West Contra Costa County cities offer a diverse lineup of free “Movies in the Park” this summer.
Richmond
The City of Richmond Recreation Division is set to bring back its popular Movies in the Park summer series on Friday evenings, offering free, family‑friendly entertainment under the stars. The films will begin at sunset—usually around 8 p.m.—and screenings are scheduled at parks throughout the city. The 2025 lineup includes Inside Out 2 at La Moine Valley View Park on Friday, July 11; Mufasa: The Lion King at Tiller Park on Friday, July 25; Moana 2 at Marina Bay Park on Friday, Aug. 8; and Sonic 3 at the Richmond Rec Complex on Friday, Aug. 22.
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, low‑back chairs, and snacks for a cozy outdoor movie experience. For more information, contact the Richmond Recreation Division at (510) 620‑6793.
San Pablo
The City of San Pablo will host its Movies Under the Stars series indoors at the San Pablo Community Center (2450 Road 20). Admission is free, but pre‑registration is required. Scheduled films include Mufasa on Friday, July 18, and Moana 2 on Friday, Aug. 1. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with movies starting at 6 p.m. sharp.
Pre-registration details are available on the San Pablo Recreation website.
Pinole
Pinole’s Fernandez Park Summer Cinema Series features open‑air screenings at Fernandez Park (595 Tennent Ave). The series runs on Fridays at sundown (approximately 8:15 p.m.). Upcoming showings are Moana 2 on Friday, July 18, and the timeless classic The Wizard of Oz on Friday, Aug. 1. As always, attendees are advised to arrive early with blankets, warm jackets, and snacks to enjoy the evening comfortably. No tickets or RSVP are needed.
Hercules
In Hercules, the Friday Family Flix & Fun series takes place outdoors at Refugio Valley Park (1515 Refugio Valley Rd), organized by Hercules Parks & Recreation in collaboration with the local Library. The next screening is The Wild Robot on Friday, July 18 at 8 p.m., starting at sundown. Earlier this season, the series launched with The Tiger’s Apprentice on Friday, June 27. A unique part of these events is the StoryWalk®, a children’s picture book displayed along a park trail, which opens before the movies and promotes reading and outdoor play. Families are encouraged to bring blankets or low chairs and arrive early to enjoy both the trail and the film.
