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June 2, 2021Bites Camera Action Outdoor Movie Series Starts Friday, June 18 at SUNY Plaza Park
The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) and the State University of New York (SUNY) are proud to present the return of the Bites Camera Action free outdoor summer movie series, kicking off June 18 and running for six consecutive Friday evenings through July 23. This year’s series will take place on the lawn at the H. Carl McCall State University of New York Administration Building, the iconic former D&H Railroad Headquarters, at 353 Broadway in downtown Albany.
With film screening equipment generously donated for the series by Christ’s Church Albany and the Albany Police Department, Bites Camera Action will transform the SUNY Building lawn into an open-air movie theater. A collection of popular films, including both classic favorites and new releases, will be screened as part of the series. The lawn will open for seating at 7:30 PM each week, and movies will begin at dusk, or approximately 8:30 PM.
The schedule is as follows:
June 18: Black Panther (presented in conjunction with Albany’s Juneteenth Festival the following day)
June 25: The Greatest Showman
July 2: Independence Day (25th anniversary of theatrical release)
July 9: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (celebrating co-star Tom Hanks’ birthday)
July 16: A League of Their Own
July 23: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Announcements regarding event postponements for inclement weather will be made via the Downtown Albany BID social media channels, as well as on downtownalbany.org/bca.
In compliance with current New York State COVID-19 safety regulations, attendance at the event will be strictly limited based on social distancing guidelines. As organizers anticipate that space may run out, attendees are strongly encouraged to reserve a pod space in advance by visiting www.downtownalbany.org/bca or calling (518) 465-2143 x111. Spaces sized for 3-4 person family units and 1-2 person couples or individuals will be available. All attendees will be required to register in advance or to sign-in onsite if space is available, and masks will be required outside of the socially-distanced pod areas.
Attendees are encouraged to support nearby restaurants for “Bites” – a flyer with takeout and delivery information for open restaurants during the hours of the event will be provided to attendees each week.
“We are thrilled to bring the Bites Camera Action movie series to this beautiful location,” said Georgette Steffens, Executive Director of the Downtown Albany BID. “The H. Carl McCall Building and the State Street view in the background combine to provide a totally unique movie-going atmosphere, highlighting Downtown’s incredible history and architecture. After more than a year of primarily virtual events, we are excited to safely gather with friends and neighbors at this spectacular space for a new twist on a classic summer experience. Downtown is open for business and we encourage attendees to pair these films with great meals from nearby local businesses.”
SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras said, “The State University of New York is proud to partner with the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District to host Bites Camera Action. This free movie series is a positive step forward in our return to normalcy for our community, and we encourage our local residents to attend and enjoy the great movie choices we’re offering this summer. We thank the Downtown Albany BID for being such a great partner and letting us host what will be a great summer series.”
“It is such a good thing when neighbors can come together for fun activities!” said Jonathan Hentrich, Lead Pastor of Christ’s Church Albany, who will be donating screening equipment for a portion of the series as part of the church’s Love Albany community outreach program. “We love Albany, and are so excited to be a part of this neighborhood event!”
“It’s wonderful to have the free outdoor movie series Bites Camera Action back in downtown Albany this summer,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “Thanks to the Downtown BID, the Albany Police Department, Christ’s Church Albany and SUNY for making it possible to safely gather and enjoy this summer tradition. Complete the night by picking up dinner from one of the great Downtown restaurants and bringing it to the movie!”
Free parking is available after 5:00 PM at the nearby Riverfront Garage (2 Columbia Street) and the Green-Hudson Garage* (45 Hudson Avenue), as well as on the street. Find more details at www.parkalbany.com. *Please note that a $5 fee for the Green-Hudson Garage will be in place for June 25 only, due to another event in the area.
Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to view the movie, as these items will not be provided by the event organizers.
The Bites Camera Action series is presented by the Downtown Albany BID and SUNY, with support from partner organizations the City of Albany, Christ’s Church, the Palace Theatre and ParkAlbany.
Find more information on Bites Camera Action at www.downtownalbany.org/bca.
