Film Night in the Park
143 reviews
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23 Reviews for Film Night in the Park
Yeah, the pot smoke and spontaneous applause might diminish the beauty of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon a little bit, but not enough to outweigh the simple pleasure of an old friend, some crusty bread, a bottle of wine, and two blankets. Really awesome, in a Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam kind of way.
Two notes: "dusk" in June means about 9 PM, and the temperature is going to dip below 55 degrees, so bring a couple blankets.
We also got invited to a feminist socialist rally sometime next month, and helped name that sewage treatment plant after George W. Bush. Score!
Film Night in the Park is awesome, one of my favorite on going SF events. Presented by a well organized and well sponsored group, Film Night in the Park features great films presented in various SF parks on a large screen. The projected images are bright and crisp and the sound is good, or at least as good as you can expect for a public park. The crowd that comes is a good deal more mature than the group that frequents the Dolores Park Movie Nights, so it is easier to bring families or real movie goers since you can both actually hear the film and don't get contact high from all the pot smoke.
Definitely worth going, come early with some food and wine, bring a blanket and after noshing enjoy the flick. Good times!
Film Night in The Park is Here again!!!! Last night was the start of this year's Film Night in the Park. (Echo Park, baby!) Anyway.....
They played The Wizard of Oz. It was held in Dolores Park... this event is held at different places in the city like Washinton Square Park, Union Square, and sometimes in San Rafael and San Anselmo also. They project whatever movie they are playing on this jumbo inflatable screen and set up speakers all over the park. This is the second time I've been... the first time was watching Sixteen Candles!
Make sure you dress warm and in layers, bring a blanket, a mat to sit on (to put on the ground) and some snacks to munch on (perhaps some hot chocolate or tea maybe too). Many people like to bring wine to sip on with their snackies. Also, if you want, bring some chairs, but make sure they are super low to the ground so you don't block anyone's view... the one's that are up high are no good, so don't bring those.
The jumbo inflatable screen is run on generators i think... so the first time i went one of the generators was having problems and the screen kept on deflating and falling down... but they fixed this problem before the show started... and plus, it was kinda entertaining...
It gets pretty packed, so it's good to go early. This year, we went very early and got really good parking, and since we had a bunch of friends with us we threw the football around, chilled, ate, drank, talked, hung out... it was a bunch of fun!
The best thing about this is that the event is FREE! yes people, you heard it, FREE!!!! There is a donation box that they walk around with for donations... but if you are strapped for cash this is a fun, free event to go to... but if you got some cash to spare, a donation is always nice, especially to support and keep this thing going!
This place is great to take a date or go with your significant other, hang out with the girls (or guys, i suppose), or even invite all your friends to! For more info go to... http://filmnight.org/
This is one of San Francisco's best events!
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Best city funded project EVAR.
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Just another reason I am in love with my hometown! Film Night will bring you to various parts of the city: Washington Square Park, Dolores Park, Union Square.
Free movie outdoors with others who just want to enjoy the show too. I've only been to one thus far ["Rebel Without a Cause" in Union Square], and we were not quite prepared. Had to walk back to the apartment and grab a blanket. And pick up some drinks on the way back. The blanket served well for a butt-cushion for a few hours, and the drinks kept us warm as the cool nighttime temps rolled in.
Next time, totally bringing a sleeping bag, a comfy pillow [anything or anyone warm and snuggly will do!] - at least to Union Square.
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You know that rule when it comes to accessorizing...put on what you think will look good, and then look in the mirror and take one thing off? Or something like that? A similar rule should apply when it comes to outdoor movie nights - or pretty much any event held outside in San Francisco, especially at night: bring all the layers of clothing you think will be enough to keep you warm. And then add two more layers. You'll be glad you did.
In my typical way, I only made it to the last show of the season, the Sunset Boulevard showing. It was fun! Though I wished we had sat on more of a slope in order to get a better view. Or chairs...chairs would definitely have been good. The low kind, of course, so as not to obstruct your neighbor's view.
The announcer said something about how the group that runs this event is trying to save neighborhood theaters, like the theater on Union Street that is currently closed. Bravo! I loved that old theater.
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Its all about layering. When you go out for an evening to enjoy the Film Night in the Park series you never know how the weather will behave. Dress warm. This is San Francisco.
Last night we went to see Annie Hall in a chilly Union Square. The place was crowded...packed...but manageable. Having gotten there just a bit before dark we still managed to get a decent space. We rolled out the blanket and broke out the wine and cheese. Cheryl had never seen Annie Hall and we ended up having a great time. The crowd was well behaved...no noisy cell phones, unruly children, arguments or distractions. The audio was fine despite a bit of slapback echo from the buildings ringing Union Square. The projection was bright enough to enjoy even the darker scenes. The wind did ripple the screen occasionally but not enough to be a distraction.
The series uses three locations around the city including Dolores Park and Washington Square Park. Word is they'll be adding Yerba Buena park as well. Upcoming films include 8 1/2, Rebel Without a Cause and Sunset Boulevard. (They show the theatrical trailers for the upcoming films.) Somebody's got taste. The hat gets passed for donations and everybody is asked to clean up after themselves. A great deal in a great town. Pick a film, grab some friends, a blanket and a bottle of wine...and layer.
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San Francisco.
My city, my love. I have been in a love affair with this city for almost 15 years and tonight was the reaffirmation of why I chose, over and over, to make this my home.
Just saw Sixteen Candles in Dolores Park as part the of "Film Night in the Park" series. It embarrasses me that after all these years in the city this is the first time I've gone to this event -- but oh what a night! Masses of people gathered in a park on a clear but windy night to watch one of John Hughes' classic teen movies. Not only was it a perfect night -- windy and chilly but clear and just warm enough to hang out with a fleece on and a few blankets (and a good bottle of wine!). It also demonstrated the collegiality of SF folk, as the air-filled movie screen folded and buckled over and over again, delaying the movie's start. Instead of "boo" or "hiss" the crowd cheered with every attempt of the screen to rise itself and as a whole, the masses patiently waited (while the breezes got stronger and stronger) for the movie to begin.
I could go on and on about how fun this night was, when in all reality it's probably just a huge nostalgia trip for me, based on the movie playing and the ability to participate once again in one of those wonderful free SF events that draws a community together -- but I'll spare you all my rant. Just check this out -- find a movie or a park that you enjoy and pack a picnic dinner, as well as warm clothes, and discover for yourself a little piece of SF magic. It's well worth it.
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Gather your friends, some blankets, snacks and wine than head to Film night in the Park. It's a great way to spend a Saturday night. Plus it's free. It can get crowded so I recommend getting there early. But once you have a spot and the movie starts you won't be disappointed. Plus it's free! Oh yeah I already said that....My favorite spot so far is Dolores Park. The view is amazing!!!
Free is good.
But not if it starts an hour and 15 minutes late and the line to the bathrooms makes the wait for Pirates of the Caribbean seem short.
These guys got corporate sponsorship. They could do a lot better.
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People with children, PLEASE, since WHEN is The Graduate an appropriate film for children?! And in an environment where they feel is't ok to run around screaming? I mean, just because it's a public, open park doesn't mean kids should be allowed to come to movie night...for realz.
That said...this is for sure one of the most fun things to do - but bring blankets and bundle up...it definitely gets c-c-c-cold out there. Bring some hot food and grab some snacks at the concession stand-- sit back and relax...enjoy the show!
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My boyfriend and I love Film Night in the Park! What a great way to enjoy movies besides watching them in theaters or on the couch at home. The crowd is calm,respectful, and quiet for the most part consisting of about 2,000+ people. It can get pretty cold at night so I'd suggest bringing a blanket or heavy jacket. A few snacks wouldn't hurt either although they sell popcorn and drinks for $2. The movie is free for the public but donations are appreciated. Also, I love that they use solar energy for this event. Sitting outside at night with all the lovely people makes me appreciate how much I really love San Francisco.
i went to see hairspray when it was at dolores park, brought my god daughter and we both had a good time. Neither one of us had been to one before, so this was a great experience.
We went to see sixteen candles last night, and there was a long delay due to technical difficulties. Other than that, I love the outdoor atmosphere and it's a nice change from the usual weekend night hangout.
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Anything that you can do outdoors at night is a bonus! When I lived in Europe, outdoor films were very popular in the smaller villages, it was always a kick to hit some pub and then head over to the park to watch what was typically an older American blockbuster. Many of the films at film night are classics or Bay Area based films that make you glad you live here. Great FREE nighttime activity with a group of friends!
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My girlfriend and I went to Film Night in the Park last night for the first time, and had a blast. This is the kind of event that makes living in SF so special. It's free (though donations are accepted and frankly, they've earned them!), and pretty much everyone was friendly and excited to be there. How many people have the opportunity to enjoy a picnic under the stars, watching a movie while surrounded by buildings and landmarks that millions come to SF to visit every year?
We saw Rebel Without a Cause in Union Square...it was a really nice evening, and we got there about an hour before the movie started. It's so cool to be able to settle down on your blanket, open a glass of wine, and eat picnic food and snacks as dusk turned into night. I definitely recommend getting there early so that you can grab a good spot, and if you go to one of the Union Square films, bring something comfortable to sit on--the cement isn't very forgiving!
As one of the other reviewers said, this is the kind of unique event that reminds you how damned lucky you are to live in SF...
Isn't this why you moved to a big city in the first place? Totally great and cheap thing to do with a group of people. Throw some chicken, red wine, and Skittles (gotta have Skittles), and a thick jacket in a bag and you're good to go. Going to the Castro Theatre to see a classic (or at least cult) film can be fun, but this is the new drive-in experience.
Oh, and bring extra padding if you're going to Union Square. That cement flooring can be rather unforgiving on the booty.
Minus one star for doing so many shows up in Marin. I live at Dolores Park, so go figure.
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So much fun!
We went and saw hairspray and it was mucho fun.
Bring blankets, provisions, hats, scarves, etc because it's san francisco and you should know better.
Dolores Park was a great location. I hear the shows at union square are a bit difficult because it's concrete.
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While I was visiting a friend that lives in the the SOMA district this summer I got the chance to attend a showing of the "Film in the Park " at Dolores Park.
God, I wish Sacramento had something like this. True, we try to emulate this on a smaller scale, but the SF one is just ...so much better! There's a larger turn out and everyone's there to have fun. There's no stupid altercations and it's very family friendly. There was one drunk chick near us, but she was quietly shushed by her friends.
It did get a bit cold as the fog rolled in and I didn't have enough foresight to bring some heavier outerwear but my friends thought ahead and brought LOTS of alcohol. So yeah, it was a bit chilly but nothing a nip of bourbon wouldn't cure.
One tip-make sure you bring one person in your group who lives near the park because the bathroom lines are LOOOOOOOOOOOONG!
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we went to our first film night yesterday and saw hairspray. next time i believe we'll round up our friends into one vehicle, bundle up real well, and show up uber early so that we won't miss any parts of whatever will be showing.
we can't wait to head out there again next month. maybe we can also catch film night in union square too. hmmm... :)
++ delores park is a dog friendly spot; it's okay to bring your well behaved socialized dog to the event
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Pretty cool idea. I highly suggest getting there early if you want a good seat. I went with a couple of friends to see THE BICYCLE THIEF at Washington Square Park in North Beach. It was a little chilly, but definitely a nice way to spend a Saturday night. We arrived about a half hour before it started (cuz we needed to get some food first). A suggested $5 donation would be highly worth it if things like these continue in the future. Fun for the whole family, or in my case, some friends.
Gather your friends. Pack a nice snack and bring your blanket. Watch a movie at some of the best parks around the city. Film Night at the Park is the best group event I've ever done. The best thing about it.
It's FREE!
I watched Mrs. Doubtfire in Washington Square Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark in Dolores Park and had an absolute blast. It's not even so much about what movie you're watching but the fantastic neighborhood atmosphere, hanging out with friends, and getting to scream back at the screen without getting shushed.
It doesn't matter if you're new to the city or you've lived here your entire life. Experience this and you'll fall in love with San Francisco.
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ok so I have never been to a drive-in but i imagine its almost as cool as watching a great movie outside in a SF park! i have only been to the films at washington square park, but they do also have them in union square and dolores park. most recently i saw "the graduate". its great - its totally free (although donations are encouraged!) and they have snacks like popcorn, candy, hot chocolate, etc. you can also order takeout from a place closeby and bring drinks which is what i like to do. make sure you bring blankets and bundle up - this is san francisco! its a blast - definitely a perk to living in a great city like this one.
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OK. I decided to check this out after reading the few reviews on Yelp. This past saturday, 10/7, me and my boyfriend went to watch "Young Frankenstein" at Delores Park. So we left my house an hour early so that we can get good seats and we brought our lawn chairs, blankets and food. At first there was about 40 people when we got there and by the time the movie started, it looked like there were hundreds! Many people brought their kids, their pets, their bikes..and some came in costume!! it was hilarious! before the movie started they reenacted a chase scene and ran around the whole crowd! it was sooo funny.
I actually never seen this movie which was a bummer because it seemed like alot of people from the crowd did. Some were saying the lines with frankenstein or singing the flower song with the little girl (you have to see it). It was so much fun because you can pretty much say anything during the movie and nobody will tell you to shuttup. Oh and the movie was a good pick! black and white and my kind of funny. My boyfriend is not the type to enjoy bnw movies, but he really liked this one.
I recommend going to this kind of event as much as you can. I didn't think they still did these kind of things in san francisco. With all the new technology, I didn't think anybody would want to go watch a movie at the park when they can do it at home. I was wrong. It felt so good that san franciscans can join together as a community and just enjoy a good movie on a saturday night.
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