Free or Low Cost Movies Now Showing Across Arkansas

Kerry Kraus, travel writer
Arkansas Tourism

One of the best four-letter words in the English language is free. As more and more people try to stay within their budgets, free and low cost activities are even more desirable. Several communities across the state are doing their part to provide no cost or low cost activities for families by offering outdoor movies. Call it the 21st century version of the old drive-in movie; however, you don’t drive into these showings. Instead, bring lawn chairs or blankets and picnic baskets and settle down and enjoy the show.

The follow communities provide either free or low cost movies, in alphabetical order by town name. As with any scheduled event, please check with the local contact before making a trip. Dates and titles are subject to change.

CONWAY

In Conway, the Silver Moon Cinema is located downtown on Oak Street at Locust Street. Movies begin at dark but times are subject to change, so check the Web site for the latest information. Movie-goers are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, a blanket or even a beanbag chair. Admission is free but a $1 donation is accepted with proceeds going to a local charity. The 2009 schedule is May 9 - “Talladega Nights;” May 30 – “Bike-In Night;” June 13 – “Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa;” June 20 – “The Dark Knight;” September 12 - “Pursuit of Happyness;” September 26 – “Wall-E;” October 10 – the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz;” October 31 – “Ghostbusters,” and November 21 – “Christmas Vacation.” For more information, check www.conwayparks.com or phone 501-450-6186.

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EUREKA SPRINGS

The Lucky 13 Cinema in Eureka Springs has a fun-packed schedule this year. Films are on Sunday evening and you must bring your own seating. A $3 donation benefits the Main Stage Community Center. Gates open at 7 p.m. with the show beginning at dusk. Live music, contests such as best costume and theme participation, and other activities take place before the movie begins. The films are shown in the parking lot at 1 Main Street next to the Basin Bath House downtown. The year’s showings are: June 14 – “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” the 2008 3-D version; June 21 – “Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium;” June 28 – the 2008 Academy Awarding Best Picture “Slumdog Millionaire;” July 5 – “The Mummy – Tomb of the Dragon Emperor;” July 12 – “Mama Mia;” July 19 – 1952’s “5,000 Fingers of Dr. T,” produced by Stanley Kramer, with scrip and set design by Dr. Seuss; July 26 – double feature of “Double Indemnity,” the film noir classic with Barbara Stanwick and “In This Our Life,” starring Bette Davis, and August 30 – Disney’s “Bedtime Stories” with Adam Sandler. The showings take an intermission from August 2 to 23. Any rained-out nights will be rescheduled for this time period.

Check the Lucky 13 Starlight Cinema Web site www.lucky13cinema.org/ for more information. You can also e-mail [email protected] or phone at 479-981-1135.

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JONESBORO

Jonesboro launched its Movies in the Park season on April 18 at the Earl Bell Community Center. Upcoming shows include “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” on May 16 at 7:50 p.m.; “Coraline,” September 12 at 7:15 p.m.; “Bedtime Stories,” September 26 at 7 p.m.; and “Journey to the Center of the Earth” (3D version) on October 17 at 6:30 p.m. The season wraps up on October 24 with “Monsters vs. Aliens” at 6:30 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the presentations will be moved indoors to the gym. Viewers are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. Check www.jonesborosports.org/view/437 or phone 870-933-4604 for more information.

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LITTLE ROCK

Little Rock’s Movies in the Park begin around dusk and are shown at Riverfront Park in the downtown River Market District. Attendees should feel free to bring a blanket or chair and a picnic. There will also be concessions available.

The season kicks off on June 3 with “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off; June 10 “The Princess Bride;” June 17 “Batman Begins;” June 24 “Shrek the Third;” July 1 “When Harry Met Sally;” July 8 “The Bourne Supremacy;” July 15 “Curious George;” on July 22 “Juno” will be shown, and July 29 is designated as The People’s Choice night with the movie chosen by the viewers. It will be announced at a later date. The program’s Web sitewww.moviesintheparklr.net/has additional information or you can e-mail [email protected].

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MORRILTON

The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton sponsors the Starlight Cinema at the college plaza courtyard. The season is from Sept. 3 through Oct. 31, 2010. The showings are usually held the first Thursday or Friday of each month and features both pre-home release and classic films. Admission is free. For more information contact Jacob Ward at [email protected] or 501-977-2142.

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RUSSELLVILLE

Lake Dardanelle State Park, in conjunction with the city of Russellville, offers Sunset Cinema with the first showing on June 4. Admission is $1 with children admitted free. All films begin at dusk. The movies, which are yet to be announced, are also scheduled for July 2 and August 8. Contact Lake Dardanelle State Park at [email protected] and 479-890-7474, or the Russellville Tourism Bureau at [email protected] and 479-967-1762 for movie titles and additional information.

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SILOAM SPRINGS

Henry Park in Siloam Springs is the setting for that community’s Movies in the Park, which begins Friday, June 26 with the showing of “Kung Fu Panda.” July 20 is the date for “Madagascar 2” and July 24 is Teen Night featuring “Twilight.” “Monsters vs. Aliens” is the movie tentatively scheduled for August 7 but is subject to change. All movies begin at dusk; Henry Park is located on Benton Street. For more information, contact Libby Wand by e-mailing [email protected] or calling 479-524-5779.

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TEXARKANA

The spring series of Texarkana’s Movies in the Park begins on May 7 with "The Tale of Despereaux." The schedule for the remainder of the month is “High School Musical 3" on May 14; “Hotel for Dogs” on May 21 and “Fireproof” on May 28. The event takes a break for the summer then starts up again in October for the fall schedule. Those movies will be announced at a later date. Check the Texarkana Parks and Recreation Web site www.txkusa.org/txparks/ for updates.