Guide to Outdoor Summer Movies

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Tracey Minkin, GoLocalProv Features Editor, with Jake Costello

Is there anything more old fashioned than a summer movie watched under the stars? Nope, and venues from one end of the state to the other are catching on. So whether it's piling into the car and heading to the Rustic Tri Vue Drive-In in North Smithfield or catching a NewportFILM screening out in the middle of Narragansett Bay on Rose Island, we've got all the ways to make movie night an outdoor affair.

Rustic Tri Vue Drive-In, North Smithfield

Let's start by paying homage to where it all began… under the three screens on Route 146. Entertaining Rhode Island under the stars since 1951, Rustic offers three screens playing two first run feature films each, starting at dusk. There will be films all summer, through late September, and if you haven't ever been, this is the summer to get this classic under your belt. See more online, here.

NewportFILM Outdoors

Leave it to the creative minds at NewportFILM to bring a festival edge to the outdoors. You can't beat the creative blend of films being screened at a remarkable variety of Aquidneck venues, including thriving nature preserves, sprawling ocean-front lawns, elegant mansion gardens, public parks and working farms. And the schedule is equally engaging and surprising. For more information on everything, go to www.newportFILM.com. Here's the lineup:

Thursday, July 12 – King Park, Wellington Avenue, Newport Harbor
DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’: EVERYMAN’S JOURNEY
Not only is this a great rock documentary, but NewportFILM has all kinds of fun extras in store tonight. Wine and cheese picnics are available for $35 at Newport Wine Cellar & le petite gourmet and 10% of your purchase price will benefit newportFILM's programs. Ride your bike, and Bike Newport will provide free valet service and even provide a tune-up. Finally, bring a reusable water bottle because Crystal Spring will be providing free water stations. Suggested donation $5 per person, $10 per family. Film starts at sunset.
Rain date: same location, but moved to July 13
 
Friday, July 20 – International Tennis Hall of Fame, Grass Courts, Bellevue Avenue, Newport
ETHEL, by Rory Kennedy
*Rory Kennedy will be in attendance to introduce the film
Rain venue: Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center, 49 Touro Street
 
Thursday, August 2 – The Elms Mansion Gardens, Bellevue Avenue, Newport
THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
*In Partnership with the Newport Preservation Society
*Film preceded by live music, The Newport Community Band presented by The Newport County Arts and Cultural Aliances’ BridgeFest from 6:30pm to 7:30pm followed by film
*Director Lauren Greenfield will be in attendance to introduce the film
Rain venue: The Casino Theater, 9 Freebody Street

Thursday, August 9 – The Newport Art Museum Lawn, Bellevue Avenue, Newport
GREGORY CREWDSON: BRIEF ENCOUNTERS
*In Partnership with The Newport Art Museum
*Photographer Gregory Crewdson will be in attendance
Rain venue: The Casino Theater, 9 Freebody Street
 
Friday, September 7 – Rose Island, Newport
CHASING ICE
*Environmental documentary as part of newportFILM’s GREEN SCREEN program
Rain Venue: The Casino Theater, 9 Freebody Street

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newportFILM KIDS

NewportFILM programs fresh, fun, kid and family-friendly films, workshops and demonstrations all year round to connect kids of all ages to the art, magic and power of film. Kids and families of Rhode Island and beyond can expect to experience shorts, features, documentaries, world cinema, animation, claymation and more.

Thursday, July 26 – Sweet Berry Farm, Middletown ($5)
4:30PM – 6:00PM
POST-BEACH FAMILY FUN & FILM SHORTS!
*Live Music in the Field followed by a half hour of Kids Short Films inside the Barn House
 
Wednesday, August 8 – Ballard Park, Newport (FREE)
Time: Sunset
A FAMILY FRIENDLY SHORT FILM
*To precede Ballard Park’s “Movie on the Rocks” presentation of THE LION KING
 
Wednesday, August 15 – Ballard Park, Newport (FREE)
Time: Sunset
A FAMILY FRIENDLY SHORT FILM
*To precede Ballard Park’s “Movies on the Rocks” presentation of E.T.

Wednesday, August 22 – Ballard Park, Newport (FREE)
Time: Sunset
A FAMILY FRIENDLY SHORT FILM
*To precede Ballard Park’s “Movies on the Rocks” presentation of BACK TO THE FUTURE

Summer Movies on the Roof, Vanderbilt Grace Hotel, Newport

Whether you're lucky enough to be staying in the luxurious lap of this hotel or not, you can absolutely enjoy the Vanderbilt Grace's summer movie nights every Wednesday up on the hotel's commanding roof deck. Watch classic films, munch on truffle popcorn, and enjoy the champagne and other drinks for purchase at the bar. Seats are $15, reservations are recommended, and children under 17 must be accompanied by someone 21+. For more information/reservations, call 401-486-6200. The films are:
July 18: Vertigo
July 25: Casablanca 
August 1: Great Gatsby

Brown University Outdoor Movie Series in Providence

Who knew that when the students are away, Brown lights up the lovely lawn in front of the Granoff Center just off Thayer Street with family-friendly films? Movies are free and open to the public. Bring your own blankets, lawn chairs, snacks and drinks. The amphitheater of the Granoff Center for the Creative Arts, 154 Angell St, Providence.
August 7, 8pm: Toy Story
August 28, 7:30pm: Wallace & Gromit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Movies on the Block in Providence

The Downcity summer classic is back for another season of an idiosyncratic mix of classic, alt, and indie films on the big brick wall that overlooks Grants Block (the corner of Westminster and Union streets). Grab a blanket or beach chair and remember that there is a ton of good food and drink to be had right in the neighborhood. Every Thursday night at dusk, and free to the public. For updates, check indowncity.com or tazzacaffe.com.
July 12: Caddyshack
July 19: Escape to Alcatraz
July 28: Jurassic Park
August 2: It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World
August 9: Best in Show
August 16: Shawshank Redemption
August 23: The Godfather Part 2
August 30: Old School
September 6: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Tuesday Night Drive-In Movie on the Beach in Westerly

Like Westerly isn't already fun enough in the summer, here's yet another reason to love the beach life there. Every Tuesday, family-friendly movies are shown on a giant screen right on the beach at Atlantic Beach Park. Bring chairs and blankets and enjoy the screen and surf scene. Free admission and free parking. Atlantic Beach Park, 321 Atlantic Ave, Misquamicut. Showtime: 8:30pm. For more information, call 401-596-7761.
July 17: Over the Hedge
July 24: Wall-E
July 31: Miracle
August 7: Dolphin Tale
August 14: Up
August 21: Fly Away Home

Movies on the Rock in Newport

Newport's first "Green Drive-In" at Ballard Park is back for another season of family-friendly films. The films are shown in the park's Quarry Meadow, which is a short walk from the parking area at Rogers High School (allow 15 minutes to be sure). Seating is on the grass, films begin at dusk, and picnics are welcome.
August 8: The Lion King
August 15: E.T.
August 22: Back to the Future

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