Twenty Years of “Cars,” Screening on the Grass at Garfield Park

“Cars” turns 20 this year, which means the children who first saw it are now old enough to bring their own. South Pasadena is marking the anniversary the simplest way available: putting it back on a screen outdoors, on grass, for free.

The Community Services Department screens the film Friday at sunset in Garfield Park, 1000 Park Ave. There is no admission charge and no reservation. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic dinners.

It is the second and final Movies in the Park night of the South Pasadena summer, following a July 10 screening of “Hoppers,” this year’s Pixar release — a pairing of the studio’s newest film with one two decades old. Both are part of a wider seasonal program at Garfield Park that has this year included Concerts in the Park on select Sundays, two outdoor performances of “Macbeth” under the Shakespeare in the Park banner, an international soccer watch party and the city’s Fourth of July celebration.

“The summer season is a special time in South Pasadena,” Community Services Director Melissa Snyder said when the lineup was announced, adding that the events give the community opportunities to gather in its public spaces.

One planning note: sunset in early August falls close to 7:45 p.m., but the city publishes the start as “at sunset” rather than a clock time, so arriving early is the safer approach — both for a seat and for certainty.

“Cars” will screen on Friday, August 7 at sunset. Garfield Park, 1000 Park Ave. in South Pasadena. For more information, email specialevents@southpasadenaca.gov or visit southpasadenaca.gov/events. Admission is free.