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The fifth annual Sundown Film Festival will present The Muppet Movie, American Grafitti, Rebel Without a Cause and Back to the Future this summer. (SPECIAL TO UNWIND)
The summer movie season is well underway and for many film enthusiasts, fatigue has already set in. Explosion-heavy, effects-filled sequels have lost their charm, and rising ticket and concession prices make the entire experience a more expensive endeavor than ever before.
WHEN: Approximately 9 p.m. on Fridays beginning July 16 through Aug. 6
WHERE: Kansas Museum of History, 6425 S.W. 6th Ave.
HOW MUCH: The films are free; museum admission will be reduced to $2 from 5-9 p.m.
FYI: Arrive early, because the plaza fills up fast. Bring blankets or lawn chairs to set up on the grass. The concession stand will close 30 minutes into the film. And don’t forget bug spray!
FILM SCHEDULE
July 16: The Muppet Movie (Rated G; 1979)
July 23: American Grafitti (Rated PG; 1973)
July 30: Rebel Without a Cause (Not rated; 1955)
Aug. 7: Back to the Future (Rated PG; 1985)*
*In the event of rain, the movies will be shown in the museum lobby
But don’t settle in for an evening of reruns on your TiVo just yet. The Kansas State Historical Society has the perfect cure for the summer blockbuster blues – the fifth annual Sundown Film Festival. This year’s event will kick off Friday evening with a screening of The Muppet Movie and the unveiling of a new exhibition.
The festival will feature a family-friendly film every Friday through Aug. 7. Attendees are invited to set up blankets and chairs on the lawn, stock up on goodies at the concession stand and enjoy a classic film – which will be projected onto a giant screen. Much like the drive-in theaters of years past, the festival offers a whimsical al fresco cinema experience ideal for a date, a group outing or a family night. And to celebrate the festival’s opening, G’s Frozen Custard will be selling delectable frozen treats on the festival’s opening night, in addition to regular concession offerings.
The films begin at sundown, usually around 9 p.m., but the public is invited to arrive early to secure a spot and tour the Kansas Museum of History. If you noticed an automobile theme connecting this year’s film selections, it’s not an accident. The museum is unveiling a new exhibit called “Cars: The Need for Speed” – just the thing to get you in the mood for a time-traveling Delorean or a van full of road-tripping Muppets. A discounted admission fee of $2 will be offered on festival days from 5 – 9 p.m.
Organizers caution that the plaza fills up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early. The concession stand closes 30 minutes into the film, so don’t wait too long to satisfy that craving for popcorn and Junior Mints. Finally – don’t forget to bring bug spray. A dozen mosquito bites will keep your festival experience at the forefront of your mind for days to come, but not in a good way.
If you are looking for park and recreation activities in the Topeka area, you've come to the right place – the Unwind calendar. Items for the calendar can be emailed to sports@cjonline.com.
