Entertainment

Ready for drive-in movie night at Walmart? Two dates are planned for Bradenton

National retailer Walmart spread a little bit of cheer with the announcement of a drive-in movie tour across the U.S. that will start in mid-August.

The tour listing features stops at 160 Walmart Supercenters in more than 10 states, including two dates in Bradenton. It is one of 12 Florida cities on the pop-up tour. More events will be announced soon, the company said.

The films, which will vary by location, include recent super hero flicks, retro family classics and sports movies. A short film will also play before each feature. The project is a partnership with the Tribeca Film Festival, whose movie buffs curated the selections for Walmart.

“We recognize the challenges our customers and their families have faced over the last few months, and we wanted to create an experience where they could come together safely to create new memories,” executive vice president Janey Whiteside said in a statement.

Bradenton will get a showing of “Dolphin Tale” on Aug. 21 and “The Goonies” on Aug. 22. Tickets are free and can be reserved online. Reservations are open at thewalmartdrivein.com.

One ticket is required for each vehicle, as well as a portable or automobile FM radio to tune into the movie audio.

Each vehicle can have as many guests as there are seat belts, the company said, and guests will be asked to remain inside of their cars for the duration of the movie. A mask will be required for anyone that gets out of a vehicle.

Drew Barrymore will play virtual host of the drive-in theaters, and the movie star will also make one special in-person appearance at one of the showings. Other planned celebrity appearances, which may be virtual or in-person, are Peter Berg, Jennifer Garner, LeBron James and Chrissy Metz.

A nationwide drive-in movie event hosted by Walmart will make a two-night stop at the Walmart Supercenter at 6225 East State Road 64 in Bradenton, along with stores in 11 other Florida cities.
A nationwide drive-in movie event hosted by Walmart will make a two-night stop at the Walmart Supercenter at 6225 East State Road 64 in Bradenton, along with stores in 11 other Florida cities. Provided Photo/Walmart, Inc.

Walmart Drive-in movie tour Florida dates

All movies begin at 7:30 p.m; gates open 90 minutes before showtime.

Pinellas Park

Aug. 14: Dolphin Tale

Aug. 15: The Goonies

Wesley Chapel

Aug. 18: Spy Kids

Aug. 19: Selena

Bradenton

Aug. 21: Dolphin Tale

Aug. 22: The Goonies

Miami

Aug. 25: Dolphin Tale

Aug. 26: Selena

Pembroke Pines

Aug. 28: Spy Kids

Aug. 29: Spider Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Avon Park

Sept. 1: Dolphin Tale

Sept. 2: Teen Titans GO! To The Movies

Winter Haven

Sept. 4: Spider Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Sept. 5: The LEGO Batman Movie

Mulberry

Sept. 8: Dolphin Tale

Sept: 9: Teen Titans GO! To The Movies

Lakeland

Sept. 11: Spider Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Sept. 12: Space Jam

Tampa

Sept. 15: Spider Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Sept. 16: Spy Kids

Spring Hill

Sept. 18: Dolphin Tale

Sept. 19: The Goonies

Inverness

Sept. 22: The LEGO Batman Movie

Sept. 23: Space Jam

Visit thewalmartdrivein.com for more info.

RB
Ryan Ballogg
Bradenton Herald
Ryan Ballogg is a local news and environment reporter and features writer at the Bradenton Herald. His work has received awards from the Florida Society of News Editors and the Florida Press Club. Ryan is a Florida native and graduate of USF St. Petersburg. Support my work with a digital subscription
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