Happy first day of July! With temperatures set to reach 100°, it's easy to be tempted to stay inside. While there's no quick escape from the heatwave, there's always the option of barricading yourself in an air–conditioned cubicle on the premise that you're working hard. For when you're successfully done with that (and happy hour too, if you're into that), we have a couple of cinephile–friendly chill–out suggestions.
If none of these work for you—or, if your taste in movies doesn’t match up with ours, there are plenty of options that you can choose from. Otherwise, without further ado, here are Street’s picks:
Blade Runner: 2049 at The Schmidt's Commons
When: July 5th, 7 p.m.
Address: 1001 N 2nd Street
Cost: Free! Find more info here.
Why you should go: Street might have mixed feelings about Denis Villeneuve's sci–fi epic, but if you haven't seen it yet, at least go for the visuals. Bring a chair, relax, and enjoy the ride—we promise you'll like the set–up, at least.
Coco at Penn Treaty Park
When: July 10th, 7:30 p.m.
Address: 1431 N. Delaware Ave
Cost: Free! Find more info here.
Why you should go: It won two Oscars this year—one for Best Animated Feature, and one for Best Original song. Plus, it's family–friendly, it's in a park, and it features an all–Latino cast which includes Gael García Bernal (or, his voice, at least).
Casablanca on the Schuylkill Banks
When: July 12th, 8:30 p.m.
Address: 2436 Walnut Street (by the Walnut Street Bridge)
Cost: Free! Find more info here.
Why you should go: Bring a lover, bring a friend, or take yourself on a date—but, for the ultimate Philly summer night experience, go watch this classic on the banks by the Walnut Street Bridge. Make sure to bring a blanket and arrive early; there are snacks and drinks available on a first–come, first–serve basis, and there's also a free pre–movie raffle for gift cards from Philadelphia Runner.
Rocky at The Schmidt's Commons
When: July 12, 7PM
Address: 1001 N 2nd Street
Cost: Free! Find more info here.
Why you should go: If watching Sylvester Stallone play Rocky Balboa on the very steps that made him famous doesn't sound convincing enough, go for the Rocky look–alike contest. You might win two up–front tickets to the Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert and Fireworks—which is free anyway, but, you know, dressing up is always fun.
Black Panther at Overington Park
When: July 14th, 7:30PM
Address: 4600 Leiper Street
Cost: Free! Find more info here.
Why you should go: If you haven't watched Black Panther yet, where have you been for the past five months? The movie's release in January marked an important cultural moment for the black community and, even though you might not get another chance to see it in its full glory at an IMAX theater, we guarantee you won't be disappointed. Wakanda Forever, amirite?
If you miss it: In August, there will be eight other free outdoor screenings of Black Panther throughout Philadelphia. Check out the full schedule here.
Wonder Woman at Stroll the Street in Manayunk
When: July 19th, 8:30PM
Address: Manayunk Main Street
Cost: Free! Find more info here.
Why you should go: It's bold, it's beautiful, it passes the Bechdel Test—we praised the shit out of it for a good reason. Plus, Stroll the Street offers plenty of food trucks, a wine bar, and a large selection of specialty drinks. Arrive early and catch a glimpse of this lively Street–approved neighborhood. Or stay up late, walk around, and pretend you're in an indie movie—there will be enough fairy lights around, so you do you.
If you miss it: There are two other free outdoor screenings on July 26, at The Schmidt's Commons, and on August 24, at Dilworth Park.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi at Dilworth Park
When: July 20th, 8:30PM
Address: 1 S 15th Street
Cost: Free! Find more info here.
Why you should go: If you're not already a fan of the series, perhaps a better choice would be to spend the evening at The Mann, where they're showing (the much, much better) Episode IV, accompanied by the Philadelphia Orchestra. Otherwise, head to Center City and (re)watch the franchise's latest installment—unless you count Solo, and you better not.
If you miss it: There's another free screening on July 26th at Penn's Landing.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban with the Philadelphia Orchestra at The Mann
When: July 26th, 7:30PM
Address: 5201 Parkside Ave
Cost: $25 and up. Find tickets and more info here.
Why you should go: The Mann’s Summer Picnic Series might be pricey, but we promise it's worth it. The third movie of the Harry Potter series projected on a 40–foot screen, accompanied by a live orchestra, in Fairmount Park sounds like the midsummer night's dream. If you're able to get hold of a ticket, go live it. We're living vicariously through you.
