News Summary
Grand Rapids is set to debut its free outdoor movie series, Sunset Cinema, at Studio Park on June 7. Partnering with Celebration Cinema, the series will feature 11 films every Saturday evening until August 23, starting with The Hunger Games. The community has selected crowd favorites like Shrek and Mean Girls through online voting. Located at Studio Park’s picturesque piazza, attendees can enjoy local food vendors and bring their own seating. The event aims to foster community engagement and provided a vibrant atmosphere for all ages.
Grand Rapids Welcomes Free Outdoor Movie Series
Grand Rapids will kick off its free outdoor movie series, Sunset Cinema, at Studio Park beginning June 7. This exciting summer event, a collaboration between Celebration Cinema and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI), aims to provide a fun and engaging community experience.
The inaugural screening will feature the popular film The Hunger Games, which is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. on June 7. This year’s Sunset Cinema will showcase a total of 11 films every Saturday evening through August 23, providing a variety of options for movie enthusiasts of all ages.
Movie Lineup and Selection Process
The film lineup includes crowd favorites such as Shrek, Mean Girls, La La Land, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Dirty Dancing, and Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone. These selections were made based on nearly 2,500 online public votes, reflecting the community’s interests and preferences.
Venue and Amenities
The movie screenings will take place in the picturesque piazza at Studio Park, located at 123 Ionia Ave. SW. This vibrant area is surrounded by various local retail shops, food stalls, ice cream vendors, and popcorn options—creating an enjoyable atmosphere for movie-goers. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets or low-profile chairs for seating. While outside snacks are permitted, there will also be concession stands available for purchasing snacks from nearby businesses and Celebration Cinema’s Studio Park theater.
The event will follow a first-come, first-served policy for seating, making early arrival advisable to secure a preferred spot. Additionally, guests who park in the nearby Studio Park(ing) ramp can receive parking validation with any food or beverage purchase made at One Twenty-Three Tavern.
Community Engagement and Goals
Sunset Cinema seeks to foster community engagement and create a welcoming outdoor environment for residents and visitors. The program builds on the success of prior community events organized by DGRI, such as Movies In The Park and Movies On Monroe, which have proven popular with local audiences.
Notably, the series will not include a screening on July 5, allowing for a brief break during the schedule. Following the kickoff with The Hunger Games, movies will continue to air every Saturday evening at 8 p.m., concluding with the final film on August 23. The initiative ties back to the community’s love for summer nights and the joy of watching films outdoors under the stars.
Conclusion
This year’s Sunset Cinema not only promises entertaining films but also serves as an opportunity for the community to connect and enjoy the warm summer evenings together. With a carefully curated selection of movies that cater to various tastes, it aims to be a memorable experience for everyone involved.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Free Outdoor Movies Return
- Wikipedia: Outdoor cinema
- Wood Radio: Outdoor Movie Series Schedule
- Google Search: Free Outdoor Movies Grand Rapids
- Revue: June 2025 Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cinema
- GR Kids: Outdoor Concerts & Movies
- Google News: Grand Rapids Summer Movies
- Wood TV: Free Movies at Celebration Cinema
- Google Scholar: Outdoor Movies Community Engagement
