Queens Botanical Garden (Photo: Christina Santucci)
June 7, 2021 By Christina Santucci
The Queens Botanical Garden in Flushing will kick off its first-ever summertime movie series this weekend – and each showing will feature themed snacks and activities.
The outdoor series will begin with the animated flick Zootopia on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Subsequent screenings will feature 1980s classic Dirty Dancing, the recent release Wonder Woman 1984 and animated films, Alice in Wonderland, Raya and the Last Dragon and Abominable.
Ticket prices also include after-hours access to the garden as well as a $5 food voucher and free activities. Food and crafts are coordinated with each film.
For example, Zootopia attendees can make their own animal print badge and pick up bunny ears and a police whistle. Snacks like fruit-flavored popsicles called “pawpsicles” will be sold at the evening’s Bunny Burrow Bazaar.
Meanwhile Dirty Dancing moviegoers can take a complimentary dance lesson with New York Swing Dance Society founder Margaret Batiuchok before the show and kick up their heels with some dancing afterward. Watermelon margaritas and classic sliders will be available for purchase that night at aptly named Kellerman’s Mountain House Bar.
For Alice in Wonderland, theatergoers can make their own tea bags by combining herbs, flowers and plants. The popup stand – Queen’s Dining Hall – will sell cups of tea and cake.
Ticket prices vary depending on the age of the attendee and whether moviegoers are members of the garden. The price for adults is $15 for non-members and $10 for members. Kids, students, seniors and individuals with disabilities cost $12 for non-members and $8 for members. Children under three get in free.
Organizers said attendees may want to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs to watch the movies on the big screen set up in the garden’s Oak Allée.
Moviegoers are not allowed to bring their own food and beverages to the screenings, and guests must wear masks and stay six feet away from those not in their group.
For tickets, visit the Queens Botanical Garden’s website. The garden, located at 43-50 Main St, is accessible by bus, the No. 7 subway and car. Parking cost $10.
The dates of the screenings are:
Saturday, June 12 – Zootopia
Friday, June 25 – Dirty Dancing
Friday, July 9 – Alice in Wonderland
Saturday, July 24 – Raya and the Last Dragon
Friday, August 6 – Wonder Woman 1984
Friday, August 20 – Abominable
