SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco has another free outdoor movie tonight, this time with School of Rock playing at the Ferry Building.
The Ferry Building lists Sundown Cinema from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25. The Sundown Cinema information carried by UCSF says the film itself is expected to begin after sunset, around 8:30 p.m. The distinction matters: 7 p.m. is the broader event window, not necessarily the moment the opening credits roll.
What time does School of Rock start?
The practical answer is to separate the event opening from the movie start. The Ferry Building calendar gives a 7–10 p.m. window, while the Sundown Cinema listing says films begin after sunset, around 8:30 p.m..
If you care about your viewing spot, arriving around 7 p.m. or earlier is safer than showing up close to 8:30.
Is the Ferry Building movie free?
Yes. Sundown Cinema describes its screenings as free and open to the public. The Sept. 25 installment is School of Rock at the San Francisco Ferry Building.
What should you bring?
Organizers recommend a blanket, warm clothes and a low-profile chair. Taller chairs are supposed to stay around the edges so they do not block other viewers.
The event listing also says leashed, crowd-friendly dogs are welcome. That guidance applies to the outdoor screening; the Ferry Building Marketplace has separate rules for animals inside its food facilities.
How should you get to the Ferry Building?
Parking is described as very limited for the screening, and organizers recommend walking, biking or public transportation. The Ferry Building is at One Ferry Building at the foot of Market Street.
The Ferry Building's visitor information says Embarcadero BART is about one block away, and Muni buses, trains and the F historic streetcar stop at or near the building. That makes transit the more predictable option for a Friday-night waterfront event.
What else is screening free this weekend?
Another free outdoor movie follows Saturday: The Conversation screens in Union Square Sept. 26, with a 5 p.m. preshow and 7:15 p.m. film start.
For tonight, the biggest planning point is simple: do not treat 8:30 p.m. as an arrival time. The screening is free, seating is informal and the crowd can build well before the movie begins.