The Crown Center WeekEnder outdoor movie series begins Friday. (Image from Crown Center

Summer Movies and Music Under the Downtown Stars

June 15, 2018 | Kim Mueller | 4 min read

By Kim Mueller

Get your flick fix this summer as free movies begin playing under the stars on Fridays at City Market, Crown Center and beginning tonight at the Central Library.

“It’s a great free date night if you’re willing to sweat,” said Sue Patterson, director of marketing and events at City Market where one of three summer film festivals will be held.

Although each festival offers free movies, music and parking, each festival’s rules are different when it comes to food, alcohol and pets.

Coolers are not allowed at City Market’s Flicks On the Bricks. The rules changed this year when the location changed, Patterson said.

Coolers were allowed last year when nearly 450 people arrived to watch movies in the grassy park behind the market. But this year the film fest has moved to the City Market Square’s brick terrace in front of the Arabia Steamboat Museum.

“There will be fewer mosquitoes and much less dog poop,” Patterson said.

“The whole idea is you have the market all around you at any price point then come watch a movie, or stay on the patio.”

Alamo Draft House will project movies onto an inflatable screen inside a roped-off area. The enclosed perimeter will include a cash bar and a protected seating area for patrons to place chairs and blankets as early as 7 p.m.

“So you can claim your turf, and we will watch your stuff if you want to go to a restaurant or shop,” Patterson said

Flicks on the Bricks is held on Final Fridays from June to September. Live bands begin playing at 8 pm with the movies starting at dusk.

Scheduled movies include “Rock of Ages” on June 29, “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” on July 27, “Wayne’s World” on August 31, and “Almost Famous” on September 28. Patrons are encouraged to dress in their best character costumes connected to the movie themes.

“We always reward people who participate, ” said Patterson, adding that previous City Market movie events included prizes for best costume.

The Downtown Central Library begins its rooftop movie series tonight with “CB4.”
(Image from Central Library).

Free movies and popcorn also can be found Fridays at the Kansas City’s Public Library where its Off-the-Wall Film Series continues beginning tonight on the Rooftop Terrace of the Central Library, 14 W. 10th Street.

Library doors open at 8 pm each third Friday night for the comedy screenings, including “CB4” tonight (June 15), “Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist” on July 20, “Little Shop of Horrors” on August 17, and “Pitch Perfect” on September 21.

Library guests are encouraged to bring their blankets, folding chairs, food, and non-alcoholic drinks, but leave the alcohol and glass containers at home.

The Friends of the Library will supply complimentary popcorn while KC Bier Co. serves samples of locally brewed ales and lagers.

Although reservations are not required, the library asks people to RSVP on its events page or by calling 816-710-3407.

“It lets us plan how much popcorn to have and if we are getting close to capacity,” said Steve Wieberg with the library’s public affairs department.

Two movies last year drew capacity crowds tipping at 325 people, he said. Overflow crowds will be moved to the adjoining auditorium inside where movies also will be shown if it rains.

More than 5,000 people are expected to attend Crown Center’s annual WeekEnder at 2425 Grand Blvd. The festival will be held for five consecutive Fridays from July 6-August 3.

Coolers are welcome, but pets and outside alcoholic beverages need to stay home. Music begins at 6 p.m.

Movies, which start at 9 pm, will including “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” on July 6, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” on July 13, “Spider Man: Homecoming” on July 20, “Miracle” on July 27, and “Mamma Mia” on August 3.

“Not everyone stays for the movies,” said Tina Luckett, Crown Center entertainment and marketing manager. “Some people just come for the food trucks and music. It’s a big event.”