There is something special about watching an outdoor movie. Whether it’s purely sentimental for the drive-in days or the thrill of another summer treat, you just don’t want to pass up a chance to catch a film on a big screen under the stars. This summer there are chances for everyone to see an outdoor film in Sonoma County – be it a family movie in the park or a classic at a winery.
Take the family along to Windsor’s Summer Nights on the Green each Tuesday evening for a free kid’s movie. Take chairs or blankets to sit on and you’ll find food and beverages available to buy there. The movies start at 15 minutes after sunset.
Petaluma Movies in the Park shows a free family film every Friday evening at Lucchesi Park. Live entertainment starts at 6:30 p.m. with the movie beginning at dusk. They also have kid’s activities, food and drinks available, and even raffles.
St. Francis Winery is about to launch their first annual “Stars Under the Stars” Outdoor Film Festival, with sommelier Christopher Sawyer introducing and pairing St. Francis wine with the films. Take blankets and a picnic and find a place on the lawn of the lovely visitor center in the heart of Sonoma Valley. Admission is complimentary and both the featured wine by the glass and popcorn will be available for purchase. Thursday, July 8, see Hitchcock’s classic thriller “The Birds,” which was filmed locally in Bodega and Bodega Bay, paired with St. Francis Wild Oak Chardonnay 2008. Thursday, July 15, watch Academy Award winner “Chinatown” paired with St. Francis Old Vines Zinfandel. Seating begins at 7:30 p.m., screening is at 8 p.m.
Moshin Vineyards presents Pictures on the Crush Pad, with “The Blues Brothers” on July 24 and “Blue Hawaii” on August 14. Join them under the stars for a state of the art DVD projection right on the crush pad. Admission is $20 per person and includes a glass of wine and a bottomless bag of popcorn. Picnics are welcome and chairs are provided.
The whole family is invited to watch “Ghostbusters” at DeLoach Vineyards’ Pinot and Popcorn on July 22, 7:30 p.m. Take chairs and blankets and watch Dan Aykroyd fight the ghosts of New York City. They’ll be pouring their exclusive Dan Aykroyd Chardonnay and Cabernet. The $15 ticket includes one glass of wine, unlimited popcorn, wine discounts, and they’ll be doing raffles.
Gundlach Bundschu’s Annual Summer Fun Film Festival is August 7 and this year features “Swingers” with Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau. A local, high-energy band will begin the night at 7 p.m. and the movie will roll at dusk. Tickets are $10 advance and $15 at the door. You can pick up a gourmet picnic at the winery.
Warm, sunny days tend to turn to cool, refreshing evenings here in Sonoma County, so don’t forget to take along some warm layers.
