Asheville Reporter

Mountain families should mark their calendars for the return of Movies in the Park to Pack Square Park with a showing of Wonka on Friday, May 10. According to APR Director D. Tyrell McGirt, "Movies in the Park is one of the thousands of opportunities the Asheville Parks & Recreation team creates each year with the goal of bringing community members together through the unique power of shared experiences."

The Movies in the Park series, produced by Asheville Parks & Recreation and sponsored by Au Pair in America, will feature family favorites on a massive outdoor screen at no charge, creating the city’s largest outdoor movie experience in downtown Asheville. Community members are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to the free viewings that begin after dusk on the second Friday of each month.

The APR Rec n Roll Play Zone opens about an hour before showtime with games, music, and other activities for kids and teens, as well as themed giveaways while supplies last. McGirt added, "Asheville’s town square, Pack Square Park’s central location allows community members to easily walk, bike, or ride to the show. We’re excited to offer this annual movie series for people who want to spend time together outdoors."

For those planning to attend, all movies will begin after dusk in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and folding chairs for comfort and to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to showtime. The APR Rec n Roll Play Zone activities start approximately an hour before the movie begins.

Food options will include treats from local vendors like Kona Ice of Asheville and Kernel Mike’s World Famous Kettle Corn. Additionally, food truck and food tent spaces will be available for vendors who sell more substantial food items. Parking is free in marked spaces on city streets and in city-owned lots on Marjorie and Valley streets after 6pm.

The Movies in the Park 2024 Lineup includes a variety of films for different audiences, starting with Wonka on May 10, Barbie on June 14, Guardians of the Galaxy on July 12, and Toy Story on August 9. Each movie will have special giveaways for kids attending the event.

Asheville Parks & Recreation manages a unique collection of more than 65 public parks, playgrounds, and open spaces throughout the city, providing a variety of wellness-, education-, and culture-related programs for Ashevillians of all ages. The department encourages community members to sign up for their monthly newsletter, follow them on Facebook and Instagram, or visit their website for the latest updates.