Movies, Margaritas & Music? Summer Never Looked So Good

The Point is hitting double digits this summer, and there’s never been a better time to join the party. Since opening its palm-lined plaza in July 2015, this open-air destination has blossomed into a beloved backdrop for date nights, stroller meet-ups, birthday celebrations, and post-work gatherings. Locals call it the living room of the South Bay, and for good reason: it’s relaxed and social, and there’s always something to do. 

This summer, The Point is dialing it up with a stacked lineup of family-friendly movies, live concerts, and community events to celebrate its 10-year milestone. Highlights include a nostalgic screening of Blue Crush on July 30, an anniversary raffle, weekly music nights in August, and the debut of exciting new retailers like HomeState, a Texas Kitchen in Southern California and inspiring design shop, Herman Miller. 

Between bites, shopping sprees, and well-earned lounge time by the fountain, The Point is proving that turning 10 looks good on everyone.

 

Outdoor Movies You Don’t Want to Miss

The lawn at The Point becomes a cinema under the stars every Wednesday in July, and we’re here for it. The free Summer Movie Nights series brings back all your comfort-watch classics: Moana, Grease, E.T., and Clueless. The season wraps with Blue Crush on July 30, a nod to the center’s very first movie night ten years ago. That evening also features free popcorn,  giveaways and a celebratory raffle, so be sure to mark your calendar and pack lawn chairs and blankets. Select shops sweeten the deal with special in-store offers. 

Grab a salad bowl from CAVA or a pint of ice cream from Van Leeuwen, and catch the show surrounded by the glow of string lights and community vibes. It’s the kind of night that makes you want to linger.

Local Insight: Van Leeuwen’s scoops sell out quickly on movie nights. Head there before the opening credits if you’ve got your eye on a seasonal flavor.

 

Summer Music That Hits All the Right Notes

The Point’s Summer Concerts series transforms your average Wednesday into a front-row sunset show. Starting Aug. 6 and running through Aug. 27, the lawn plays host to live music acts like Charis & The Groove, Joe’s Band, Max 80s, and Jeremy Buck & The Bang. The vibe changes weekly (disco, pop, retro, you name it), but the energy stays high. Music runs from 6 to 8 p.m., and there’s no need for a ticket. Just bring a chair, grab your dinner to go, and vibe out under the South Bay sky.

Restaurants like Lil’ Simmzy’s and North Italia offer convenient pre-show plates if you want to cap off your night with wine and dancing just steps from your favorite stores.

 

The Fountain Steals the Show

Ask any regular, and they’ll tell you: that central fountain isn’t just decoration. It’s the heartbeat of The Point. It’s where people pause mid-shop to check their texts, sip an iced matcha from Pressed, or sneak in a few pages of their summer read. Kids treat it like a splash zone, couples post up with takeout, and post-SoulCycle regulars use it as a cool-down station. 

The surrounding lounge chairs and cafe tables are always full, especially on sunny mornings or golden hour evenings. You can spend hours here doing everything or nothing at all. It’s the perfect low-key backdrop for spontaneous hangs, solo breaks, or people-watching with an iced latte and a view.

 

Van Leeuwen Is Always the Right Choice

There’s something about ending a shopping trip with a waffle cone. Van Leeuwen gets it. Their lineup of classic and vegan ice cream flavors ranges from Honeycomb and Cookies & Cream to seasonal collabs like Marionberry Cheesecake and Planet Earth. It’s a required stop after dinner at Hopdoddy or Little Sister and an easy way to bribe the kids after a Target run. 

Even better? You can grab a pint to go and keep the indulgence going at home. The inside scoop is that their Earl Grey Tea is a local favorite, but you really can’t go wrong. Just follow the line because it always leads to the right flavor.

 

Retail Therapy That Feels Like a Win

The Point’s retail lineup walks the line between elevated and easygoing. You’ll find wardrobe staples at Madewell, sleek specs at Warby Parker, and gift-worthy finds at Paper Source. You can upgrade your sunglasses, grab a greeting card, and finally find a pair of jeans that fit like a glove, all without having to move your car. Coming soon is Herman Miller, the modern design icon. It’s just another reason The Point continues to earn its reputation as the place where your errands feel like a lifestyle.

 

Brunch and Al Fresco Everything

The Point does outdoor dining the way it should be: shaded patios, excellent people-watching, and a menu lineup that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re craving the True Crisp’d Chicken from True Food Kitchen or a Thai Mango Salad at Mendocino Farms, every venture is walkable, welcoming, and sunny nearly every day of the year. And here’s one more reason to get excited: HomeState is coming soon. This cult-favorite, Texas-inspired taco spot is beloved for its breakfast tacos and award-winning chili con queso. Seating is first-come, first-served, and the tables tend to fill up quickly on weekends, so go early or plan to linger. Either way, brunching here feels like being part of the neighborhood buzz: delicious, stylish, and totally unbothered.

 

Wellness Wins Every Day of the Week

You don’t have to be on a health kick to enjoy The Point’s wellness lineup. SoulCycle serves up sweat-dripping endorphins with high-energy playlists and instructors who know how to push. Right across the way, Facialworks offers ocean-inspired facials that feel like a reset for your face and week. It’s not unusual to see people in leggings and glowy skin sipping smoothies post-sweat. 

And it’s not just for Sundays. These rituals hit just as hard on a Wednesday. The mix of fitness and feel-good beauty makes it easy to keep up your wellness routine without losing out on socializing.

 

Pressed and Peet’s Make Mornings Better

The Point wakes up early, and so should you. Between Peet’s Coffee and Pressed Juicery, your morning lineup is covered. Grab a croissant and Traditional Cappuccino on your way to work or down a turmeric shot while you catch up on emails at the plaza tables. The fresh, early morning air paired with the first brew of the day and just-opened shops makes the possibilities feel endless. Whether you’re there to sweat, shop, or get your inbox to zero, starting your day here feels productive without the pressure.

 

Kids Club Delivers on the Fun

Parents, take note. The Point is bringing back its Kids Club on Aug. 20 with an afternoon full of crafts, characters, and entertainment built to delight the littles. It’s a family-friendly event designed to give kids a break from screens and parents a chance to sip and socialize every 3rd Wednesday of the month from May 21 to Oct. 15. Everything happens on the lawn, and there’s no cost to join. If you time it right, you can grab lunch beforehand or stick around for early dinner. Plus, you’re surrounded by stores that make back-to-school shopping a breeze. It’s weekday magic that doesn’t require a theme park ticket.

Ten years in, The Point still gives us every reason to return and every excuse to stay a little longer. Here’s to the next decade of good eats, great finds, and unforgettable South Bay moments.