Movies at the Market kicks off Thursday

Movies at the Market, a series of family friendly movies hosted outdoors at the Hot Springs Farmers & Artisans Market, 121 Orange St., will kickoff Thursday with “Grease.”

According to a news release, this series is free to the public and the lawn area where movies will be screened will open at 7:30 p.m. Movies are screened around sunset every Thursday in June.

In previous years, the series has continued through July, but Visit Hot Springs CEO Steve Arrison said they have seen more success at the June showings.

Movies at the Market is presented by the Hot Springs Young Professionals and Visit Hot Springs, and screenings are sponsored by different businesses and organizations.

“It’s been very successful and we have the perfect partnership with the Hot Springs Young Professionals,” Arrison said. “That partnership has allowed us to continue for four years.”

Arrison said greater turnouts have happened over the years for family friendly movies.

“Those are the ones we’ve found people really want to see,” he said. “People want something they can bring their kids to, bring their pets and enjoy. We’ve got another great opening with ‘Grease’ — everybody likes that movie.”

The popular John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John musical is sponsored by Oaklawn Racing & Gaming.

While there is no admission charge, concessions will be available for sale. Moviegoers are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and coolers. Glass containers are not permitted and these events are smokefree.

Moviegoers are encouraged to bring bug spray as insecticide will not be used by organizers.

Uniformed and nonuniformed security will be on hand for the events. Excessive noise during the screening will bring an invitation to leave. Pets are allowed on a leash, but disruptive pets and their owners will be asked to leave.

Movies rounding out June include “The Land Before Time” on June 14, sponsored by Mid-America Science Museum, “LEAP” on June 21, sponsored by Diamond Gymnastics, and “Despicable Me 3” on June 28, sponsored by National Park Medical Center.

“It’s one of those great events that’s not only great for our citizens but for our visitors,” Arrison said. “People who have been out on the lake all day can go get dinner and then come back, spread a blanket out and enjoy a movie with their family.”