What’s New at Movies Under the Stars 2026

Downtown Sac in Action | Kiara Badue — Aug 27, 2026

The moment we have all been waiting for is finally here! Movies Under the Stars is back October 1. Every Thursday and Friday, autumn nights are paired with the smells of fresh popcorn, sweet candy, and a nostalgic cinematic experience will fill the Old Sacramento Waterfront. This year’s movie lineup is serving classic Halloween movies and festive themed nights you have to get in on to spooky max to the fullest.

Drumroll please! Here is your official 2026 Movies Under the Stars Lineup

This year’s movie lineup filled with childhood classics, murder mystery, and thrillers that will make you clutch your pearls… or popcorn in this case. Tickets go on sale the morning of Thursday, September 3 (keep a close eye on our Instagram @downtownsac for updates). Set your calendar reminders because tickets will sell out!

What’s New & Returning

Movies Under the Stars is a favorite fall staple for a reason. It’s the family movie night, friend hangout, date night, or Halloween tradition that gives you another reason to spend an evening downtown. Here’s are the new and returning activities on-site making your movie night even more exciting.

Frights and Flights – Old Sacramento Waterfront bars will be serving up themed Halloween drinks throughout October. You don’t need a Movies Under the Stars ticket to join in. Anyone 21+ can stop by before or after the movie. Make Frights & Flights its own night out, with a variety of flights available at each participating location listed below.

Frights and Flights Locations: Last Stop Saloon, Honey and the Trap, O’Malleys Pub

Costume Swap & Photoshoot – Plan on visiting Glow Studio on Friday, October 16 from 5 PM – 8 PM for a Halloween costume swap and professional photographer sessions with festive themed backdrops. To participate in the costume swap, bring your new or gently used costumes.

Costume Contest – Come dressed to impress! Our costume contest is returning on October 29 & 30. Arrive wearing your favorite costume between 6 PM – 6:50 PM. The winner will be announced before the movie begins.

Here is what you could win: 10/29 winnings: 4 polar express tickets | 10/30 winnings: 4 skate passes to the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink

Old Sacramento Waterfront on-site vendors:

Frankie’s Pizza – Grab a fresh personal-sized pizza for dinner.
Old Town Candy Barrel – Pick up some candy to snack on in-between eating your pizza and popcorn.
Mad Hatter Doughnuts – Sweet treat please! New this year, look forward to mini doughnuts.

Make It a Fall Tradition

Grab pizza from Frankie’s, take a few photos, then settle in with your Jack O’ Lantern popcorn bucket and throw on your headphones as the film starts playing. Movies Under the Stars only comes around once a year, and there’s a reason so many people make it part of their fall routine. See you under the stars this October!