Stars Under the Stars moves to Washington Park

'Playing with Fire' to be shown Friday

Trevor Hillen, 4, enjoys popcorn before the start of The Lego Movie during "Stars Under the Stars" held on the lawn of the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City on Friday, July 14, 2017.
Trevor Hillen, 4, enjoys popcorn before the start of The Lego Movie during "Stars Under the Stars" held on the lawn of the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City on Friday, July 14, 2017.

Enjoy a movie in the park Friday when Stars Under the Stars returns at a new location.

This program from the Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department brings a giant inflatable screen showing a family movie in the park during the summer. It's typically held at Ellis-Porter Riverside Park where the amphitheater provides a perfect setting, as it did in late May at the last event.

But the free event has been moved to Vivion Field at Washington Park as improvements at Riverside begin, notably a new amphitheater that will include fixed seating for around 2,000 people with additional seating behind and hillside, grass seating farther back.

Attendees can bring lawn chairs, blankets and refreshments. At the new location, it is important to note sodas and bug spray are not allowed in the outfield, as they can kill the grass.

Friday's movie will be "Playing with Fire," a 2019 family comedy about a fire superintendent and his team of firefighters helping to raise three siblings. The movie will begin at dusk, about 8:45 p.m.

Before the movie, the Jefferson City Fire Department will have a fire engine in the parking lot from 7-8:30 p.m. for children to explore. Food and drink concessions will be available for purchase.

Because the event is outdoors, it is easy to maintain social distancing while enjoying the film.

The next Stars Under the Stars event is set for Aug. 7 with the movie "A Dog's Journey."