Friends. Families. Picnics. Frisbees. Sunsets. Movies. Stars. And Free Family Fun!

"I went to see "Raiders of the Lost Ark", presented by Tampa Theatre's Sunset Cinema program last Saturday night at River Tower Park. As one of the theatre's highest profile community outreach programs, it's basically impossible to find anything not to like about Sunset Cinema. Admission is free, the weather is beautiful. You bring your own food, drinks, blankets, chairs, footballs and Frisbees or whatever and you basically have everything that made going to the drive-in so much fun. You can even bring dogs. They also showcase great movies. In the case of "Raiders...", I'm sure I've seen it over 100 times at this point, more than any movie I've ever seen, but I'll still watch it every time I get a chance."  – Clark Brooks, clarkjbrooks.blogspot.com

The films will begin just after sunset. We will also have a dedicated Frisbee-zone and Frisbees available for purchase.

	BACK TO THE FUTURE Saturday, October 10th at Al Lopez Park 7pm/gates open at 5pm AL LOPEZ PARK 4810 North Himes Avenue in North Tampa bordered by West Hillsborough Avenue & North Dale Mabry Avenue.
	SHREK Saturday, October 24th Medard Park in Brandon/Plant City 7pm/gates open at 5pm MEDARD PARK 5737 Turkey Creek Road in Plant City, east of Brandon, 1 mile south of Highway 60 off Turkey Creek Road.

Sponsored by

Please click here for information regarding Sunset Cinema sponsorship opportunities.

But what about...?

HOW WILL THE FILMS BE SHOWN?  We project our movies on a high-quality digital rear-projection system on a giant, inflatable 50-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), candy ($3) soft drinks ($2) Gatorade, 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.

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 (5:00 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.