Families are encouraged to arrive early and participate in the ongoing “America the Beautiful” children’s art project, which began during Kids Day and will later be featured in a Fourth of July art exhibit. Photo courtesy of the Cordova Community Council

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - What’s better than a movie night under the stars? How about two movies, food trucks and a community gathering that has become a Rancho Cordova summer tradition?

Friday Moonlight Movies returns in June with a monthlong lineup of free double features celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, giving families another reason to grab lawn chairs, blankets and neighbors for a night out.

Hosted by the Cordova Community Council, the annual summer series will feature two films each Friday night throughout June, with animated family favorites starting at 5:30 p.m. followed by evening features geared toward older kids and adults at 7 p.m.

“Moonlight Movies means summer has arrived,” said Shelly Blanchard, executive director of the Cordova Community Council. “No need to plan your Friday nights — we’ve got you covered.”

Outside snacks are welcome, though concessions and food trucks will also be available on site. Photo courtesy of the Cordova Community Council

This year’s “Red, White and Movie Nights” theme ties into the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration, also known as America 250. Organizers say attendees can also expect America 250 giveaways, sponsor activities, snacks and food trucks during the event series.

“In recognition of the 250th anniversary, we are showing a lineup of movies that celebrate American themes and doubling down with double features,” Blanchard said.

The June lineup begins June 5 with the “National Journeys” theme, featuring “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron” at 5:30 p.m. followed by “National Treasure” at 7 p.m.

On June 12, the “American Adventures” theme will include “An American Tail” at 5:30 p.m. and “Independence Day” at 7 p.m.

The June 19 “American Heroes” lineup features “Balto” at 5:30 p.m. and “Captain America: The First Avenger” at 7 p.m.

The series concludes June 26 with the “Historical Voices” theme, showing “Pocahontas” at 5:30 p.m. and “Hamilton” at 7 p.m.

Blanchard said longtime residents often mark the start of summer by attending the weekly movie nights, which have become a staple of community life in Rancho Cordova.

“We have watched kids grow up over the years and new residents join in,” she said. “It’s laid back and it’s free. It’s just a great way to end the work week during June as summer really sets in.”

This year’s event will also feature a new video wall screen system instead of a traditional projector, which organizers hope will improve the viewing experience for attendees.

Friday Moonlight Movies returns in June with a monthlong lineup of free double features celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Photo courtesy of the Cordova Community Council

Families are encouraged to arrive early and participate in the ongoing “America the Beautiful” children’s art project, which began during Kids Day and will later be featured in a Fourth of July art exhibit.

First-time attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and sweaters for the cooler evening temperatures. Outside snacks are welcome, though concessions and food trucks will also be available on site.

Blanchard said the goal of Moonlight Movies is simple: bring the community together.

“Moonlight Movies is just another reason to get off the couch and into the community,” she said. “We hope families come out and enjoy some laid-back fun together and feel good about our great country in our 250th year.”

And for anyone wondering whether it’s worth seeing a favorite movie one more time outdoors with friends and neighbors?

“While you may have seen them before,” Blanchard said, “you probably haven’t seen them like this.”