A Movie Night Under the Stars
July 2022
by maria weidich
What’s better than a movie night? How about an outdoor movie night?
As we approach the dog days of summer, there’s nothing quite like taking in a movie outdoors. Catching a flick under the stars is fun, frugal, family-friendly entertainment.
Movies in the Park
Courtesy of Firefly Outdoor Movie Company
Barrett and Jamie Canning own and operate Billings’ Firefly Outdoor Movie Company. Since 2013 they have provided inflatable movie screens and outdoor theater systems for corporate events, pop-up drive-ins, school and church functions, and even private backyard movie nights. However, Firefly Outdoor Movie Company is most well-known for a Billings summertime staple: Movies in the Park.
The Cannings reached out to the Billings Parks and Recreation Department nearly a decade ago. They proposed a Movies in the Park program for the community. With the help of local sponsorships, they have continued to make this a no-cost event for Billings’ families ever since. This year, Firefly Outdoor Movie Company partnered with the Billings West End Exchange Club to assist in fundraising and promoting the Movies in the Park program. “Sponsors have been very helpful since they allow us to continue to provide free movies to the public each summer,” Barrett said. “We are proud that the program can support opportunities for local groups like the West End Exchange Club to raise funds to be donated to charitable causes in the community.”
“It’s a cool thing that, with community support, we can provide free movies to the public while also raising funds that go back to the community, all at the same time.”
Movies in the Park donations are also directed to the Parks and Recreation Billings Youth Scholarship program, which provides Billings youth access to recreational programs. “We hope this brings a fun and safe activity that families will be excited to take their kids to years down the road,” Barrett said. All Movies in the Park films begin at dusk and are weather permitting. In addition, local food trucks will be on site. Follow Firefly Outdoor Movie Company on Facebook and their website for the latest updates and featured films.
Movies in the Park 2022 Schedule:
- July 1, 2022 – Turning Red (Veterans Park)
- July 16, 2022 – TBA (Pioneer Park in collaboration with Big Sky State Games)
- August 12, 2022 – TBA (Optimist Park)
- October 7, 2022 – Ghostbusters Afterlife (Rose Park)
All events are weather-permitting
Originally printed in the July 2022 issue of Simply Local Magazine
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