Dinner and a movie: a romantic date night that two adults used to enjoy before it quickly turned into a leftovers-and-whatever’s-on-Netflix night by the time kids arrived. Summer is here and it is time to visit loved ones, relax a little and have some fun — a challenge for anyone with little ones of different ages or single people who are tired of the same old Friday night routine. Now, Frisco has many unique, visual entertainment options designed to bring families, friends and the community together all summer long. Whether you enjoy movies, music, theater or all three, it is easier than ever to find something for everyone to enjoy!
Dive-In Movies at therFrisco Water Park
A loud splash followed by little bursts of giggles and parents shushing their kids so they can keep singing along to “How Far I’ll Go” from Disney’s “Moana” are all part of the magic at the 10th Annual Dive-In Movies hosted by the City of Frisco Parks and Recreation Department this June–August.
“The Frisco Parks and Recreation Department understands the value of recreation. It is our job!” says Jennifer Russell, the special events supervisor. “Movies have always been one of our country’s favorite pastimes, and the social connection we get by leaving our houses to enjoy a great show in the community is so valuable for our health. Movies can give our minds a break from the stresses of the day, and of course, movies are fun, too.”
This summer, slip on your swimsuit and head over to the Frisco Water Park at the Frisco Athletic Center with the kids to watch a family-friendly film from the water. During the event, the lagoon and lazy river sections of the park will stay open, allowing you to float in bliss while enjoying your favorite movie. Before the show, you can also enjoy the Preston Plunge and other water features, which will be open until the movie begins. The concession stand will also be available, since everyone knows movies are better with buttery popcorn and chocolate! Do not feel like getting wet? Guests are also invited to lounge on the spacious pool deck while watching the show.
This summer’s family-friendly Dive-Ins will feature “Moana” on June 15, “Ferdinand” on July 13 and “Coco” on August 3. Gates open at 8 p.m. and each movie starts at twilight. “A Dive-In movie is an awesome way to escape the heat of a summer day while watching a lively and good-natured film the entire family will enjoy,” adds Ms. Russell. “A playful outdoor community event is the perfect opportunity to gather together and connect with other families in our area.”
Tickets for these events are available online for $10 each. Children under 2 years old get in free with parent’s ticket purchase.
Music in the Square
Another summertime activity coming up is the 8th Annual Music in the Square. These weekly events take place from 7:30–9:30 p.m. every Friday in June in front of City Hall on the Simpson Plaza lawn. Nothing beats listening to live music on a warm night, while relaxing under the glow of twinkling stars, next to hundreds of your closest friends spread out on the grass.
“Music in the Square is a free summer event that features an amazing line-up of musicians,” says Paige Scheer, the Frisco Square event coordinator. “Bring friends and family, grab a picnic, some blankets or chairs, and enjoy listening to a variety of musicians as the sun sets. Music is an important aspect of entertainment because everyone can relate.”
Kicking off the line-up on June 1 is Moving Colors, one of the most popular local bands that performs a wide variety of music, while incorporating buckets, trash cans, painting and handstands into their routine. This is perfect for keeping little ones interested all evening! On June 8, catch the sounds of the Zen and Tonic Band, whose music covers decades of the best pop, rock and blues genre. On June 15, catch Jake Odin and the Marching Band, an all-original blues funk band comprised of members of all ages and genres of music with a unique sound. Stop by on June 22 to hear Mix Tape, a North Texas-based band that brings energy to the live music scene. The six-member band with musicians from different backgrounds covers songs that everyone loves, including rock, pop and alternative music from the 1970s to now. Ending the summer set list is Local Yoakam, a band with an edgy approach to old country music, mixed with classic rock and original music.
Think of Music in the Square as your chance to enjoy the cool evening air, have a simple, non-rushed dinner and appreciate good music with your favorite people (basically, the live music version of stopping to smell the roses).
A New Performing Arts Center
If live entertainment is your jam, stay tuned for another entertainment destination that will soon be available in Frisco — a performing arts theater! Donny Churchman, a local developer and the owner of Nack Development, is planning a new performing arts theater downtown, which will feature the North Texas Performing Arts’ (NTPA) Frisco Youth Theatre as the resident theater for 32 weeks per year. “A performing arts theater is overdue for Frisco,” says Mr. Churchman. “This will give the Frisco Youth Theatre a place to call home. It will create an entertainment district in downtown, due to its proximity to the Rail Yard. We are also looking to host improv nights, comedy nights and dinner theater, which will all offer wonderful date night opportunities for Frisco residents.”
Mr. Churchman was approached by Randy Archambault, the chairperson for the NTPA Frisco Management Board, regarding the need for a home for the Frisco Youth Theatre. “My grandparents and parents always loved attending live performances, and I loved Randy’s passion for the need for a theater. This just made sense for our community,” Mr. Churchman explains.
The new theater will have balcony seating, a concession area in the lobby and 200 seats available for guests. On the outside, it will feature “throwback architecture,” according to Mr. Churchman, to make it look like a historical community theater. The zoning has already been put in place for the downtown theater, but Mr. Churchman still needs to get the site plan approved before he can move forward with building. However, the wait should not be too long, as the theater is expected to open sometime in 2019!
“Our downtown is in need of progress,” says Mr. Churchman. “I do not believe we need to tear down and start over, but we need to add to the existing downtown. NTPA has a 25-year history of success, and I am honored to be able to work with them on this project. The community will greatly benefit from this theater.”
When you live in a town as exciting as Frisco, you should never settle for anything ordinary. Take advantage of all the wonderful chances to experience the arts with your family and friends this summer and in the following months. The valuable memories made will be worth it!
Find out more about Dive-In Movies at friscofun.org/diveinmovies. A full schedule for Music in the Square performances can be accessed at friscosquare.com/mits and more about Frisco’s new live performance theater can be found atrnackdevelopment.com.
Sydni Ellis is a freelance writer and mom to an always energetic 8-month-old boy. She loves drinking coffee, traveling with her husband and capturing the beauty of the world through words.