Boise, Idaho: Free Movies Under the Stars in Boise and Meridian, Idaho

For the past two years, Meridian Parks and Recreation has hosted Cable One Outdoor Movie Night in Settlers Park, drawing hundreds of moviegoers of all ages. For the third summer, Meridian will set up the huge inflatable movie screen and play a family-friendly film for free almost every Friday night in June, July and August. Not to be left out, Boiseans will join in the fun with their own free "Movies Under the Stars" on three Saturday nights this summer at the Julia Davis Park Bandshell in Boise.

"We are only having three shows because it is our first year," said Jennifer Henderson, executive director for the Boise Public Schools Education Foundation. "We also wanted to make them bigger family-night-out events, not just movies in the park, with activities and fun for kids before the movies." Boise's outdoor cinema night is sponsored by the Boise Public Schools Education Foundation and Boise Parks and Recreation.

Boise Parks and Recreation Mobile Recreation staff and Amazing Athletes coaches will provide activities for kids starting at 7 p.m. Borah High's Jazz Ensemble will provide musical entertainment before the movies start. There also will be a summer education booth with ideas and information for parents to keep their kids engaged in reading, math and science over the summer. Bring your own picnic or enjoy hot dogs, popcorn, snow cones, water and soda from Willow Lane LLC in the park.

Concession prices will be approximately $1 to $5. For the June 27 show in Boise, Costco will distribute free bottled water. In Meridian, new food vendors this year will add to the refreshments offered for purchase in past years. "People can bring their own dinner, but we do have concessions," said Colin Moss, recreation coordinator for Meridian Parks and Recreation.

"The new thing this year is we will have Idaho Five Star Concessions, and their main thing is Pittsburgh-stuffed sandwiches, and they also have hot dogs, kettle corn," Moss said. "We'll also have Famous Dave's barbecue with sandwiches with sides. And we'll have our existing concessions that we had last year with popcorn, candy and pop." All movies will be screened in both cities starting at dusk.

Boise Movies Under The Stars Schedule

• June 27: "Journey to the Center of the Earth," rated PG
• July 18: "Kung Fu Panda," rated PG
• Aug. 22: "The Wizard of Oz," rated G

CABLE ONE OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT IN MERIDIAN

• June 5: "Nim's Island," rated PG
• June 12: "Speed Racer," rated PG
• June 19: "Babe the Gallant Pig," rated G
• June 26: "Space Chimps," rated G
• July 3: "Star Wars: The Clone Wars," rated PG
• July 10: "Hotel for Dogs," rated PG
• July 17: "Journey to the Center of the Earth" 3D (free 3D glasses for the first 2,000 people), rated PG
• July 24: "The Princess Bride," rated PG
• July 31: "Kung Fu Panda," rated PG
• Aug. 7: "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa," rated PG
• Aug. 14: "Horton Hears a Who," rated G
• Aug. 21: "The Sound of Music," rated G
• Aug. 28: "The Tale of Despereaux," rated G

Source: Free movies under the stars in Boise, Meridian by Brenda Gutierrez -Idaho Statesman.