More outdoor movie nights are popping up in Mission Beach

Zoom in: The movie starts once it's dark after sunset and is projected onto a big screen, but get there early with a lawn chair or a blanket for a good spot.

• "It's like Netflix and chill with a huge picnic vibe," founder Walden Keyes said.
• Bring snacks and drinks (no glass), but pups should stay home.

Between the lines: The local event was born during Covid with a few friends making an outdoor living room for movie nights in Mission Beach, Keyes said.

• Since then, word has spread on Instagram and it's grown into a fairly regular event that's drawn 500 to 2,500 people for one showing.
• Now, they host the pop ups once or twice a month — weather depending — at this spot and others around Mission Beach, Pacific Beach and the Torrey Pines Gliderport.

The intrigue: The audience chooses the movie through an online poll on Instagram, where the next showings are announced.

• They usually stick to rom-coms or comedies but they've shown Harry Potter, Top Gun and holiday movies too.

What's next: With the growing demand, the team is planning a more regular viewing schedule and working with the city on permits to add local food vendors.