Moonlight Movies returns to Mt. Airy with new emphasis on summer reading

This summer, Mt. Airy returns with its line-up of free movie screenings, but only with a new plan and double the fun.

In addition to the Friday and Saturday night screenings, this year’s series includes an interesting bonus: films shown at Lovett Library Park will be adaptations of popular children’s books. Mt. Airy USA will also offer summer story hours and craft activities to boost children’s interest in reading. The Moonlight Movies Book Club will offer these activities each week at varying times, including an activity every Friday evening before the movie.

“Summer reading plays a huge role in preventing “summer slide” that can make students fall behind. This programming also marks the beginning of the Mt. Airy Reads initiative which will make early literacy a priority throughout the community,” said Abby Thaker, director of development and education partnerships at Mt. Airy USA.

Mt. Airy Reads is a new initiative of the Mt. Airy School Coalition — which includes Mt. Airy USA, East Mt. Airy Neighbors and West Mt. Airy Neighbors — to encourage and prepare students to read at or above their grade level.

The event is set to launch on Thursday, June 25 at 11:30 a.m. at Lovett Library for remarks and refreshments, followed by a read-aloud of “Where The Wild Things Are” and puppet-making activities for kids ages 4 to 8, beginning at 12:15 p.m. Due to limited space, all attendees must RSVP online. 

The initiative is supported by many local businesses including The Color Book Gallery, Queenie’s Pets, Mt. Airy Read & Eat, Manh, Handcraft Workshop and Malelani Cafe, all of which will co-host story hours and art activities for children with the Lovett Library. Rumor has it that Malelani owner, George Drakopoulos, has offered his space and services for a Narnia-themed tea party.

As per tradition, Dining Under The Stars will return to provide a tasty treat for everyone to enjoy throughout the movie. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. each Friday, local restaurants and food trucks will join Mt. Airy establishments at Lovett Park for an al fresco dinner and dessert service.

For those who wish to watch the retro-themed movies on Saturdays, the Trolley Car Diner will be at your service with delicious frozen treats and snacks.

Check out the Moonlight Movies in Mt. Airy schedule to pick out your favorites and plan the perfect picnic.

Moonlight Movies at Lovett Park on Fridays

Friday, June 26 – Where The Wild Things Are

Dining Under The Stars: Curbside, Mucho Bueno, Malelani

Friday, July 10 – The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrode

Dining Under The Stars: Weckerly’s, Foolish Waffles, The Personal Chef

Friday, July 17 – Tangles

Dining Under The Stars: Bonjour Creperie, The Personal Chef

Friday, July 24 – Charlotte’s Web

Dining Under The Stars: Curbside, Payne Catering, Malelani

Friday, July 31st – To Kill A Mockingbird

Dining Under The Stars: Bonjour Creperie, Mucho Bueno

Friday, August 8 – Jumanji

Dining Under The Stars: Foolish Waffles, Curbside

Friday, August 14 – The Princess Bride

Dining Under The Stars: Weckerly’s, Bonjour Creperie

Movies at Trolley Car Diner on Saturdays

Saturday, June 27 – Grease
Saturday, July 11 – Hairspray
Saturday, July 18 – Back to the Future
Saturday, July 25 – The Sandlot
Saturday, August 1– Dead Poets Society
Saturday, August 8 – The Parent Trap
Saturday, August 15 – West Side Story

Book Club Activities

Thursday, June 25 – “Where The Wild Things Are” Paper Bag Puppets

Location: Lovett Library

Time: 12 p.m.

Friday, June 26 – “Where The Wild Things Are” Monster Paws

Location: Lovett Park

Time: 7 p.m.

Monday, June 29 – “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” Tea Party

Location: Malelani

Time: 12 p.m.

Wednesday, July 8 – “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” Aslan Masks

Location: Queenie’s Pets

Time: 3 p.m.

Friday, July 10 – “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” Foam Cup Aslan

Location: Lovett Park

Time: 7 p.m.

Wednesday, July 15 – “Rapunzel” Hair Clip Holders

Location: Color Book Gallery

Time: 3 p.m.

Friday, July 17 – “Rapunzel” Paper

Location: Lovett Park

Time: 7 p.m.

Monday, July 20 – “Charlotte’s Web” Milk Carton Piggy Banks

Location: Mt. Airy Read & Eat

Time: 3 p.m.

Friday, July 24 – “Charlotte’s Web” Spider Web Name Plates

Location: Lovett Park

Time: 7 p.m.

Monday, July 27 – “Frozen” Play Dough

Location: Manh

Time: 3 p.m.

Thursday, July 30 – “Frozen” Snow Globes

Location: Lovett Park

Time: 7 p.m.

Wednesday, August 5 – “Jumanji” Popsicle Stick Puppets

Location: Color Book Galley

Time: 3 p.m.

Wednesday, August 12 – “The Princess Bride” Pirate Masks

Location: Handcraft Workshop

Time: 4:30 p.m