San Diego City Wire

The County of San Diego is set to kick off its free "2024 Summer Movies in the Park" season at 6 p.m., Friday, May 24. The event will begin with a sunset showing of the Oscar-winning blockbuster “Barbie” at the Waterfront Park downtown.

In celebration of the opening, there will be a variety of features and free fun for kids and families. This includes music, games, bounce houses, themed crafts, and other activities. While the movie starts at dusk, approximately 15 minutes past sunset, a host of free activities are expected to commence at 6 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for a comfortable night under the stars.

This year’s schedule includes more than 100 movies that will be screened at dozens of parks across the County. The line-up features modern-day classics such as “Wonka,” “The Goonies,” “The Sandlot,” “ET the Extra-Terrestrial,” and the 1954 version of “Rear Window.” For those who prefer animated films, offerings include “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” “Monsters Inc,” “Kung Fu Panda 4,” and “The Little Mermaid.” Mystery and horror fans can look forward to showings of “Hocus Pocus,” “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” and “Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island.”

As part of its mission to reclaim parks after dark through safe and fun nighttime activities, the Department of Parks and Recreation is celebrating its 17th year hosting this event series. However, it's important to note that movies, dates, and locations are subject to change.

The "2024 Summer Movies in the Park" series is presented by Rose SD Realtor and sponsored by various organizations including the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Child and Family Well-Being Department, Live Well San Diego, The Super Dentists, Project Clean Water, Bill Howe, First 5, ACANA Pet Food, and the San Diego County Parks Society.

For more information about all County of San Diego’s parks and events, visit sdparks.org.