Bring the popcorn and leave your pocketbook at home. Many free outdoor film series are offered during the summer around the Bay Area and August is the perfect month to see the stars in the sky and on the big screen.
 
 Silicon Valley and Coast
Flicks & Grooves at History Park – An outdoor Wes Anderson movie every second Fri., and a band every last Fri. through October. Aug. 9: The Grand Budapest Hotel. 7pm. $5. History Park, 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose. 
Menlo Park Outdoor Movies – Every Fri. through Sept. 20. Aug. 2: Ralph Breaks the Internet. Aug. 9: Mary Poppins Returns. Aug. 16; Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again. Aug. 23: Incredibles 2. Aug. 30: Finding Dory. FREE. Burgess Park, 701 Laurel St. 
Movies on the Beach – Watch a movie in the sand next to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Aug. 7: Bumble Bee (2018). Aug. 14: Goonies. Wed. 9pm. FREE. 400 Beach St. 
Outdoor Movie Nights – Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a screening of Mary Poppins Returns. FREE. Fri., Aug. 2. 8-10pm. Mitchell Park Community Center, 3700 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. 
Montalvo Arts Center’s Sunset Cinema – Montalvo Arts Center’s summer film series concludes with a screening of the R-rated drama/mystery classic, Jaws. Fri., Aug. 2. 8:30pm. FREE. 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga.  
 
East Bay
Dive-In Movie: Moana – Enjoy free recreation swim and a watch this movie poolside. Fri., Aug. 2. Swimming starts at 7pm; film at 8:15pm. FREE. San Ramon Olympic Pool and Aquatic Park, 9900 Broadmoor Drive, San Ramon. 925-973-3240. 
Movie Nights: Dumbo – Grab some low-backed beach chairs, blankets and a picnic to watch this film. Fri., Aug. 16. 7:30pm. FREE. Central Park Performance Pavilion, 40000 Paseo Park Parkway, Fremont. 510-284-4000.
Incredibles 2 – Bring the entire family, picnic dinner, low-back small chairs and/or blankets and flashlights (keep them low). Before the film, enjoy music, local vendors and the mobile recreation program. Fri., Aug. 16. 6pm. FREE. Adobe Park, 20395 San Miguel, Castro Valley. 510-881-6700.
Incredibles 2 – Bring low-back chairs or blankets and a picnic. Bring warm clothes because it is often cold and windy after dark. Fri., Aug. 30. Movie begins at dusk, either 8:30 or 9pm. FREE. Emerald Glen Park, 4201 Central Parkway, Dublin. 925-833-6650. 
 
Marin, San Francisco and Peninsula
Menlo Park Outdoor Movies – This weekly event features movies of all genres, including animated, adventure, sci-fi, comedy and more. Aug. 2:Ralph Breaks the Internet. Aug. 9: Mary Poppins Returns. Aug. 16: Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again. Aug. 23: Incredibles 2. Aug. 30: Finding Dory. 8-8:30pm start (check website for exact time). FREE. Burgess Park, 701 Laurel St. 
Mill Valley Outdoor Movies: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse – Bring your own blanket and chairs. Fri., Aug. 9. Movie begins at dusk. FREE. Old Mill Park, 352 Throckmorton Ave. 415-383-1370.  
Movies in Creek Park – See family movies every Sat. through Oct. 26. Aug. 3: Much Ado About Nothing. Aug. 10: Transformers. Aug. 17: The Wizard of Oz. Aug. 24: Mamma Mia! Aug. 31: Rocky. Seating begins at 7pm; pre-movie slide show, announcements and trivia competition at 7:45pm; showtime is at 8pm. FREE. Creek Park, San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo.  
Movie Night at the Mart – See a classic film every Wed. Aug. 7: Wall-E. Aug. 14: A Bug’s Life. Aug. 21: Eloise at the Plaza. Aug. 28: Winnie the Pooh. 6pm. FREE. Marin Country Mart, on the Green, 2257 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur.  
Movies on the Square – Watch films on the plaza. Aug. 1: Incredibles 2. Aug. 8: Bohemian Rhapsody. Aug. 15: Ralph Breaks the Internet. Aug. 22: Forrest Gump. Aug. 29: Captain Marvel. 8-8:30pm start; check website for start time. FREE. 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. 650-780-7000. redwoodcity.org.