Bypass flick tickets for free park movies

Along with the inevitable smog and sweat accompanying the change in weather, summer in… Along with the inevitable smog and sweat accompanying the change in weather, summer in Pittsburgh also brings more enjoyable events, like free daily movie showings in seven local parks.

These parks include: Flagstaff Hill of Schenley Park, Arsenal Park in Lawrenceville, Brookline Memorial Park, East Liberty, Grandview Park in Mount Washington, Observatory Hill of Riverview Park and West End/Elliott Overlook.

The closest location to Pitt’s Campus, Flagstaff Hill, has weekly showings on Sundays and Wednesdays. Showtimes will vary each week, since the movies begin at dusk rather than a set time.

But make sure to arrive well in advance to secure a decent seat.

“Flagstaff Hill usually has the biggest crowd,” said Dodi Byrne, Program Coordinator for Cinema in the Parks, adding that the park can accommodate up to 1,500 people.

The showings at Schenley run June 11 through August 24. The movies featured include family favorites suitable for every age.

The films begin with the latest Harry Potter installment, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.” From then on, the films range from comedies to animation to science fiction, ensuring choices tailored to every filmgoer’s taste.

Other movies include “Spider-Man 3” on June 18, “Shrek the Third” on June 22, “The Golden Compass” on July 16, “Ocean’s Thirteen” on August 16th, “August Rush” on August 17 and “Transformers” on August 20, among others.

Showings are spread out over the entire week depending on location, so if Wednesday and Sunday won’t fit into busy summer schedules, the other parks offer alternative nightly showings.

Arsenal Park caters to the Friday evening crowd, kicking off their season on June 13 with “The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep.” Brookline Memorial Park features showings on Thursdays, and Mondays are covered by East Liberty.

To break up mid-week stress, take a trip to West End/Elliot Overlook, which holds screenings every Tuesday night.

Add a little zing to a typical weekend itinerary and travel to Mt. Washington’s Grandview Park or Riverview Park on any given Saturday for showings beginning June 14. This night in particular is special for its pre-show activities – before every Saturday screening, Riverview Park holds a 90-minute jazz concert for moviegoers.Spanning the entire summer from early June to late August, the only night without a showing is Independence Day, so any case of mid-summer boredom can be easily fixed by a short trip to one of these seven locations.

In addition to partaking in the experience for the entertainment value of the films, viewers also attend for the deeper value of getting together with friends and family while enjoying a movie in a unique setting.

“People come out for the whole atmosphere,” said Byrne. “It is like a picnic atmosphere for the whole family.”

Reminiscent of childhood trips to the drive-ins on warm, clear nights, venturing out to one of the screenings will be sure to fulfill expectations of the perfect summer evening.

Viewers can relax with friends in the park before the show – so make it an even more enjoyable night and pitch your blanket an hour early. Bring along a Frisbee and snacks as you prepare for a night of outdoor fun under the stars.

For more information, visit Pittsburgh Parks and Recreation’s Web site for the 2008 Citiparks Cinema in the Parks season schedule at www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/Parks. For a list of weekly movies, call Cinema in the Park’s hotline for an updated schedule each Monday at 412-937-3039.