With events like Point Fish Fry & A Flick, Stand-Up Cinema, and the variety of between-fest screenings Milwaukee Film offers, there’s no shortage of ways for people in town to catch a movie in an uncommon location or with a unique theme affixed to the showing. In that same spirit, Bike-In Movie Series has been a signature event for cyclists in recent Milwaukee summers.
Put on each year by a group of community volunteers representing Breakaway Bicycle Courier, Milwaukee Bike Polo Club, and Pedal Pushers Society, along with sponsorship from Trocadero, Brady Street B.I.D., Roman Coin, City of Milwaukee, Amazing Milwaukee Bike Race, Truly Spoken Cycles, and MKE Bike Polo, the free monthly screenings—which run from June to October—illuminate the south end of the Holton Street Viaduct (not far from Brady Street) at dusk. While the series started as a celebration of Milwaukee’s cycling culture, it has changed in recent years to appeal to more people. Bicycles are not necessary to attend.
“We used to choose movies that were heavily bike-themed, but ran out after a few years, and [we] wanted to increase our reach, so we expanded to just cool and fun movies we would want to see out under a bridge with a bunch of friends,” Bike-In Movie co-coordinator Jake Newborn says. “Now if a movie has even a cameo by a bike, we cheer with delight.”
Newborn says the film series is a reflection of the growth and passion of bicycle enthusiasts.
“Milwaukee is a great bike town and getting better,” he says. “Through lots of committed groups across the city, we are helping to improve the walk- and bikeablity, and creativeness of the city.”
Here’s the full line-up:
June 20: Jurassic Park
July 18: The Great Outdoors
August 15: Inglorious Basterds
September 19: Pippi Longstocking and A League Of Their Own (double feature)
October 10: Tremors