harris, Yilian Cañizares and more.
San Mateo County Parks Foundation Photo Contest: Through Aug. 10 Enter photos that show off the beauty of San Mateo County Parks for a chance to win prizes and have your photography featured in the foundation’s publications.
The Spirit of ’76: Through Nov. 8 The Los Altos History Museum’s exhibition reflects on America’s 250th anniversary, with an emphasis on civic engagement.
In Squires & Corrie Slot Machines, San Mateo has forced out a treasure most residents never knew they had
As the high cost of living and redevelopment push blue-collar businesses out, Steve Squires seeks to preserve his craft by leaving Silicon Valley
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