Who doesn’t like to go to the movies? And it’s even better when they’re free. Whether you’re huddling indoors in the air conditioning or sprawling outside at the beach or in a park, here are places you can see some good flicks. For free. Have fun out there. And save us some popcorn.
Aug. 1 — Sherman Oaks: See “Wicked for Good,” part two of the Wicked series, at 2 p.m. at the Sherman Oaks branch library, 14245 Moorpark St., Sherman Oaks. lapl.org/events/sherman-oaks-movie-wicked-good
Aug. 3 — Costa Mesa: Head out to the plaza at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts for an outdoor showing of “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.” No tickets required but surrounding parking garages charge a fee. The plaza opens at 5:30 p.m., fun activities at 6:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 8 p.m. Food vendors will be present. scfta.org/events/2026/pirates-of-the-caribbean-the-curse-of-the-black-pearl
Aug. 4 — Long Beach: Bring your chair and blanket to cheer on “A League of Their Own,” part of the Moonlight Movies at the Beach at Granada Beach. Free parking after 6 p.m. Bring your picnic or visit a food truck. No alcohol. Movie starts at dusk, around 8 p.m. 5000 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. moonlightmoviesonthebeach.com/
Aug. 7 — Los Angeles: See one of the best anime movies ever made, “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind,” directed by Hayao Miyazaki (English version), at Stoner Park at 8 p.m. The screening of this classic in its genre is sponsored by the West L.A. Sawtelle Neighborhood Council. 1835 Stoner Ave., Los Angeles. eventbrite.com/e/after-nature-nausicaa-of-the-valley-of-the-wind-tickets-1993489195848
Aug. 7 — Laguna Niguel: Relive the ’90s by watching “10 Things I Hate About You” at Laguna Niguel Regional Park. Character meet-and-greets, DJ-led games and food for purchase. Fun starts at 6 p.m. with the movie at sunset. 28241 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel. ocparks.com/events/oc-parks-sunset-cinema-series-10-things-i-hate-about-you-1999
Aug. 7 — Playa del Rey: Head to the beach to see “The Princess and the Frog,” one of the family-friendly movie screenings on the sand sponsored by the county. All movies start at 8 p.m. Dockweiler Youth Center, 12505 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey. $3 parking after 6 p.m. beaches.lacounty.gov/beachmovienights/
Aug. 8 — Whittier: Time to go see “Madagascar” at Michigan Park. The fun starts at 6 p.m. and the movie at dusk. Bring your lawn chairs, picnic and blankets. No pets, barbecues or alcohol. 8228 Michigan Ave., Whittier. whittierprcs.org/recreation/summer-in-the-park
Aug. 10 — West Hollywood: Go to Movie Monday to see “Hotel Artemis” with Jodie Foster at 1 p.m. at the West Hollywood branch county Library, 625 N San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood. Adults only. visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/16510165
Aug. 10, 12, 14, 15 — Long Beach: See “Wicked For Good,” part two of the Wicked saga. Free popcorn, bounce house and raffle. Activities begin at 6:30 p.m. Movies begin at dusk. Aug. 10: Heartwell Park, 5801 E. Parkcrest St.; Aug. 12: College Estates Park, 808 Stevely Ave.; Aug. 14: Houghton Park, 6301 Myrtle Ave.; Aug. 15: Signal Hill Park, 2175 Cherry Ave., Signal Hill. longbeach.gov/park/recreation-programs/programs-and-classes/movies-in-the-park/
Aug. 11 — Lancaster: Get out of the heat and come to the library for its monthly movie night from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This month, it’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” 601 W. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster. visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/16731997
Aug. 14 — Irvine: Bring the family to Hicks Canyon Community Park to see “Zootopia 2.” Bring a picnic or patronize the food trucks on site, starting at 6:30 p.m. Movie starts at sunset. More parking available at Hicks Canyon Elementary School and Viewpark Avenue (south side). 864 Viewpark Ave., Irvine. cityofirvine.gov/node/70106#Movies
Aug. 14 — Orange: Bring your chairs or blanket to see the movie “Kung Fu Panda 4” at Irvine Regional Park. DJ-led games and other activities start at 6 p.m. with the movie at sunset. Free admission and parking. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange. ocparks.com/events/oc-parks-sunset-cinema-series-kung-fu-panda-4-2024
Aug. 14 — Playa del Rey: Head to the beach to see “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs,” one of the family-friendly movie screenings on the sand sponsored by the county. All movies start at 8 p.m. Dockweiler Youth Center, 12505 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey. $3 parking after 6 p.m. beaches.lacounty.gov/beachmovienights/
Aug. 15 — Lawndale: Finish the summer action series with a screening of the original “Predator” with Arnold Schwarzenegger, starting at 3 p.m. in the Lawndale Library Meeting Room. For ages 18+. Lawndale Library, 14615 Burin Ave., Lawndale. visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/16857502
Aug. 15 — San Bernardino: Head over to Starlight Cinema Movies in the Park this week to see “Pokémon Detective Pikachu” at Nicholson Park. Note the new restrooms and concession facilities. There will also be a craft related to the film, giant checkers, Jenga and Connect 4, a prize raffle, trivia for kids, food, and vendors. Activities start at 6 pm; the movie starts at dusk. 200 S. Meridian Ave., San Bernardino. sanbernardino.gov
Aug. 15 — Torrance: Head to the Wilson Park Amphitheatre for Family Movie Night with “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” Event starts at 5 p.m. Movie at 6:30 p.m. Wilson Park Amphitheatre, 2200 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance. torranceca.gov/Our-Community/Events/Family-Movie-Night-The-Super-Mario-Galaxy-Movie
Aug. 17, 19, 21 — Long Beach: See “How to Train Your Dragon” and enjoy free popcorn, a bounce house and a raffle. Activities begin at 6:30 p.m. Movie begins at dusk. Aug. 17: Orizaba Park, 1435 Orizaba Ave.; Aug. 19: Recreation Park, 4900 E. 7th St.: Aug. 21: Ramona Park, 3301 E. 65th St. longbeach.gov/park/recreation-programs/programs-and-classes/movies-in-the-park/
Aug. 18 — East Los Angeles: It’s time for the monthly Film Club, with a 5 p.m. screening of the original “Black Panther” at the East Los Angeles Library Meeting Room, 4837 East 3rd St., East L.A. Adults only. visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/16381935
Aug. 18 — Long Beach: Warm up your pipes and go to “Grease: The Sing-Along” as part of the Moonlight Movies at the Beach series at Granada Beach. Free parking after 6 p.m. No alcohol. Movie starts at dusk, around 8 p.m.5000 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach. moonlightmoviesonthebeach.com/
Aug. 21 — Orange: See “Jumanji” at Irvine Regional Park. Sponsored by OC Parks. Character meet-and-greets, DJ-led games and food for purchase. Fun starts at 6 p.m. movie at sunset. Free admission and parking. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange. ocparks.com/events/oc-parks-sunset-cinema-series-jumanji-1995
Aug. 23 — Calabasas: Visit the King Gillette Ranch for a classic silent film from Hollywood’s Golden Age, with a live piano accompaniment. Movie at 7:30 p.m. “The Trail of ’98” (1928) takes place during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897. It will be shown outdoors at the visitor center and will feature live music composed spontaneously by Michael D. Mortilla. Tours of the grounds are at 6:30 p.m. and the movie screens at 7:30. The film and parking are free. Bring a picnic and a flashlight. Limited seating, bring your own chair. King Gillette Ranch, 26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas. eventbrite.com/e/silents-under-the-stars-tickets-1992950476524
Aug. 28 — Hollywood: Ovation Hollywood is offering free open-air movies on the last Friday of the month through September, and you can even get a coupon for free popcorn and a blanket. Check in starts at 5 p.m. and film begins at 7. You need to RSVP online beforehand to get the free perks. Movie: “School of Rock” with Jack Black. Ovation Hollywood, 6801 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles. eventbrite.com/e/friday-movie-nights-school-of-rock-tickets-1989725640954
Aug. 28 — Newhall: Enjoy the classic dinosaur flick “Jurassic Park” at William S. Hart Park. Get there early for good seating. Food trucks arrive an hour before the show begins at 7:30 p.m. 24151 N. Newhall Ave., Newhall, santaclarita.gov/arts-and-culture/events/city-cinemas-in-the-park/
Aug. 28 — Dana Point: Head to Salt Creek Beach Park to see the classic “Top Gun.” Sponsored by OC Parks. Character meet-and-greets, DJ-led games and food for purchase. Fun starts at 6 p.m. movie at sunset. Free admission and parking. 33333 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point ocparks.com/events/oc-parks-sunset-cinema-series-top-gun-1986