Free Friday Flicks on the Charles River Esplanade
The summertime tradition is taking a break this Friday due to Independence Day celebrations, but on Friday, July 11, WBZ NewsRadio’s annual run of Free Friday Flicks will resume at the Charles River Esplanade’s DCR Hatch Shell (100 David Mugar Way/Storrow Drive, Boston).
This year marks the 23rd year the radio station is offering weekly outdoor movies, most classics appropriate for the entire family to view together, alongside the numerous other people who show up for each screening. Having the Charles River nearby is just a fresh-air bonus.
Another unexpected fun bonus comes courtesy of murky legal issues that prevent WBZ from releasing the titles of the movies that will be shown. As a result, the general public gets clues to decipher instead.
For example, on July 11, the presentation is described with the hint, “‘Bee’ there to watch a sociable insect befriend a human and learn secrets to the honey-making industry.” Sometimes it really helps to be a kid, I guess. Yet, at other times, descriptions like that for the August 22 flick — “Sing along to this ‘greasy’ musical as two teens discover that their summer may not be over” — are all too clear.
If the clues leave you stumped, there is recourse, however — simply call the special hotline number 617-787-7200 for further details, including cancellation news when Mother Nature’s in a bad mood. Then, provided that the show will go on, pack up your family and gear, including chairs or blankets to lounge on and snacks to cure the munchies, and head over to the Esplanade.
The earlier you arrive, the better chance you’ll have of beating the inevitable crowds, reserving a good spot, and still having enough time left over to drop by the WBZ Tent to grab whatever freebies are available before the opening credits roll at sunset, which is approximately 8pm. [More Information]
2 Comments
Wow this is something that is great to do not only for locals but even tourists. What a better way to meet the people of the city than to cuddle up next to them in the park and watch a movie. This one time you can sit in the park and enjoy the strangers company next to you without getting to close to their house.
I couldn’t agree more. This is also one time when you can sit in the park at night and feel perfectly safe and comfortable. I just hope the weather is agreeable all the way through.