Grab the popcorn, movie lovers, and get ready to enjoy the magic of the big screen under the stars as the Gaslight District presents Big Screen Tuesday, running weekly until September.
The Gaslight District is quickly becoming the go-to destination for families looking for a fun and free way to spend a warm summer evening.
Picture this: the Grand River gently flowing nearby, old-fashioned patio lanterns casting a warm glow across the district, and the air filled with the sounds of laughter and excitement.
Cinema lovers know, this is pure movie magic.
Leslie Kay, the marketing director for the Gaslight District, says there’s something special about seeing the way a movie can bring together an entire community.
“Big Screen Tuesday has something for everyone,” Kay says. “Whether you’re into timeless classics or the latest blockbusters, the diverse lineup of films ensures there’s always a great movie to watch.”
Recent favourites have included family-friendly gems like Pixar's Elemental, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, The Barbie Movie, Mean Girls, E.T., The Goonies, and Detective Pikachu.
The movies are also sure to evoke great memories of sharing the experience of watching a story unfold on the big screen surrounded by friends and family.
And that’s part of the inspiration behind bringing this outdoor experience to the Gaslight District, Kay says.
“I realized this when we had E.T. up on our Big Screen at the beginning of July.” Kay said. “I watched it for the first time when I was maybe five or six years old in a friend's living room. I watched it, and thought I had it memorized the movie from start to finish.”
But watching it in front of the Gaslight District’s huge outdoor screen, something powerful happened.
“There were parts of the film I feel like I was seeing for the first time,” Kay says. “Details that had gone completely unnoticed.”
“At the very end of the film, I had this overwhelming urge to applaud the movie. And I sat there and thought to myself 'I kind of feel like clapping? Why do I feel like clapping? It's just E.T.'”
“Seconds later the entire crowd also erupted into applause.”
Movie magic, it seems, can come to life in the Gaslight District.
“We all made new ‘childhood’ memories together as adults that day,” Kay says. “And judging by the number of kids in the crowd, we may have introduced a new generation to one of our favourites from when we were their age.”
Big Screen Tuesdays take place in the Gaslight District’s outdoor square, offering plenty of space for everyone. Bring your own blanket or chair to get comfy, and don’t forget to check out some tasty treats: the The Snack Shack is open in one of our market huts with a selection of concession snacks like popcorn, candy, soft drinks, beer, and coolers.
Pizzeria Motola can be found on The French's patio with their real Italian pizza pop-up. Their permanent restaurant is coming to The Gaslight District this fall.
The Underwing is open from 5pm onwards. Don't miss their Social Hour, The Gaslight District's first Happy Hour from 5pm-7pm. 1/2 priced cocktails and a $7 snack menu. Plus their regular menus as well.
Also, the Foundry Tavern is always a great spot to grab a table on the patio for a bite to eat or something to drink.
Plus, the district’s restaurants stay open, so you can grab a bite before the show or a sweet treat afterward.
For all the details on upcoming movies and event info, head over to the Gaslight District’s official website or follow them on social media.
See you at the movies!
Here's what is scheduled on Tuesdays this summer!
- Tuesday, August 6th: Cars FREE Outdoor Screening with special guest Lightning Mcqueen Ontario
- Tuesday, August 20th: Trolls Band Together FREE Outdoor Screening
And new to our schedule! Save the date for...
- Tuesday, September 3rd for our Back to School Bash: School of Rock and Ferris Bueller's Day Off FREE Double Feature Outdoor Screening