As California continues to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, many cities and museums have announced the return of their free summer concerts and movie screenings. Here's a roundup of outdoor, in-person events to enjoy with friends or family. 

Note that dates, times and lineups might change, and so could public health guidelines, so it's best to double-check details before heading out.

La Habra Movies in the Park

The city of La Habra will once again host movie screenings. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs to make themselves comfortable. Activities begin at 6 p.m., and the movies start at dusk. Some films on their 2021 schedule include:

  • "The Secret Life of Pets 2" at Loma Norte Park, 1200 N. Palm St. on Sunday, July 11
  • "Sonic the Hedgehog" at Oeste Park, 2300 W. Lambert Rd. on Sunday, Aug. 15
  • "Soul" at Loma Norte Park, 1200 N. Palm St. on Friday, Sept. 17 

For more information, call 562-383-4200 or visit the city of La Habra's website.

Free Movies on the Boardwalk

Redondo will be screening several movies all summer long at the pier. Films begin at dusk. According to the city's website, this is a socially distanced outdoor movie screening, and masks are recommended. Visitors are asked to bring a blanket or low-backed beach chair. A variety of food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for take-out to enjoy during the movies. 

  • "Raya and the Last Dragon" on Friday, Sept. 3
  • "Soul" Friday, Sept. 17

The Redondo Pier Association will also present free concerts at the west end of the pier, including its Tribute Thursday events that will pay homage to greats such as Led Zepplin, Van Halen, Frank Sinatra and more. Visit the city's website for a complete calendar. 

OC Parks Sunset Cinema Movie Series 2021

Orange County and OC Parks recently announced 10 free concerts and 13 free movie screenings at different OC parks. 

"The County of Orange and OC Parks are thrilled to be able to present the summer concert and movie series in person once again," Supervisor Andrew Do said in a news release. "These concert and movie events provide a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to come enjoy entertainment in a beautiful, outdoor setting."

On Friday nights, enjoy a screening under the stars. The event sites open at 6 p.m., and the movies begin after sundown around 8 p.m. Some movies include:

  • "The Sandlot" at Yorba Regional Park on July 16
  • "The Lion King" at Irvine Regional Park on Aug. 20
  • "Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker" at Laguna Niguel Regional Park on Aug. 20

The county's concert series takes place from 5 – 8 p.m. Thursday evenings with local and big-name artists, including Uptown Funk, Surf's Up, Tijuana Dogs and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. The swing revival band will play at Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley on Aug. 5.

Monterey Park's Summer Movies in the Park 

Catch a family-favorite movie on the outdoor giant screen hosted by the city's Recreation and Community Services Department. Attendees can bring blankets and beach chairs. The activities begin at 7:30 p.m., and the movies start at sunset. Here's what's coming up:

  • "The Croods, A New Age" at Barnes Park Field on Friday, July 23
  • "Raya. The Last Dragon" at Barnes Park Field on Friday, Aug. 6

Marina Drive-in Movie Nights

The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors presents Marina Drive-In Movie Nights on Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 5. There are two movie showings at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Attendees can bring their own food and drinks or order food from gourmet food trucks on-site. There's a $20 vehicle pass. Some movies include:

  • "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" at 8 p.m. on July 10
  • "Rocketman" at 8 p.m. on July 17
  • "A Quiet Place" at 5 p.m. on Sept. 5

Concerts at Warner Park — and Movies Too

From a tribute to Selena to a tribute to the Beach Boys, the Valley Cultural Foundation released its lineup for its Sunday evening concerts at Warner Park. Catch a music show from 5:30 - 8 p.m. or watch a movie at 7:45 p.m. Saturdays. Some upcoming events include:

  • Surf City All Stars take the stage at 6:30 p.m. on July 25
  • "Shrek" on Aug. 7
  • "The Secret Life of Pets 2" on Aug. 21 

Grand Park's Sunday Sessions 

This event, which celebrates House music, is returning for the sixth summer. Sunday Sessions honors LA's vibrant music scene by bringing the best House music artists to the city. Attendees can purchase food from food trucks and drinks. Sunday Sessions take place on the park's performance lawn.

Sunset Concerts at The Skirball 

Back for its 24th season, Sunset Concerts will kick off with Grammy award-winning rock group Quetzal, which was formed in the wake of the 1992 Los Angeles uprising. 

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