Families in Fayetteville can start packing their blankets and lawn chairs — the city’s Movies in the Parks series kicks off Friday, June 5 with a screening of Spy Kids at Walker Park.
The outdoor film lineup is a collaboration between the City of Fayetteville and the Arkansas Cinema Society. Five films are scheduled through October, giving families a regular excuse to spend summer and early fall evenings outside. All screenings start at 8:30 p.m. and are free to attend.
After the kickoff, the next movie is Matilda on July 17. The location for that screening hasn’t been announced yet, but updates will be shared by the city as they become available. Holes is scheduled for July 31 at Walker Park, followed by Muppets Take Manhattan on August 21 — also at a location to be determined. The series wraps up with Scooby Doo on October 9 at Upper Ramble.
Walker Park is located at 1025 N. West Avenue in Fayetteville. Upper Ramble is part of the Razorback Regional Greenway trail system, off Old Wire Road just north of I-540. Both locations offer open space for families to spread out, and both are easily accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
There’s no cost to attend, but families are encouraged to bring their own seating — blankets, folding chairs, or low-profile lawn chairs work best. Coolers are welcome, but outside alcohol is not permitted. Concessions may be available for purchase on-site depending on the night.
For parents wondering what to expect, most screenings draw a mix of families with young kids, groups of friends, and couples out for a casual date night. Kids generally range from toddlers to early teens, and the atmosphere is relaxed. The films start right at 8:30 p.m., so arriving early is a good idea — not just for a good spot, but to enjoy the time before the show with neighbors and friends.
The Arkansas Cinema Society, a Little Rock-based nonprofit, has helped coordinate outdoor screenings across Arkansas for more than a decade. Their goal is to bring communities together through shared experiences, using movies as a starting point for connection. In Fayetteville, the group works directly with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department to select films and manage logistics.
This is the third year Fayetteville has hosted the series. Past screenings have included family favorites like Paddington and The Princess Bride. City staff say turnout has grown steadily, with some nights drawing more than 300 people.
Movies in the Parks is part of a larger push by the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Department to offer more outdoor programming for families. In recent years, the city has added new playgrounds, expanded trail access, and hosted outdoor concerts and fitness classes. The goal is to make it easier for residents to spend time outside without having to travel far from home.
Families with young kids might want to bring a few small distractions for before the movie starts — sidewalk chalk, a frisbee, or a ball. Older kids often enjoy bringing friends and making it a group outing. And while the movies are family-friendly, parents should use their own judgment based on their child’s sensitivity to loud sounds or dark scenes.
Because the screenings are outdoors, weather can impact the schedule. In the event of rain or severe weather, films will be rescheduled. Updates will be posted on the City of Fayetteville website and social media channels by 5 p.m. on the day of the event.
These nights don’t require tickets or registration — just show up and enjoy. It’s a low-key way to spend a summer evening, and a chance to introduce kids to movies that might not make it to modern theater lineups. For many families, it’s become a highlight of the season.
Source: Fayetteville Flyer
