Friends.  Families.  Picnics.  Frisbees.

Sunsets.  Movies.  Stars.

Click the play button below to view the

Sunset Cinema/Wizard of Oz trailer created by

our friends at Grown Man Brand.

Saturday, May 17 -- FREE  

THE WIZARD OF OZ

Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park, Downtown on the River

For a detailed map with parking options, please click here.

Gates open at 6pm

Film begins at 8:15pm

One of the most beloved films of all time, “The Wizard of Oz” is a fanciful tale of the true meaning of home.  The Academy Award winning classic stars Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Margaret Hamilton  and Frank Morgan.

Bring your picnics and come early for pre-show entertainment featuring animated and live action short films from Tampa Theatre’s Let’s Make Movies Digital Filmmaking Summer Camp for young filmmakers.

”Since 1926, people have been traveling downtown to watch movies under Tampa Theatre’s simulated stars,” said John Bell, Tampa Theatre President & C.E.O. “We’re grateful to Bank of America for helping us bring free movies to Tampa neighborhoods so people can gather to watch movies under the real stars.” 

"Bank of America is pleased to partner with the Tampa Theatre to present the Sunset Cinema series.  The Tampa Theatre is one of our community’s historical and artistic gems," said Bill Goede, Hillsborough County Market President, Bank of America. "Both Bank of America and Tampa Theatre are thrilled to bring the resources of the organization into Tampa’s neighborhoods.”

Sponsored by

:

Please click here for information regarding Sunset Cinema sponsorship opportunities

Pre-Show Playlist from The Princess Bride

Click here to download The Princess Bride pre-show music playlist. (PDF)

ALL THE DETAILS

WHAT: The debut of Tampa Theatre’s traveling outdoor picture show, Bank of America’s Sunset Cinema, a FREE mobile outdoor film series featuring contemporary and classic films.   

WHERE:  Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park, on the water in downtown Tampa next to the Marriott Waterside and across from the St.Pete Times Forum. The park address is 601 St. Pete Times Forum Drive.  For a detailed map with parking options, please click here.

WHEN: Saturday, May 17. The film will begin at sunset (8:00 p.m.). We will also have a dedicated Frisbee-zone and Frisbees available for purchase.

HOW WILL THE FILMS BE SHOWN?  We project our movies on a high-quality digital rear-projection system on a giant, inflatable 40-foot wide screen. Dual, synchronized digital projectors will produce an image that is luminous and crisp, and a powerful sound system will allow guests to enjoy the movie from almost anywhere in the park.       

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?  Way before the film begins.  You can arrive as early as 6:00 p.m. Part of the fun will be arriving early to picnic, toss a Frisbee, people-watch and enjoy the early evening with your friends and neighbors.  Prior to the film, you might even see yourself on the big screen as snapshots of guests at the park are flashed upon the screen.    

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?  The Tampa area is known for the scattered showers that are prominent during the late afternoons. The dark sky can intimidate and it may look grim for an outdoor movie, but don't let that scare you away. We will show a movie in light rain. We will only stop the show for safety reasons if there are very strong winds or lightning in the vicinity. Otherwise...the show will go on!

If you come prepared and can get through any bumps in the weather, the outdoor movie experience will be extremely rewarding. Don't forget rain ponchos and jackets, blankets or sleeping bags to fend off any chillier night air.

It might be helpful for you to bookmark Tampa Theatre’s Sunset Cinema webpage http://tampatheatre.org/sunsetcinema.php for schedule and event updates on the day of show.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?  Along with your friends and family, you might want to bring blankets, compact beach or lawn chairs, your own snacks, beverages, and rain gear if the weather is iffy.  If you like to toss nerf balls or frisbees, bring them.  If you like to read, bring a book to read prior to sunset and the start of the movie. 

WHAT FOOD, BEVERAGES AND MERCHANDISE WILL BE AVAILABLE?  Tampa Theatre will provide all Sunset Cinema concessions and merchandise booths, featuring a traditional theater concessions stand offering popcorn ($2) and candy ($3) soda ($2), Gatorade and bottled water ($3), and juice boxes for the kids ($1).  Fun souvenirs like official Sunset Cinema Frisbees and picnic blankets will also be available.  Proceeds from concessions and merchandise sales help support Tampa Theatre’s year-round artistic and educational programming, and offset the cost of producing Sunset Cinema events.  

WHAT ITEMS ARE NOT PERMITTED? Beer, wine and alcoholic beverages, fireworks and firearms are prohibited by city ordinance. 

CAN I BRING MY DOG(S)? Well behaved pets are allowed as long as they are kept on a leash. Please clean up after your pets. We love our dogs just as much as you, but we will revisit our policy if pet owners are inconsiderate of others, or if the large crowds, darkness and abrupt loudness of the movies make pets disruptive to others.

WHAT ARE THE SEATING ARRANGEMENTS?   Sunset Cinema events are free and open to all with the seating location of your choice.  All Sunset Cinema events will be produced in park settings which will have a large expanse of open grass.  You may bring your own blankets, low profile camp chairs, beach chairs, and lawn chairs. Please be advised that the front section of the lawn will be reserved for blanket seating only.

Tampa Theatre will have available for purchase Sunset Cinema commemorative picnic blankets ($20).  

WHAT IF I AM PLANNING TO COME WITH A LARGE GROUP? We do not reserve space for groups. We recommend a member of your group arrive around the time the lot opens to the public (6:00 p.m.) and lay out blankets for your group.

HOW MUCH DO TICKETS COST? Admission is FREE!

WHERE ARE THE RESTROOMS? Portable sanitation units will be provided.

WHAT HAPPENS TO LOST PROPERTY? We will try our best to get things back to their rightful owners. Please notify someone at the Information Booth before you leave to report any lost items and leave your details with them.

WHERE DO I THROW AWAY MY TRASH? Trash and recycling receptacles will be provided. Please clean up after yourself, being careful not to dump ice in the park. 

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? e-mail gargoyles@tampatheatre.org – our small but intrepid staff will answer e-mail questions within 24 hours.