Street Food Cinema Launches 15th Season With Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in LA

Street Food Cinema will begin its 15th season on May 16, 2026, with an opening night event at LA State Historic Park. The evening will feature a screening of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the film.

The outdoor movie series, which has operated in Los Angeles for 15 years, continues to utilize a format that combines cinema with live entertainment and local food offerings. The opening event on May 16, 2026, will include food trucks and cocktails alongside the film screening.

Musical entertainment for the opening night will be provided by the band Featherborn. The group is fronted by Scott Underwood, who is one of the founding members of the band Train.

The event schedule for May 16, 2026, is as follows:

• Doors open: 5:30 PM
• Live music by Featherborn: 6:45 PM
• Film screening: 8:15 PM

General admission tickets for the event are priced at $23. The venue at LA State Historic Park offers free parking and is designated as dog-friendly, with a bar available on-site.

Maintaining Community Amidst Industry Shifts

Co-founder Heather Hope-Allison has guided the series through several significant disruptions, including wildfire seasons, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the widespread adoption of streaming platforms. On May 12, 2026, Hope-Allison discussed the enduring appeal of the outdoor cinema experience.

Hope-Allison noted that the geographical nature of the city can often lead to a sense of isolation for its residents.

Los Angeles can feel very spread out and disconnected at times

Heather Hope-Allison

She attributed the continued success of the series to a persistent desire among audiences for shared experiences and a sense of belonging, stating that people are still hungry for connection, nostalgia and community.

Operational Resilience and Evolution

The series has adapted its offerings to survive various environmental and economic pressures. During the pandemic years, Street Food Cinema implemented specific events to maintain engagement, such as a drive-in prom featuring Olivia Rodrigo in 2021.

The transition into its 15th season marks a milestone for the organization, which has hosted hundreds of movies and thousands of guests. The selection of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off for the opening night reflects the series’ focus on nostalgia, aligning the season launch with the 40th anniversary of the 1986 comedy.

The event on May 16, 2026, serves as the launch for a broader summer lineup of screenings across Los Angeles, continuing the tradition of pairing cinema with curated local food and live music sets.