Harrah’s Resort Southern California is hosting a free Movies Under the Stars series

While the primary focus of summer days may be finding ways to beat the heat by seeking poolside fun or venues with the best air conditioning, the breezier Southern California summer evenings are suitable for other outdoor activities.

Harrah’s Resort Southern California in Valley Center is offering a free Movies Under the Stars series, with films scheduled at 8 p.m. every Thursday through August. The films include animated features, sports movies and fantasy genres and will be hosted in the Courtyard, the casino’s outdoor grassy area, through a projector and up on a large screen.

Edi Hernandes, entertainment manager at Harrah’s Resort Southern California, said in a recent phone interview that the audiences for their film series have grown in the past couple of years since its introduction.

“We like to keep the movies family-friendly so more people can come and enjoy them,” Hernandes said.

In addition to the outdoor films, guests are welcome to bring their own food, drinks, chairs and blankets, but the casino also provides some chairs. The seating is unassigned, so guests are free to relax by some of the outdoor fire pits or get a little closer to the screen. Visitors can also shop at the outdoor concession stands, which sometimes sell movie-themed snacks and small toys for kids, or if they prefer one of the casino’s eateries, they can bring their orders out to enjoy.

“You can have a dinner experience with family or come as a date night, while you watch a movie outdoors in nice weather,” Hernandes said.

Here are summer movies coming to Harrah’s Resort Southern California for the rest of the summer:

Thursday, July 20

“Creed 3” (PG-13)

Thursday, July 27

“The Goonies” (PG)

Thursday, Aug. 3

“Best in Show” (PG-13)

Thursday, Aug. 10

“Moana” (PG)

Thursday, Aug. 17

“Dungeons & Dragons” (PG-13)

Thursday, Aug. 24

“The Super Mario Bros Movie” (PG)