Movies, Music Under the Summer Stars
By Michele E. Buttelman
Signal Staff Writer
Summer in Southern California means outdoor film nights and concerts on star-filled summer evenings. From Castaic Lake to points south, summer is the season for outdoor music and movies.
Movies Under the Stars
SoCal in the summer is the perfect time for watching a movie outside under the stars. Choose a rooftop, a city park, a cemetery or on the water.
Boat Cinema — Castaic Lake Recreational Area
32132 Castaic Lake Drive, Castaic 91384
Info https://bucketlisters.com/experience/boat-cinema
For a truly unique night out rent a boat and watch a film under the stars on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays now through Sept. 9 at Castaic Lake.
Enjoy the first (and only) beach party on-the-water film experience in Los Angeles County. Showtimes start 15 minutes after sunset.
Rent a mini boat that seats up to five people from $196 to $249 or enjoy beach seating (bring your own beach chairs or blankets) at $15 per person.
Add-ons include picnic baskets, charcuterie boxes and artisan pizzas, beer and wine, all delivered to your boat. There is also a table service option for beach seating. Order in advance at https://boatcinema.com/food-and-beverage-menu.
Among the films to be shown:
June 23 “Moana”
June 24 “Shrek”
June 25 “Finding Nemo”
July 7 “Jaws”
July 9 “Pirates of the Caribbean Curse of The Black Pearl 20-Year Anniversary”
July 14 “Jurassic Park 30-Year Anniversary”
Aug. 4 “Sharknado”
Aug. 11 “Top Gun Maverick”
Aug. 13 “The Little Mermaid” (1989)
Sept. 9 “Jaws.
Cinespia Film Screenings
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles 90038
Info cinespia.org
Nothing says “Summer in L.A.” like watching a movie in the hallowed resting place of Old Hollywood legends.
At each Cinespia film screening at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, you can pack a picnic (alcohol is permitted), pose in a photo booth and enjoy DJ music, dance parties and a variety of fun activities. Tickets are from $22 to $30.
Films are shown Saturdays through July. Gates open at 7:15 p.m. films start at 9 p.m. The lineup includes:
July 1 “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure” (plus fireworks)
July 8 “Fight Club”
July 15 “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion”
July 22 “Gremlins”
July 29 “Valley Girl”
Rooftop Cinema Club DTLA
Info rooftopcinemaclub.com/los-angeles
The Rooftop Cinema Club offers a more traditional movie experience at two locations in downtown L.A., the Level Hotel and the Arts District. Guests 18 and older only. Enjoy a steady supply of snacks and refreshments. Rooftop Cinema Club is a comfortable alternative to other outdoor movie screenings. They provide the lawn chair and wireless headphones. Prices range from $16.50–$25.50 depending on seat type and theater location. See website for films and tickets.
Santa Clarita City Cinemas in the Park
Info bit.ly/3Xbp2yl
Catch a free movie under the stars throughout the city of Santa Clarita this summer and early fall. Bring your blankets and chairs. Pack a picnic dinner or grab a meal from a food truck on-site. Each movie will have a different start time and location. Food trucks will begin selling at 7 p.m.
June 23 “The Little Rascals,” 8:30 p.m. Newhall Park, 24923 Newhall Ave., Newhall 91321.
July 28 “Puss in Boots The Last Wish,” 8:15 p.m. Bridgeport Park, 23521 Bridgeport Lane, Valencia, 91355.
Aug. 25 “Back to the Future,” 8 p.m. Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita 91350.
September 22 “Top Gun Maverick,” 7:30 p.m. the Canyon Country Community Center, 18410 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country 91351.
Oct. 27 “Hocus Pocus,” 7:30 p.m. The Centre, 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita 91350.
The Hollywood Bowl
2301 N Highland Ave., Los Angeles 90068
Info www.hollywoodbowl.com
The iconic Hollywood Bowl is the best place to be on any SoCal summer night. The Bowl turned 100 in 2022 and continues to offer amazing spectacular concerts in an idyllic setting. From Dudamel to Disney, there’s a concert for every taste. See website for schedule and tickets. Don’t forget to bring a picnic.
Free Concerts
Free music in parks, plazas and throughout SoCal is a hallmark of the summer season.
Grand Performances
California Plaza, 350 S Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90071
Info www.grandperformances.org
Grand Performances returns to downtown L.A. for the 37th year of free summer concerts every Saturday through the summer at California Plaza. See live performances by artists in music, dance, art, poetry, theater and more from around the world. The California Plaza stage has been refurbished for the summer with a new event lawn. See website for performers and schedule.
Concerts in the Park
Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road,
Santa Clarita 91350
Info bit.ly/3Pfl31Z
The city of Santa Clarita’s Concerts in the Park offers free concerts on Saturdays at 7 p.m. Bring your chairs and blankets, as well as food and drink. Guests can also purchase concessions from a variety of food trucks beginning at 5 p.m. Concerts will be held on Fields 7 and 8, closest to the dog park.
July 8 Hard Day’s Night A Tribute to The Beatles
July 15 Wild Shot A Tribute to Guns N’ Roses
July 22 Upstream Reggae, Caribbean
July 29 ‘90s Rock Show ‘90s Grunge, Alt-rock, Pop-punk
Aug. 5 Savor A Tribute to Santana
Aug. 12 Twist on Taylor A Tribute to Taylor Swift
Aug. 19 Queen Nation A Tribute to Queen
Aug. 26 FABBA: A Tribute to ABBA
