Thursday Night Dinner and a Movie

Lancaster City's Mayor's office hosts Dinner & a Movie every Thursday evening at dusk at Binn's Park in downtown Lancaster City, Pennsylvania throughout the summer. Participants are encouraged to visit local restaurants for dinner downtown, and then attend a different movie free each week in the open park on N. Queen Street.

Last week I attended my first Dinner & a Movie and viewed "Breakfast at Tiffany's". A local company set up a rear viewing projector to a screen located under the canopy at Binn's Park. The water fountain, located at the center of the park, was shut off, and everyone brought blankets and chairs. Local food vendors offered sandwiches, drinks, and popcorn for a price across the street, and the entire block was sectioned off from traffic for the event.

Despite some technical malfunctions, my friend and I truly enjoyed the experience. As our local drive-in had closed down nearly 5 years ago, this was closest thing to a drive-in movie that we could experience in Lancaster County. There is no charge for the movie, but the hope is that patrons will visit the local restaurants and support local business beforehand.

Those who attended the event were courteous to be quiet and shut off cell phones. It was a great way to visit with the community and see a friends. It is a perfect outing for a family, as family acceptable films are shown at no charge. For those ona budget, bring your own food and snacks for the perfect expense-free night out.

The free movies run through August 26, 2010 every Thursday evening, and film listings can be found here. You may also find coupons to restaurants at the Mayor's website.

Binn's Park is located on the left hand side in the 100 block of North Queen Street in Lancaster City, Pennsylvania. A parking garage is located on the same block, called the Prince Street Garage. Bring a blanket or your own chairs-there is a concrete pad, some benches, and a grassy area for people to sit.