The schedule for the four Screen on the Green movies has been released. All four are old classics that you’ve heard mentioned many times but have likely not seen (or at least in a long time). Everyone worked hard to bring the outdoor movie series back, so make sure you get it on your calendar and remember to go!
photo by riacale on Flickr
Yesterday, We Love DC broke the sad news that HBO is pulling it’s sponsorship of Screen on the Green, news that quickly sparked the birth of a Facebook group called “Save Screen on the Green!“ The outdoor movie festival has been a long-time favorite summer activity in our dear city and will be sorely missed – you just can’t beat that gorgeous backdrop. But do not fret for too long, as there are enough alternatives around the area that you can basically see a different movie outside every night from May through September. Update: Screen on the Green is Saved!
So there you go, Tuesday night is the only weekend when you cannot find an outdoor movie showing. Not too shabby, even without Screen on the Green! Now throw in Jazz in the Garden, and the many free summer concerts in the area, and you’ve got a jam packed summer schedule. So pack a picnic, a blanket to sit on, and enjoy all that summer in DC has to offer.
Screen on the Green is one of those things that anyone living in DC needs to do at least once. There is something about sitting on the Mall watching a movie on a big screen that is framed by a beautifully lit Capitol dome that just feels special. Even if you don’t love the movie that is being shown, it’s hard to not enjoy the experience. My tips for a successful night at the movies: bring a picnic to munch on since you need to show up early to stake out a good spot, bring with plenty of water, bug spray, coffee (as soon as the sun goes down it is too easy to fall asleep when you are lying on a blanket), and a pillow to sit on or a reclining chair – preferably the kind that has you still sitting on the ground, otherwise you are “that guy” who is blocking the view of everyone behind you.
My one complaint about Screen on the Green in the past couple of years is that there does not seem to be any connection between the movies. It’s as though the organizers just pulled random titles out of a hat. And in an election year, you would think that a collection of politically-themed movies might be appropriate. Or how about movies filmed in DC? I am sure they are trying to avoid too much violence or foul language but how fun would it be to watch something like Independence Day on the National Mall on the night before the 4th of July?
So here is my list of movies that I think should be shown on the Mall.
And a few more classic political/DC movies:
I know I am missing a bunch, so please add to the list in the comments!
Posted in DC
Tagged DC adventures, election year movies, outdoor movie night, Screen on the Green, washington dc movies
