As prices for theater tickets, popcorn and snacks continue to rise, Hoover families can enjoy some free entertainment at the park this summer.

Free Friday Flicks will return to Veterans Park for the third year starting May 29.

“It’s pretty hard to beat the price for some wholesome family entertainment,” Hontzas says. “Come out, and you’ll love it.”

Backyard Movie Parties started the movie event 24 years ago at Caldwell Park. Later, they moved it to Homeood before ending up in Hoover.

“We had outgrown the park in Homewood, and Veterans Park is more accessible,” says Keri Lane Hontzas, who works with Backyard Movie Parties. “We thought it was the perfect place.”

The movies will begin at dusk each Friday, but Hontzas encourages friends and families to arrive earlier to find a good spot and enjoy dinner. Papa John’s will be there each week selling pizza and drinks starting at 6:30 p.m.

“Depending on the movie and weather, there will be anywhere from 500 to 3,000 people there,” she says.

Moviegoers will enjoy watching the films on an inflatable screen with a 30-foot image width. They will kick off Friday Flicks with “Big Hero 6” on May 29. Other movies they’ll show include “Dolphin Tale 2,” “Paddington” and “Home.”

If there’s the possibility of bad weather, Hontzas says they’ll make the call whether to cancel the event by 6 p.m. that night. They will post updates to the Free Friday Flicks Facebook and Twitter (@BYMovieParties) pages.

Fox 6 Chief Meteorologist J-P Dice will also do the weather live from the Friday Flicks, when there aren’t storms.

“We try to go on with the movie if at all possible,” she says.

For those looking to have a fun, free night out, Friday Flicks is the perfect choice.

“Just grab a blanket, friends and family, and enjoy watching a free movie on the big screen,” she says. “It’s a lot of fun for all ages.”

For more information on Backyard Movie Parties or to rent a screen for an event, visit Backyardmovieparties.com.

Movie Schedule
May 29: “Big Hero 6”
June 5: “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”
June 12: “Strange Magic”
June 19: “Annie” (2014)
June 26: “Maleficent”
July 10: “Home”
July 17: “Paddington”
July 24: “Dolphin Tale 2”
July 31: Rain Date

All of the movies have a PG rating.

[This article originally appeared in the May issue of Hoover’s Magazine. Pick up your free copy at one of these locations.]