I love the feel of free community events where anyone can be in the audience, like outdoor concerts or Ballet Under the Stars.
Outdoor movies are particularly interesting because they turn the whole movie viewing experience on its head. In the theater, it’s all about blocking out the surrounding environment – controlling light and sound so that nothing distracts from what’s on screen. Outdoors, the environment becomes part of the experience.
As a teenager, I saw the movie Twister at a drive-in while a monsoon storm was moving in, the wind gusting hard and the sky turning a surreal shade of orange. I’m pretty sure I thought it was a better movie than it actually was because of the natural drama around me. On the other hand, sometimes the sound isn’t good or something blocks your view or the people from the Portlandia sketch show up.
Do you ever go to free or outdoor movie events?
—
Some places for free movies (inside or outside) here in Arizona…
May 2016:
- Tempe Kiwanis Park
- Sun City West Beardsley Park
- Chandler CinePark
Summer:
- Tucson Movies in the Park
Ongoing:
- 2nd Friday Nights Out – monthly in Downtown Mesa
- Phoenix libraries – Weekly Wednesday Afternoon Movies at Burton Barr and Classic Movie Thursdays at Agave.
- City Lights Movie Night – monthly at Cityscape (Double feature of Back to the Future I & II May 13)
—
Since the closest drive-in is over an hour away, we’ve only done it a few times with the kids. I agree – sometimes the outdoor ambiance is wonderful, and other times, not so much.
Exactly!
I used to go to movies on the Mall downtown, but it’s really difficult when you’re hard of hearing. I barely enjoy going to movies because I miss stuff here and there. But all the outdoor sounds competing with the movie sound makes it more of a “lie back on the blanket and just enjoy being out for the night” type thing.
Yeah, that would be difficult. Seems like there should be an app for that.
I have been to an open theatre for a movie but that was a long time back. I would like to go now and then experience the magic of being able to blend with the surrounding without getting distracted.
Let us know how it goes! :)
I haven’t felt my son would enjoy an outdoor movie (and I’m not a fan of crowds).
I have seen a few places around here offer movie nights in their outdoor pools. Talk about a full sensory experience!
Movies in the pool might be fun – as long as you’re not seeing Jaws!
While I’ve never been to a drive-in movie, even though we have one about 30 minutes away. We didn’t have them where I grew up. BUT, we have a shed out back with an old rear-projection tv in it that wheels to fill the doorway, and we watch movies in the summertime out there with our neighbors and the firepit going. So I guess that counts…fewer crowds, closer bathroom, and wine supply! :)
Absolutely! That’s something I’ve always wanted to do but don’t have the space for. Sounds like you have a fabulous set up.
The title immediately brought me back to one of my favorite things about summer. When I didn’t have a boyfriend,this was one of my most romantic fantasies: Picnicking under the stars (There’s always a meal in my fantasizes) while listening to music or watching a movie, lying on a blanket, canoodling. When we lived in Queens NY, they had weekly free concerts. Every week featured a different type of music. My husband and I always went. Nowadays, he doesn’t want to go because he hates the bugs, the heat, and has to sit in a chair… You’ve gotten me determined to jump-start the fantasy this year! Thanks!
Love this! I hope you can have a romantic picnic soon! Maybe bring along a citronella candle to provide a little ambience while keeping bugs away. :)