Outdoor movie nights return this summer
These free events will be held in multiple locations and begin at sunset
The Evo Cinema Series at Second Beach in Stanely park is just one of the outdoor movie events happening in the Lower Mainland this Summer. (Submitted)
Outdoor movie nights are back this summer across the Lower Mainland.
The free outdoor events give attendees the chance to re-watch some classic films on the big screen with family and friends.
The Evo Cinema Series will be returning to Second Beach in Stanley Park every Tuesday starting in July.
“Stanley Park is the biggest series [because] you can go see a movie with thousands of other people outside at the same time. There is something so unique about that,” says Jake Dunbar, managing director of Fresh Air Cinema, a full service outdoor movie company.
“You have probably already seen these movies 10 times, so there is a real shared experience aspect of going,” Dunbar says.
The lineup this year will include Bring it On on July 4, The Super Mario Bros. Movie on July 11, Jaws on July 25, The Wedding Singer on Aug. 1, The Birdcage on Aug. 8, Shrek on Aug. 15, and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl on Aug. 22. The movie to be screened on July 18 is still being decided and voted on.
“We have a fun lineup, and one thing that has changed this year is we are shifting into 1990s movies [because they’re] becoming nostalgic now. The 1980s movies were always the nostalgic ones, like Back to the Future, so it has been fun because it opens up a whole new door of movies that are suddenly classics,” he says.
“Not only are we still going to have those awesome 1980s movies, but also movies that we are looking back on and are like, ‘They are so ridiculous, but that is why they are awesome.’”
The event gets packed quickly, so it is important to get there early to find a spot up close to the screen. There will also be limited VIP seats available up at the front, which cost $23.
“It feels like you are going to a big festival and having a picnic. There are lots of food trucks and games, and you can hang out before the movie starts at the beach. Eventually the sun goes down and it is special,” Dunbar says.
Downtown Van, a non-profit that recognizes Downtown Vancouver businesses, organized and will also be hosting outdoor movie nights every Thursday at the Vancouver Art Gallery starting July 6.
That lineup will include Twilight on July 8, Bend it Like Beckham on July 13, Legally Blonde on July 20, The Lego Movie on July 27, The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Aug. 3, Top Gun: Maverick on Aug. 10, and Everything Everywhere all at Once on Aug. 17.
“The Downtown Van event is equally as unique to Stanley Park, but just a different vibe, because you are in the centre of the city with the beautiful art gallery building beside you. There are fun coloured LED lights, special guests doing performances, and it is more intimate.” Dunbar says.
Additionally, Langley will be hosting free outdoor movies at Douglas Park on July 7 featuring Top Gun: Maverick, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie on Aug. 4.
Richmond will be hosting drive-in movies at Lansdowne Centre every Wednesday in August and Surrey will also be screening outdoor movies at Holland Park on Aug. 5, 12, and 19. The movie lineups for these events have yet to be announced.
Due to inflation, events like these are important to have, especially for students.
“These events are 100 per cent for students. To have something in the summer that is free, is what makes these events unique,” he says.
