Movies in the Park
The weather is cooling, and that means it’s time to take your movie-watching outdoors.
Words by Erin McWilliams
Mobile Loaves & Fishes (MLF) has partnered with Alamo Drafthouse to put on free, outdoor movies within the local community. They created the Community Cinema at Community First! Village on Hog Eye Road, aimed at supporting Austin’s homeless population, but open to the public for film viewing.
Community First! Village is a 27-acre community of permanent housing for Austin’s men and women coming out of chronic homelessness founded by Mobile Loaves & Fishes. As part of fostering a sense of community, MLF puts on free movies in the Community Cinema, open to anyone. Throughout the month of November, the Cinema will be putting on movies like Spiderman: Homecoming, Children of Men, Cars 3, The Chronicles of Narnia, the live action Beauty & the Beast, and the Cowboys vs. Eagles NFL game.
During the movie, concessions are available as neighbors living in the Community First! Village walk around the levels of the amphitheater to sell hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and candy. There are also onsite food trucks if your cravings surpass snack food. Sales and tips from the night help Village residents who sell concessions earn an income.
About Mobile Loaves and Fishes
Mobile Loaves and Fishes is a local nonprofit that serves Austin’s homeless population. MLF has more than 19,000 volunteers, making it the largest prepared feeding program to the homeless in Austin, and has inspired similar food truck programs in other U.S. cities.
Community First! Village December Events
The Christmas season is upon us and the Community First! Village is hosting a few events and movies to celebrate. The first is a two-weekend extravaganza of lights and celebration of advent on December 1, 2, 8, and 9. More than 200,000 lights choreographed to holiday music makes the Community First! Village of Lights one of the biggest Christmas light displays in Central Texas, and guests can stop by the advent market to purchase handcrafted gifts that formerly homeless craftsman have made. Find more details on this Facebook event page and RSVP here.
Secondly, the Community First! Cinema is screening everyone’s favorite Christmas comedy and holiday classic, Elf! On December 15, show up as early as 6:30 to get a good spot and check out the Community Grille or purchase your favorite movie snacks and candy. You can RSVP here; admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested and concession purchase is encouraged. Lastly, for the NFL fans out there, the Cinema will be showing the Cowboys vs. Raiders game on the 17th—RSVP here.
Other Outdoor Movies this Fall
Alamo Drafthouse has also partnered with the Austin Parks Foundation to put on Movies in the Park at different local parks around the city. The next movie on the schedule for this Fall is Muppet Christmas Carol, showing at Ramsey Neighborhood Park in Rosedale on November 9. Frequently, Alamo Drafthouse will put on movies at Mueller Lake Park in front of the fountain. Most of the movies are family-friendly, and all are free! Check here for an updated calendar throughout the season.
Contact:
Mobile Loaves & Fishes
Facebook: @MobileLoaves
Twitter: @MobileLoaves
Instagram: @MobileLoaves
