'Movies In the Park' is now 'Movies on Monroe', so it's pretty clear where you need to go when the outdoor movies return on June 8. Somewhere on Monroe.

Specifically, the new location will be a riverfront space just north of the Ford Freeway on North Monroe. For the first five years of the series, the movies were shown at the stage area of Ah-Nab-Awen Park in front of the Ford Museum.

The outdoor film series, previously known as 'Movies In The Park', will be redubbed 'Movies on Monroe'.

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., organizers of the event, say the new location puts moviegoers in the middle of the burgeoning North Monroe commercial district, which features several bars and restaurants. They add that the movie series is a way for the group to experiment with the use of that area as a public space.

Announcing the series on their web site, Downtown GR's Andy Guy added, “The site looks raw and forgotten right now but it has a ton of potential. Our aim is to connect people with the Grand River in new and unexpected ways and achieve a truly unique entertainment experience in Downtown.”

The first movie double feature will be Friday June 8, with gates opening at 6:30pm and the first feature getting underway at 7:30pm.

It's bring your own chair and snacks, kids, so plan ahead.

The movies will be every other Friday throughout the summer. Here's this season's schedule.

  • 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”

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