Movie buffs, this one’s for you. The Paramount Theatre’s beloved Summer Classic Film Series returns to the historic, 108-year-old landmark this Friday, May 24 for its 50th season.
The event’s golden anniversary will bring the Hollywood glam to ATX. More than 120 flicks will screen at The Paramount through Sunday, Sept. 1, along with special guests + fun gatherings. Here’s a sneak preview of what to expect — pass the popcorn, please.
🎥 Opening week highlights
- “Casablanca” + “Top Hat” | Friday, May 24 | 7 p.m. + 9:15 p.m. | Of all the movie joints in all the towns. The Summer Classic Film Series will open with a 35mm double feature of the 1942 Humphrey Bogart + Ingrid Bergman classic followed by the 1935 Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers musical comedy. Truly classic.
- Robert Rodriguez + Alexis Bledel Q&A | Saturday, May 25 | 5 p.m. + 7:30 p.m. | A star unveiling ceremony will be held on the Avenue of Paramount Stars for the Texas filmmaker, followed by a “Sin City” screening and Q&A with Bledel, known for her role in “Gilmore Girls.” RSVP.
- “Star Wars: A New Hope” | Sunday, May 26 | 3 p.m. | Watch the 1977 classic light(saber) up the screen as part of the Family Film Series. Pro tip: Snag discounted tickets for kids age 12 and under.
- Goblin | Monday, May 27 | 7 p.m. | The Italian progressive rock band will perform the live score from George A. Romero’s “Dawn of the Dead.”
An ATX icon, to say the least.
Photo via The Paramount Theatre
🎟️ More hot tickets
- “This is Spinal Tap” | Tuesday, June 4 | 7:30 p.m. | It’s the 40th anniversary of the Rob Reiner comedy — have a good time.
- “Pink Flamingos” + “Female Trouble” | Saturday, June 8 | 7 p.m. + 9:30 p.m. | John Waters will host this double feature, which includes a Q&A moderated by musician and actor John Doe.
- The Majestic Ball | Saturday, June 22 | 8 p.m. | Hosted by A’Keria C. Davenport, Diamond Dior Davenport, and the Legendary Mother Natalie Lepore, this show celebrates Pride and LGBTQ+ cinema.
- “A Clockwork Orange” | Tuesday, June 25 | 7:30 p.m. | This screening of Stanley Kubrick’s 1971 cult classic is part of “Banned Camp,” a programming partnership between Austin Public Library + BookPeople featuring films that brought banned books and authors to the big screen.
- “Dirty Dancing” + “Footloose” | Friday, July 5 | 7 p.m. + 9 p.m. | Nobody puts Baby in a corner — in fact, you’re going to want to get out of your seat and dance during this toe-tapping double-feature.
- “Purple Rain” | Saturday, July 6 | 7 p.m. | It’s the 40th anniversary of Prince’s iconic film — let’s go crazy.
- “Viva Las Vegas” + “A Hard Day’s Night” | Sunday, July 14 | 2 p.m. + 3:50 p.m. | Talk about legends. This double-feature boasts Elvis’ fun flick featuring 12 songs and the iconic Beatles film — both from 1964.
- “Pulp Fiction” | Thursday, Aug. 1 | 7:30 p.m. | Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece takes the spotlight — and we don’t blame you if you want to recite those iconic lines.
- “Roman Holiday” and “Amélie” | Sunday, Aug. 25 | 1 p.m. + 3:25 p.m. | This is the final double-feature of the season.
Peep the full schedule.
Did you know you can pick up a physical copy of the Summer Classic Film Series schedule at Quack’s Bakeries locations? The local bakery will also create series-themed cookies inspired by movies like “Jaws” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” throughout the summer.