Written By Mauricio Segura // Photo: Golden Bay Times Graphics Dept.
When the leaves begin to turn and a cool breeze drifts off the river, Old Sacramento doesn’t just settle into fall, it stages a nightly spectacle. In October 2025, the historic waterfront becomes a living, breathing outdoor cinema with its “Movies Under the Stars” series, transforming cobblestones and river views into a dreamy fall escape. Sponsored by the Downtown Sacramento Partnership in partnership with Old Sacramento Waterfront, the event takes place at Old Sacramento State Historic Park, 111 I Street, every Thursday and Friday through the month. Check-in opens at 6:00 p.m., and each movie begins promptly at 7:00 p.m.
The lineup this year is carefully curated to blend nostalgia, spooky vibes, and fun for all ages. On Thursdays the schedule is October 2 with The Goonies, October 9 Coco, October 16 Hocus Pocus, October 23 Monsters, Inc., and October 30 Beetlejuice. On Fridays the films are October 3 Practical Magic, October 10 Little Shop of Horrors, October 17 Hocus Pocus again, October 24 Ghostbusters, and October 31 The Sixth Sense. Each evening brings a different kind of magic, from adventure to laughter to chills, with The Sixth Sense closing out Halloween night in classic suspenseful fashion.
Beyond the movies, the whole Old Sacramento Waterfront turns into what locals affectionately call “Sacramento’s Halloween Town.” Before the shows, visitors can stroll through pumpkin patches, take hay rides, admire seasonal displays, or try their luck at tarot readings and Halloween lawn games. The district’s shops and streets are decorated with glowing orange lights, straw bales, and ghostly figures, creating a playful yet haunting atmosphere that builds anticipation as the sky darkens.
Moviegoers receive wireless headphones for crisp sound that doesn’t disturb the nearby shops and restaurants. Seating is available at three levels: general lawn spots, Adirondack chair seating, or luxury lounge setups complete with popcorn and refreshments. Some nights even offer dinner add-ons from local restaurants like Rio City Café and Brannon Manor, which deliver meals right to your seat before the movie begins. The entire experience feels part film festival, part picnic, and part Halloween block party.
Parking can be tricky in Old Sacramento’s narrow historic streets, but nearby garages such as the Old Sacramento Garage and Tower Bridge Garage make it manageable. Arriving early is strongly recommended, not just for convenience but to take in the festive scenery before settling in. Screenings tend to sell out quickly, especially the VIP options, so advance reservations are a must.
By the time the projector flickers to life and the first frame hits the screen, the crowd falls into a shared silence beneath the stars. When Coco lights up the night with its colorful world, families smile and sway along with the music. When Ghostbusters or Beetlejuice roll, laughter echoes across the cobblestones. And when Halloween arrives with The Sixth Sense, the chill in the air feels perfectly timed. What makes it all special isn’t just the movies but the setting itself, a historic district that has seen more than a century of stories and still finds new ones to tell every October.
For anyone looking to stretch summer’s joy into autumn, “Movies Under the Stars” is the perfect escape. It is part outdoor cinema, part small-town Halloween fair, and all heart, a celebration where nostalgia and community come together under the glow of string lights and the Sacramento sky.
For more information: https://www.downtownsac.org/downtown-sac-experiences/movies-under-the-stars/
