Movies in the Park Returns to Anisq’Oyo’ Park Amphitheater in Isla Vista

“Movies in the Park” is an annual recurring event hosted by Isla Vista Recreation and Park District (IVRPD) that features outdoor film screenings in the Anisq’Oyo’ Park amphitheater located in the heart of Isla Vista. “Movies in the Park” is part of IVRPD’s ongoing continuum of special events that are designed to provide high quality recreational programming, free to the Isla Vista community.

Starting Friday August 18th, 2023, friends and families across town will be able to enjoy an outdoor movie every week in the lush and tranquil setting of Anisq’Oyo’ Park Amphitheater. IVRPD has partnered with Isla Vista Arts, The Magic Lantern, and UCSB Instructional Development to provide a 16-foot movie screen, 4k projector, and state-of-the-art sound system for a truly immersive cinematic experience. A total of 8 films catered to all ages will officially mark the start of this year’s community events calendar for IVRPD.

“With such incredible weather, it is a great time to maximize the beautiful parks and spaces in our neighborhoods. Isla Vista Recreation and Parks District has done it again, partnering with Isla Vista Arts and Magic Lantern Films to bring relatively new movies to the beautiful parks,” said Second District Supervisor, Laura Capps. “I look forward to seeing our community members join together to enjoy screenings now through mid-October.”

“We at Magic Lantern Films are thrilled to offer this fantastic and free outdoor movie series featuring recent films in partnership with Isla Vista Recreation and Park District,” said Anna Jensen from The Magic Lantern. “Each film has been carefully selected to cater to diverse tastes, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees. What could be more relaxing than cinema under the stars? Bring some popcorn, a blanket, and your friends to enjoy all our free Friday films.

“For this year’s Movies in the Park, we especially wanted to focus on creating a sense of play with the natural environment,” said IVRPD’s General Manager, Kimberly Kiefer. “Our grounds team has put a great deal of work into preparing Anisq’Oyo’ Park Amphitheater and we hope everyone in Isla Vista can join us. We’d also like to thank our partners at The Magic Lantern, the Isla Vista Arts, UCSB’s Instructional Development for helping us make Movies in the Park an unforgettable experience.”

Come celebrate the end of summer by joining us in the Anisq’Oyo’ Park amphitheater every Friday night from August 18 until October 13, excluding Friday September 1st for Labor Day weekend. Everyone is welcome. A limited quantity of snacks and lite refreshments will be provided while supplies last. IVRPD has allocated a portion of its Measure O Budget to ensure this event remains free for the Isla Vista community. An event line up and FAQ page has been prepared in the following sections of this informational brief.

IVRPD encourages guests to attend the event by bicycle, by skateboard, by foot, by bus—direct routes to the park include Santa Barbara MTD Lines 11, 15x, 25x, and 27—or by other means of alternative transportation. Guests may request ADA accommodations by emailing ivrpd@ivparks.org or by calling (805) 968-2017.