O’Malley’s Pub launched a nine-week outdoor movie series Friday, Sept. 4, drawing more than 25 people to its amphitheater for a showing of “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
The weekly series was developed as a family-friendly activity for Weston residents and visitors. Movies begin at 8 p.m. each Friday through Oct. 30.
Aubrey Stratton, lodging manager of the St. George Hotel, proposed the idea.
“I wanted something for families in Weston,” Stratton said.
The St. George Hotel and O’Malley’s Pub are owned and operated by Corey Weinfurt. Felicia Donaldson, general manager of O’Malley’s, said the business had not previously hosted an outdoor movie series.
Admission is $5 at the door. Children of all ages are admitted free when accompanied by a parent. Attendees may bring outdoor chairs, although chairs are also available at the amphitheater.
Guests can scan a QR code to order food, beer and soft drinks from O’Malley’s. Orders are then delivered to a station near the viewing area. The pub’s full food menu is available until 9 p.m., followed by its late-night menu. Popcorn and candy are also available.
Riley Hash, who recently moved to Weston and works at the Weston Historical Museum, said she learned about the event online and walked to the amphitheater after work.
“It’s a good thing to do at the end of the week and just kind of end your week on a high note,” Hash said.
The inaugural movie also attracted visitors who had not planned to attend. Autumn Shoemaker of Manhattan, Kansas, said her group learned about the event after checking into a Weston hotel. They later visited O’Malley’s and discovered the movie night.
Shoemaker described the wooded setting as “whimsical” and said having food and drinks delivered to the viewing area made the experience easy for visitors.
Adam Krebsbach, also of Manhattan, said the amphitheater’s setting complemented the adventure film.
“The entire atmosphere was amazing,” Krebsbach said. “It was perfect for that movie.”
The series continues Sept. 11 with “Labyrinth,” a selection chosen in recognition of Stratton, who named it as a favorite. The remaining September schedule includes “Stardust” on Sept. 18 and “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” on Sept. 25.
The October schedule features “Little Shop of Horrors” on Oct. 2, “Corpse Bride” on Oct. 9, “Beetlejuice” on Oct. 16, “Sleepy Hollow” on Oct. 23 and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” on Oct. 30.
