There are plenty of exciting, and free, things to do in San Francisco this summer, and one of our favorite activities is outdoor movie nights. Sundown Cinema is a popular movie series held in SF parks, but you can also expect free movie screenings right in Downtown SF with Cinema on the Square.
The Princess Diaries free outdoor movie
Later this July, Union Square will host a wholesome outdoor movie night, showing the iconic romantic comedy The Princess Diaries. The movie night will be held on July 25, with pre-movie activities starting at 6 pm and the screening starting at 8:30 pm. The Princess Diaries is a beloved rom-com starring Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews that takes place in San Francisco. The movie showcases many iconic parts of the city, including the beautiful historic home that serves as the school’s exterior in Pacific Heights and the converted firehouse in the Excelsior District.
The outdoor screening is free to attend, and we recommend wearing layers and bringing a blanket to stay warm during the movie. The screening is just one of several scheduled in the coming months, with a movie night featuring Pokémon: Detective Pikachu on August 29, and The Conversation on September 26.
Free activities in Union Square

Union Square has a packed calendar of free activities every week, including dancing, art classes, and even juggling. Along with the monthly movie nights, you can also attend a free techno concert this August, and lively dance nights. The square also boasts amenities such as a kids’ zone, chess sets, and big games like ping-pong, foosball, and corn hole.