GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — An annual free movie series that celebrates summer in downtown Grand Rapids will premiere at a new location Friday night.
Movies on Monroe, formerly known as Movies in the Park, will feature "“The Greatest Showman” and “Big” during its opening night.
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. has spent the last month transforming the parking lot at 555 Monroe Avenue into a welcoming space for movie watchers. The change from Ah-Nab-Awen Park to the lot led to some complaints, but DGRI tells 24 Hour News 8 it’s committed to making it a positive move.
"This is the biggest and most ambitious public space activation project for DGRI and as far as we know, in downtown GR history," said DGRI communications specialist Jennie Shumacher. "We've rallied so many community partners, artists, everyone has really come around this project to try and enhance this space with us."
In addition to painting the lot blue, the group has brought in pallet furniture, benches and bleachers for seating. Friends of Grand Rapids Parks will have 500 chairs available to rent for $2. The money from the rentals will be reinvested in the nonprofit group.
DGRI also brought in flowers and colorful decor to liven up the lot, and several food trucks will line up to serve movie-goers.
"We're also going to have family-friendly activities: tether ball, cornhole, the good ‘ol outdoor favorites," Shumacher explained.
Movies on Monroe runs through August. This year's movie lineup includes:
- June 8: “The Greatest Showman” and “Big”
- June 22: “The Princess Bride” and “The Big Lebowski”
- July 6: “Major Payne” and “Saving Private Ryan”
- July 20: “Westside Story” and “The Shape of Water”
- Aug. 3: “Shrek” and “Hidden Figures”
- Aug. 17: “Wonder Woman” and “Black Panther”
Shumacher added the organization is open to feedback from the community, especially because the changes they're making are temporary and new ideas can be implemented throughout the summer. To share your ideas, contact DGRI by emailing info@downtowngr.org.