september on the rooftop
Houston's rooftop cinema reveals diverse September lineup, dog day, and a Potter party
As the weather cools (ever so slightly), locals flock to al fresco offerings to savor the great outdoors. And for film fans, that means outdoor movies.
Houston’s first Rooftop Cinema Club has unveiled its new September lineup, which pays homage to diversity, strong, female-led casts, and Black Cinema, as well as anniversary screenings, a Potter party, and a dog-friendly special event.
With the sun setting earlier over the Uptown skyline at Rooftop’s BLVD Place location, the venue’s double features return every Friday and Saturday night beginning September 7. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, August 28.
Diversity takes center stage this month, with films such as Eve’s Bayou on September 7; Beyond the Lights on September 14; Boomerang on September 20; and Love Jones on September 26; as well as Selena on September 4, and La Bamba September 29.
Film buffs can expect some big anniversaries: The Notebook celebrates 15 years, Pulp Fiction turns 25, and Road House (a CultureMap favorite) celebrates its 30th.
Potter fans, take note: Due to massive demand, the cinema club will host a 15th anniversary screening of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban on September 12. The venue will be decked out in Potter décor, special Hogwarts menu items will be served, and guests can find their seats based on their Potter-themed “house.” Of course, moviegoers are encouraged to dress as their favorite Potter characters.
Sunday, September 22, sees the rooftop transform to Wooftop Cinema Club for Secret Life of Pets 2. For this screening only, expect a dog-friendly setting for fans to show off their pooches, particularly in their favorite superhero outfits for fun and prizes. The club will also offer a ceremony for any dog owners wanting to “marry” their pets. (Yes, it’s a thing.)
Fans can expect a return of the rooftop cinema’s sing-along nights, with chances to belt out choruses to fun flicks such as Rocketman.
As previously mentioned, tickets for the September lineup go on sale online Wednesday, August 28. To paraphrase ’80s icon Ferris Bueller (and CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler): Tickets move pretty fast: If you don’t stop and look, you could miss them.
Prices start at $17 per person for a one-person lounge seat. A single-person seat with the addition of bottomless popcorn is $20. Tickets for couples, or a roomier love seat, plus bottomless popcorn, are $24 per person. New for spring is a student discount ticket starting at $15.30, with valid ID required the night of the event.
As always, the cinema will serve up movie grub from Good Dog Houston, which offers three dogs: the Picnic Dog, the Uptown Dog, and The Dude. Additional fare includes fruit and cheese plates, Frito pie, and chili cheese nachos. Adult beverages include a full bar with craft cocktails, local beer options, and an assortment of wines.
Here is the full September movie lineup, which features screenings every night and double features every Friday and Saturday night in September. Doors open nightly at 6:30 pm; the show starts at 7:30pm and 9:45pm for double screenings and 8 pm for all other nights.
September 1 – The Who’s Tommy
September 2 – Point Break
September 3 – Notting Hill (20th anniversary)
September 4 – Selena
September 5 – Jason’s Lyric (25th anniversary)
September 7 – The Princess Bride and Eve's Bayou
September 8 – 10 Things I Hate About You (20th anniversary)
September 9 – Thelma & Louise
September 10 – A Star Is Born
September 11 – Bohemian Rhapsody
September 12 – Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban (15th anniversary and theme night)
September 13 – Grease (sing-along) and Aladdin (2019)
September 14 – Booksmart and Beyond the Lights
September 15 – Funny Face and Us
September 16 – The Notebook (15th anniversary)
September 17 – Crazy Stupid Love
September 18 – Pulp Fiction (25th anniversary)
September 19 – Rocketman
September 20 – The Sandlot and Boomerang
September 21 – Sister Act and The Goonies
September 22 – Secret Life of Pets 2 (Wooftop theme)
September 23 – A Star Is Born
September 24 – Pretty Woman
September 25 – Bohemian Rhapsody (sing-along)
September 26 – Love Jones
September 27 – The Breakfast Club and Aladdin (2019)
September 28 – Dirty Dancing and Road House (30th anniversary)
September 29 – La Bamba
September 30 – Rocketman
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Rooftop Cinema Club is located at BLVD Place above Whole Foods, 1700 Post Oak Blvd. For tickets and information, visit the official site.
