Saratoga Summer Movie Nights will return
Grab your picnic blankets and movie snacks; the kickoff to Saratoga's Summer Movie Night series is right around the corner.
The city will show free, familyfriendly movies at El Quito Park on the third Friday of June, July and August at sunset, staff said.
First up is “Encanto” on June 17, followed by “Luca” on July 15 and a “Frozen” sing-along on Aug. 19.
“The city's Summer Movie Nights started by the Parks and Recreation Commission have become a true Saratoga tradition, drawing hundreds of Saratoga families to El Quito Park,” Mayor Tina Walia said. “This is one of my favorite events, and I can't wait to see our community gathered together under the stars to enjoy a movie.”
This is the first time since the start of the pandemic that the outdoor event is set to take place all three months of summer.
In 2020, the city opted for a drive-in style movie night at Santa Clara University, and in 2021 just two movie nights were held.
The event typically draws about 300 residents, though last year's July movie night brought record attendance, staff said.
The sun is scheduled to set around 8:30 p.m. on June 17, but Saratoga staff said to get there a little early to find a spot on the grass.
There will be games and activities at various booths around the park, sponsored by various local organizations like the fire department, while residents wait for the movie to start.
Saratoga staff set aside $6,500 of the city's operating budget to put on all three movie screening this year.
This year's movie showings at El Quito Park, located at 12855 Paseo Presada, are hosted by the city and the Saratoga Parks and Recreations Commission.