Where to find free outdoor movies in Sonoma and Napa counties

The stars don't appear just on the big screen during summer movie nights. They're also twinkling above in clusters and constellations, part of the open-air ambiance for local moviegoers.

At picturesque venues around the North Coast, free outdoor movie showings promote a sense of community and provide a carefree way to enjoy a summer evening.

The acoustics may be better indoors, but few can argue with the fun of a low-back chair, a sleeping bag or a sprawled-out blanket for watching a classic film or family favorite with neighbors far and wide.

A broad selection of titles is in store for the summer, with the Green Music Center showcasing villains and heroes in its outdoors “Marvel Movie Marathon” weekend in August.

And in a nod to the popularity of goggle-wearing little yellow creatures, four venues feature the computer-animated family comedy, “Minions.”

Perhaps best of all, moviegoers can walk or bike in for some big-screen entertainment without spending a penny at the box office. For families trying to keep kids occupied during summer vacation, the outdoor movie nights provide a break without busting the budget.

Colleen McCaffrey of Healdsburg was looking for an affordable way to entertain her 6-year-old twin grandsons, Noah and Ryder, when she discovered the opening night of the Town of Windsor's “Tuesday Night Kids' Movies” on the Windsor Town Green.

McCaffrey and her grandsons, along with a 5-year-old neighborhood friend, arrived with a wheeled suitcase full of fun. They came prepared with hot chocolate, graham crackers and goodies and plastic bottles of bubbles and wands.

“It's awesome. It's awesome,” said McCaffrey, 60, even before a single snowflake or the opening credits appeared in “Frozen” on the huge inflatable movie screen in the town square.

At dusk on a chilly evening, the boys were tucked into two sleeping bags zipped together, their plush animal-shaped Pillow Pets adding to their comfort.

“I went online and tried to find everything cheap or free. Cheap or free is the name of the game,” McCaffrey said.

Will she and the boys return for additional films?

“Oh you bet. Absolutely,” McCaffrey said.

The following free outdoor film series are among those offered in the North Bay. Most venues sell snacks and beverages, with food trucks available at some locations. Many events hosted in community parks discourage pets, including dogs on leashes (except for service dogs).

WINDSOR

Tuesday Night Kids' Movies: Presented by the Town of Windsor, movies begin 15 minutes after sunset on the Windsor Town Green, 701 McClelland Drive. Films continue through July 26.

Information: 838-1000, bit.ly/1UYsYcG

Upcoming attractions:

“Penguins of Madagascar,” June 21

“Minions,” June 28

“The Peanuts Movie,” July 5

“Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip,” July 12

“Wall-E,” July 19

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” July 26

SANTA ROSA

Movies in the Park: The City of Santa Rosa's longtime offering runs this year on Fridays from Aug. 12 to Sept. 16 at Howarth Park, 630 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa. Movies start at dusk, with entertainment and vendors before the films.

Information: bit.ly/1DCVlLy

The movie lineup:

“Hotel Transylvania 2,” Aug. 12

“Inside Out,” Aug. 19

“The Good Dinosaur,” Aug. 26

“Minions,” Sept. 2

“Hook,” Sept. 9

“Zootopia,” Sept. 16

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Stars Under the Stars Outdoor Film Festival: Hosted by St. Francis Winery, 100 Pythian Road, Santa Rosa. Lawn seating begins at 7 p.m. Thursdays, July 7-28, with pre-show concerts and wine receptions offered. Movies start at dusk. Children welcome. Festival sommelier and film aficionado Christopher Sawyer will pair St Francis wines with the featured films; cost is $10 per glass, including a keepsake glass. Popcorn is free; El Coyote Mexican food truck will be on site.

Information: 538-9463, bit.ly/266mL6B

The movie lineup, along with the evening's performers, features:

“Sleepless in Seattle,” Z & The Benders, July 7

“National Treasure: Book of Secrets,” Ragtag Sullivan Duo, July 14

“The Candidate,” The Atomic Lounge Show, July 21

“Jurassic Park,” Band Camp, July 28

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Hope Chapel hosts "Movies Under the Oak" at sunset, with "Nacho Libre" on July 1 and "Night at the Museum" on Aug. 5, 4983 Highway 12, Santa Rosa. Free admission. Mexican food truck arrives at 6:30 p.m. 539-4673, hopechapelsantarosa.org.

HEALDSBURG

Healdsburg Outdoor Screenings: Although details are still in the works, the Alexander Valley Film Society will team up with the City of Healdsburg to present kid-friendly movies July 26 and Aug. 23 at the Healdsburg Plaza following “Tuesdays in the Plaza” concerts. A drive-in movie Sept. 17 at the Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds also is in the works.

Information: avfilmsociety.org

ROHNERT PARK

Marvel Movie Marathon: Sonoma State University presents the biggest heroes of the Marvel Universe during an action-packed, five-movie marathon Aug. 26-27 on the lawn outside Weill Hall at the Green Music Center, Rohnert Park Expressway at Petaluma Hill Road, Rohnert Park. Tickets aren't required for this free event. Bring your own blanket or low-back chair.

Information: (866) 955-6040, bit.ly/1YvyMzS

The Aug. 26 lineup features:

“Iron Man,” 6 p.m.

“Ant-Man,” 8:15 p.m.

The marathon continues Aug. 27:

“The Avengers,” 3 p.m.

“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” 5:30 p.m.

“Captain America: Civil War,” 8 p.m.

(The event replaces the canceled “Star Wars” marathon.)

YOUNTVILLE

Yountville Hot Summer Movie Night Series: The Town of Yountville offers monthly movie nights June through October at Yountville Community Park, North Washington Street, Yountville. Food trucks and concessions open at 6 p.m., movies begin at dusk.

Information: bit.ly/1XYGPGU

The lineup features:

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” June 24

“Minions,” July 29

“Inside Out,” Aug. 26 (also the town's Annual Camp Out in the park; for details call 944-8712)

“Grease,” Sept. 30

“Hotel Transylvania 2,” Oct. 28

NAPA

Movies in the Park: Hosted by Napa Parks and Recreation Services, movies begin at dusk on select Saturdays at Veterans Park, 800 Main St., Napa.

Information: 257-9529.

Featured films are:

“The Incredibles,” July 16

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” July 30

“The Wizard of Oz,” Aug. 13

“Minions,” Sept. 10

“Mary Poppins,” Sept. 24

Contact Towns Correspondent Dianne Reber Hart at sonomatowns@gmail.com.