With another semester at Tech in session, the clear skies and warm nights are calling students out of their dorms, apartments and classrooms and into the beautiful Atlanta summer. For Tech students on the hunt for interesting ways to spend their evenings this summer, the Flicks on 5th Summer Film Series offers an inexpensive possibility.
Each Wednesday evening in June, Flicks on 5th will show a recently released film in Tech Square. Admission to the films is free.
This summer marks the eighth year that Flicks on 5th has set up shop in Midtown, and many students are eagerly anticipating its return.
“Flicks on 5th made it easy to find something fun and free to do on campus,” said Keenan Jones, a fourth-year AE major. “I can’t wait for it to start again!”
Students like Sid Desai, a second-year IE major, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and convenient location that Flicks on 5th offers.
“It’s like a drive-in theater on campus without any cars,” Desai said. “And instead of eating crappy nachos, you can just go to Moe’s.”
The movies are shown on a gigantic film screen that nearly spans the width of 5th Street. Audience members are invited to bring their own seating, whether it is a simple fold-up lawn chair, a lawn towel or even an old couch to seat multiple people.
Every Wednesday, seating starts at 7 p.m.. In the time before the movie begins, moviegoers enjoy a carnival-like atmosphere, which in the past has included entertainment ranging from live music to arts and crafts to face painting.
Regardless of festivities, no party is complete without the addition of food and snacks to munch on, and nobody seems to know this better than Flicks on 5th. The event offers free popcorn while supplies last, and local restaurants such as Chuck’s Famous American Sandwiches, The Barrelhouse and Subway combine to sweeten the pot by offering meal deals on movie nights.
After the festivities come to a close, the audience can sit back and enjoy the show. Flicks on 5th will present a total of four movies this June. There will be something for everyone; the four films will cover a vast range of genres, ranging from romantic comedies to zombie apocalypses.
The series kicks off with a June 5 showing of Identity Thief, starring Jason Bateman of Arrested Development fame and Melissa McCarthy, who students might know from Gilmore Girls.
The fun continues on June 12 with a showing of action thriller Snitch.
On June 19, women will rejoice and men will groan as Silver Linings Playbook takes center stage.
On June 26, the last Wednesday of the month, the 2013 edition of Flicks on 5th will come to a close with zombie apocalypse-themed Warm Bodies.
While the festivities and movies are set to proceed rain or shine, be sure to check for weather updates by following @flickson5th on Twitter, checking out Flicks on 5th’s Facebook page, or by visiting www.flicksonfifth.net.