Free is good, right? And outdoors in the summertime? Icing on the cake, my friends.

We just found out about Cinema & Civics, an outdoor film series on Wednesday nights in Stevens Square Park, just south of downtown Minneapolis. Unfortunately, since we’re late to the party on this, the film series is already in progress, but there are still more fun Wednesday nights to be had the next four weeks.

Next week, June 30, the film series will feature “Dr. Strangelove.” And as a bonus, there will also be live music performances by Phantom Tails and Rogue Citizen, and free mini cupcakes from Whole Foods. Also, bring a dish to share for the community potluck.

So, to recap…FREE. Outdoors. Live music. Community potluck. Free cupcakes. AND Stanley Kubrick’s brilliant cold war satire? Sign me up!

Basically, the weekly format is, music at 8 p.m. until dark. Then the film starts. And the best part? If the film or band isn’t your bag, go toss a frisbee, chat up your neighbors, grill some burgers, or meet some new friends. It’s pretty much win-win.

Wednesday July 7, Cinema & Civics features Hitchcock’s “The Birds,” following a set by local faves Vampire Hands. Then, the following week, July 14, you can catch “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure” after live music by Gay Witch Abortion, who were named by City Pages as best Twin Cities band in 2010. Not so sure about the band name, but nevertheless, awesome band. There will also be a community clothing swap on the 14th, so bring along your unwanted duds.

Then, the last night of the series, July 21, Kid Dakota plays live before a screening of short films by local filmmakers.

For more information on Cinema & Civics, check out CinemaandCivics.org.