COOKEVILLE – Friday nights in July are flickering to life with free movies at the Cookeville Depot Museum.
Depot Summer Cinema, presented by the City of Cookeville Department of Leisure Services, continues July 20 with 1964’s “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” at 116 W. Broad St.
“This highly anticipated classic movie series is attended by several hundred people each year,” Beth Thompson, Cookeville museums manager, said. “Families love to stretch out on a blanket or sit in their lawn chairs and munch popcorn and sip cold drinks while enjoying a free classic movie they probably haven’t seen in years.”
Each evening has a different theme. Last Friday was Big Kids’ Night with 1985’s “Back to the Future.”
“We try to select a 1980s hit that appeals to the big kids among us,” Thompson said.
For this Friday’s Christmas in July theme, audiences will enjoy “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.”
“These old, unintentionally hilarious sci-fi films have become a mainstay of the Summer Cinema lineup,” Thompson said. “They’re definitely a crowd favorite.”
The series wraps up July 27 with Sing-Along Night, featuring 1939’s “The Wizard of Oz.”
What attracts people to movies at the depot?
“It’s that wonderful nostalgic feeling of being outside under the stars while watching a favorite film – similar to the feel of a drive-in theater,” Thompson said.
Popcorn and drinks will be available for $1 each.
For more information about summer movies at the Cookeville Depot Museum, call 931-528-8570.