The 43rd annual San Francisco Jewish Film Festival is on with educational and entertaining cinema for all. Talking about cinema, there are outdoor films all throughout the bay, we have compiled a list of fun for you. Filoli has so many great offerings this summer – what a place to soak in the flora and fauna.

Now-Aug. 6. The Jewish Film Festival

The Jewish Film Institute creates a community of filmmakers exploring and expanding thoughtful consideration of Jewish history, life, culture, and identity. Their once a year film festival takes place now through August 6th. Over 70 films will be screened at three locations – The Castro, The Piedmont and The Vogue. Films include a documentary about well-known tomato Erica Jong – titled Breaking the Wall.

Filmed in New York City during the pandemic, this unconventional documentary provides Jong with the time and space to meditate on her long career from a distance. She reflects on the pitfalls of early fame, her insecurities, her changing relationship with her artistic parents and sister, her four marriages and how her identity became synonymous with her writing. Another favorite tomato Bella Abzug is featured in a documentary on closing night with director Jeff L. Lieberman expected to attend. A leader of all feminist ideals, documentarian Jeff L. Lieberman gives an entertaining and comprehensive look at Abzug’s astonishing legacy fighting on behalf of women, the working class, communities of color and the LGBT. jfi.org

July 22. Head West Marketplace

Grab your pals—two-legged and four—and Head West. The roving outdoor marketplace for local creators is popping up on Berkeley’s charming Fourth Street for a month starting this weekend. Grab brunch and a beverage at one of the many tasty restaurants and check out the participants. Makers, Vintage Merchants, crafters, designers and artists as well as non -profit community organizations will be on hand. Great place to support locally crafted and sourced items. Saturday, 11am to 5pm.  1717 Fourth St. (Berkeley)  headwestmarketplace.com

July 22. Beast Crawl Lit

Upgrade your bar crawl to something a little more academic: the Beast Crawl Lit Fest. The annual festival-meets-pub crawl in Oakland will take you on a journey through the Town’s favorite bars and hideaways where writers, performing artists, and creative thinkers will share their craft. The Beast Crawl is not a singular event, place or time. It is a confluence of writers, performing artists, musicians, and other like-minded souls, dreaming transformation into life on the streets, sidewalks, and community spaces of Oakland. Saturday, 4pm until late. beastcrawl.org

Summer at Filoli Gardens

Always in bloom, but even more so in the summer visit Filoli Gardens now for vibrant live performances that take stage against the backdrop of the historic House. As the sun sets behind the Santa Cruz mountains, relax in the Meadow with a drink in hand and enjoy the talent and diversity of the Bay Area performing arts community.

This Sunday, Indie pop-rock singer-songwriter Lola will entertain with a groovy, upbeat and lively performance in the meadow. Next weekend, the 29th and 30th Filoli opens its gardens to Art Walk. Over 40 hand-picked local artists will sell their work throughout the garden. A wonderful way to wander among the flowers while browsing original paintings, prints, ceramics, jewelry, textiles and more. The Artwork is included with Filoli admission. https://filoli.org/

Outdoor Movies

Summertime just seems like movie time, and we are fortunate to have cool evenings in which to enjoy the outdoor films you can find everywhere. Here are locations where you can grab a chair, blanket and tasty treats to enjoy the outdoors and a film.

Sundown Cinema has 7 films in 7 locations across SF.  Five are left to enjoy. This Friday is Moana at Crane Cove Park and on August 18th – Mamma Mia at Dolores Park. As always, expect local food trucks, themed pre-show entertainment, and film selections that everyone will enjoy. Proceeds support SF Parks Alliance work in these spaces. https://secure.sfparksalliance.org/

Marin Country Mart has family friendly films every Friday through August 25th. All Marin Country Mart events are held in the courtyard, where greenery and seating offer the ambience of a small village and an inviting setting that encourages meeting and mingling. Food and drinks are available from eateries on the green. https://marincountrymart.com/events/movie-nights-at-the-mart

The city of Piedmont invites all to watch a family-friendly movie  under the stars. Movies begin at dusk in Piedmont Main Park (711 Highland Avenue, Oakland) and admission is free. July 21: The Croods 2: A New Age (8:30 pm) August 18: Turning Red (8:00 pm) September 22 Matilda (7:15 pm).

If you live in the South Bay or just want to get your feet in the sand, the free movies on the Beach in Santa Cruz is calling your name. For some, there’s nothing like watching your favorite movies right on the beach with the smell of kettle corn, corn dogs, and saltwater taffy filling the air. All in abundance at the Boardwalk. Mix in the sounds of screams from the roller coasters and you have an unparalleled evening. Movies begin at 9. Make sure to bring blankets to get comfy. This Sunday is Mamma Mia, coming up in a few weeks is Top Gun Maverick -now that’s one to watch on the sand. Full list on the website. Seating is first come first served and there is a 15 minute intermission at each film.https://beachboardwalk.com/movies/