New Orleans,
11
May
2018
|
16:07 PM
America/Chicago

Audubon Zoo Hosts Friday Night Dinner and a ZOOvie Series

Six-film series kicks off with "Despicable Me 3'' on June 1

The popular Dinner and a ZOOvie series at Audubon Zoo returns for a sixth season with a lineup of six family-friendly films, beginning with the computer-animated action comedy “Despicable Me 3’’ on Friday, June 1.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and the movie starts after 8 p.m. This year’s ZOOvie series is sponsored by Swedish Fish Mini Tropical Candy and Academy Sports+Outdoors.

The Friday evening summer screenings on the Capital One Field will continue with five more ZOOvies, starting with the sing-along version of "Beauty and the Beast’’ on June 22 and "Wonder Woman'' on June 29.

Two more ZOOvies will follow in July and the 2018 series will conclude with the blockbuster “Black Panther’’ on August 3.

Back again this year, is an invitation for moviegoers to beat the heat before each film by visiting Cool Zoo/Gator Run, the wild and wet splash park, before the movie at 6 p.m. From there, it’s a short walk to the Capital One Stage to catch the show, which will start shortly after 8 p.m.

“The Dinner and a ZOOvie series has become a beloved tradition for families who want to spend a summer evening under the stars and enjoy an entertaining film,’’ said Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO Ron Forman. “Guests can also cool off before the ZOOvie in our water park and grab a bite to eat."

Each night, a DJ will be spinning tunes near the Capital One Stage and there will be games and activities with prizes. Also, guests can sample complimentary Swedish Fish candy – while supplies last.

Academy Sports+Outdoors will sponsor an Instagram contest for each movie to win a VIP Movie Viewing package to include complimentary movie admission, access to a special seating area with Academy Sports+Outdoors chairs to take home. Other giveaways will be included.

Guests can bring their own dinner or dine at the Zoo where food trucks will be onsite and some Audubon concessions will be open.

Folding chairs and blankets are welcome. Suitcases, backpacks or coolers (with or without wheels) must be no larger than 28-quart size and limited to one per family. Audubon reserves the right to search coolers and backpacks.

Glass containers, disposable straws and lids are not permitted for the safety of the animals. Animal exhibits will not be open.

The Dinner and ZOOvie series is a special admission event. Members must purchase tickets and there is no member discount. Complimentary guests passes are not valid.

Movie admission is $6 and an additional $6 for admission to Cool Zoo/Gator Run (children under two years of age receive complimentary admission to both).

ZOOvie tickets are available for purchase online, at the Zoo, at Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and at Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium and will be on sale at the Zoo on the night of each showing. Buying tickets ahead of time is recommended to ensure speedier entry.

Online ticket sales will be available up to 5:15 p.m. on the day of each ZOOvie. After 6 p.m., tickets can be purchased at the Zoo. Anyone purchasing $12 Cool Zoo/movie combo tickets online or in person must pick up wrist bands at the Zoo entrance.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS

2018 Dinner and a ZOOvie Schedule

June 1 - "Despicable Me'' (2017)

June 22 - "Beauty and the Beast" – singalong version (2017)

June 29 – “Wonder Woman'' (2017)

July 13 - "Coco'' (2017)

July 27 – “Star Wars – The Last Jedi’’ (2017)

August 3 – “Black Panther’’ (2018)

Audubon Nature Institute

Audubon Nature Institute operates a family of museums, parks and research facilities dedicated to celebrating the wonders of nature. Through innovative live animal exhibits, education programs, and scientific discovery, Audubon makes a meaningful contribution to preserving wildlife for the future. Audubon Nature Institute flagships include Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy Giant Screen Theater, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and Audubon Wilderness Park. Ron Forman is President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute.