It used to be when Movies in the Park was debuting in the area, the social media spaces would be filled with folks debating what flick they felt should be included in the summer lineup of films screened free for the public.
But this year, the questions has shifted from talk of movie titles to whether one would sit or not on pavement as the popular event moves kitty-corner across the river to the site of a new park in the process of being developed.
Personally, I am used to events shifting over time in the city, so while I will miss the old location, I understand that this is a leap to a new location that will, with time, become a more solid choice for a host of developing reasons. (See GR FWD Plan. LINK)
Sure, we will miss the cushy grass under our butts, but with an extra blanket or a portable chair, you should be back in the spirit of the night as you and thousands flock to catch a film with friends and fellow citizens. (Hint: This year you can rent an affordable chair for watching the featured film from Friends of Grand Rapids Parks.)
As with every year’s series, you can expect plenty of pre-movie entertainment with photo booths, food trucks, balloon animals, musical entertainment, and even special guest hosts.
Kicking off the summer 2018
Movies on Monroe (formerly known as Movies in the Park) series is a true blockbuster of a double feature with “The Greatest Showman” (sponsored by The KnottyBits Sideshow) and “Big” (from Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc.) debuting at the new location on the banks of the Grand River.
Movies on Monroe Star Partners include Linc Up, the Latino Community Coalition, Disability Advocates of Kent County and the Grand Rapids Pride Festival 2018.
The #MoviesOnMonroe series is produced by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. in partnership with MSU Gran Fondo, Studio C - Grand Rapids, Driving Change - Grand Rapids, Mobile GR, The City of Grand Rapids, The Rapid, Local First West Michigan, Monroe North Business Association - Grand Rapids, MI, Grand Rapids Community Media Center, Charlesbrook Protection Services, Grand Rapids Food Truck Association, Kent County Health Connect-Tobacco Free Parks, WYCE and LiveSpace.
And remember: if it rains, the show is cancelled. There are no rain dates. For a complete list of the films being screened this, summer please visit this
link.