Civic agency releases lineup for Movies in the Park

Civic agency releases lineup for Movies in the Park

"Jaws" was released on June 20, 1975. Photo via fb.com

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. has announced the slate for this summer’s Movies in the Park — and expanded the series to include double features each night.

The annual summer series begins on June 2 with a double feature with "Zootopia," a 2017 Oscar-winner for best animated film, and 2009’s reboot of “Star Trek.”

Movies will be shown every first and second Friday of the month at Ah-Nab-Awen Park on a 400-square-foot LED video wall.

The video wall replaces an inflatable screen used in previous years, allowing the screenings to begin earlier in the evening and to have time for the new double-feature format. Another addition to this year’s series is pre-show programming hosted by Gabriella de la Vega of WYCE's "El Mundo Musical" and DJ Adrien Butler.

Each night, a pre-show will begin before a family friendly film, which will be followed by a more adult-oriented selection.

Spanish subtitles will be included on the June 2, July 7 and Aug. 4 films, and English subtitles, for those with with hearing impairments, will be included on the June 16, July 21 and Aug. 18 films.

Economic impact

In 2016, Movies in the Park attracted more than 23,000 guests and had an estimated economic impact of $445,945 downtown.

For every dollar spent on the series, DGRI estimates a return on investment of $24 to downtown and participating businesses.

Movies in the Park schedule

June 2

7 p.m., “Zootopia” (PG)
9:30 p.m., “Star Trek” (PG-13)

June 16

7 p.m., “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” (G)
9:30 p.m., “Pan’s Labyrinth” (R)

July 7

7 p.m., “Mrs. Doubtfire” (PG-13)
9:30 p.m., “Forrest Gump” (PG-13)

July 21

“The Book of Life” (PG)
“Jaws” (PG)

Aug. 4

TBD, “Selena” (PG)
TBD, “The Bodyguard” (R)

Aug. 18

TBD, “Remember the Titans” (PG)
TBD, “Pitch Perfect” (PG-13)