Outdoor Movie Series Set to Launch August 11
ALBANY, NY >> What do balloons, a whip, the inconceivable, and I-787 have in common? They’ll all be featured at Deja View, a free outdoor movie series running every Thursday from August 11 through September 1 at 7:45 PM in downtown Albany’s Tricentennial Park (Broadway & Columbia Street). Deja View was made possible through a partnership between the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID), Albany Parking Authority (APA), Palace Theatre and funding in part through Capitalize Albany Corporation’s Amplify Albany grant program.
While in Downtown for the movies, attendees are encouraged to dine at a nearby Downtown restaurant or pick up a meal to enjoy in the park. The following eateries will be offering event-night specials including burrito boxes, burger and a beer, and more: ama cocina (4 Sheridan Avenue), Dawn’s Victory Sports Café (10 Sheridan Avenue), Jack’s Oyster House (42 State Street), Jonathan’s Pizza (31 N Pearl Street), McGeary’s Irish Pub (4 Clinton Square), and Merry Monk (90 N Pearl Street). A full list of deals provided by each eatery is available at downtownalbany.org. Patrons are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to view the movie, and while in Tricentennial Park they can enjoy items from the on-site bar and concession stand run by the Palace Theatre.
“This pop-up movie series is another positive development in the Downtown entertainment scene, giving people one more thing to do after the work day is over,” said Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan. “The series, a creative collaboration of Downtown anchor institutions, also creates a sense of community in Albany’s newest neighborhood, giving people who live Downtown another summer event to enjoy Downtown.”
Movies in the series were chosen by community members, over 600 of whom completed an online survey. The schedule is as follows:
August 11 | Up
August 18 | Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
August 25 | The Princess Bride
September 1 | Salt
With an increase in residential and visitor populations in Downtown, the series was implemented as a way to highlight the adaptive nature of urban parks to go from lunchtime hotspot to hosting unique, pop-up evening events, and also serves to inform the public of free evening (after 5:00 PM) and weekend parking throughout Downtown on-street and in public parking facilities, and the ease with which people can park, including at the Tricentennial Park-adjacent Riverfront Garage.
“As residential is on the rise, the BID continues to work with our community partners to ensure the amenities match the high level of investment we’re experiencing in our District,” said Georgette Steffens, executive director of the Downtown Albany BID. “We are always looking to provide new ways for people to engage with our District, and by bringing together residents and visitors to enjoy our world-class eateries and public spaces, we offer another opportunity for people to rethink Downtown.”
“The Albany Parking Authority is dedicated to supporting the economic development and vibrancy of the City of Albany,” said Matthew Peter, executive director of the Albany Parking Authority. “This series is the result of the APA, Downtown BID, and City’s commitment to working together to create unique opportunities for people to enjoy Downtown in new ways.”
A grant program made possible by the City of Albany’s Capital Resource Corporation, Capitalize Albany Corporation’s Amplify Albany grant program provides resources to businesses, non-profits and other organizations to strengthen the City of Albany’s various commercial districts through the creation and execution of short and medium term innovative, authentic, unique and buzz-worthy promotional projects, events and programming. Visit www.capitalizealbany.com/grants for a grant application or more information.
“This outdoor movie series is a great example of increased pop-up programming that benefits the surrounding local businesses, supports ongoing local investment and provides a unique experience for nearby residents,” said Capitalize Albany Corporation president Sarah Reginelli. “This is one of many exciting activities to come through the Amplify Albany program citywide. We look forward to seeing new community collaborations like this as new applicants continue to develop distinctive programming.”
Also happening in Tricentennial Park the night after Deja View's launch, August 12, are Fork in the Road featuring food trucks and live music, and check-in for Residential Open House, the free self-guided tour that invites the public to step inside available units in eight residential properties in Downtown. For more information on those events, Deja View, and all things Downtown, visit downtownalbany.org.
