After a week of scorching temperatures, the Holding Park Aquatic Center was transformed into a refreshing refuge for the nighttime showing of Moana 2.
With options to watch both in and around the pool, and attended by more than 100 people on June 28, the atmosphere was festive for the screening of the popular film. Now in its second year, the Dive-In Movie will return on August 23 for the showing of Luca.
A great way to kick off summer, this family-friendly event brought residents together to enjoy a movie under the stars and celebrate the spirit of Wake Forest.
Erica Shingleton, an athletics specialist with Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources, originated and organized the event. Held for the first time last year with a showing of Kung-Fu Panda 4, doors open at 8 p.m., and the movie begins at sundown. And with the success of last year's event, the Town decided to make this a regular feature at the Aquatic Center moving forward. "I wanted to do the Dive-In to provide a different type of viewing experience for our patrons," Shingleton said. "We have Movies at the Park, so why not at the pool?"
Focused on making it a fun, family-friendly event, Shingleton said they hope to offer crafts and activities before the movie begins to engage kids of different ages. Both of the movies this summer are water- and summer-themed, so outfits and costumes reflecting those themes are encouraged and part of the fun.
"What a fun and unique way to spend a summer night in Wake Forest," said Jason Cannon, President of the Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership. "Holding Park, with its new park and amazing Aquatic Center, serves as the perfect location for this event. We hope more people will attend the next showing on August 23 and come out to enjoy the inclusive park all year long."
Special events like the Dive-In Movie add so much to Wake Forest’s quality of life by bringing people together to share new experiences, build community connections, and enjoy the town’s parks and amenities in creative ways. It’s also great to see families and visitors spending more time Downtown, whether grabbing dinner before the show, patronizing the local shops, or just soaking up the local atmosphere. Activities like this support Wake Forest’s vibrancy, family-friendliness, and distinctive community spirit.
Thinking about attending the next “Dive-in”? Here are a few key points to consider:
Tickets for Luca are $7 per person, regardless of age, and will be available for purchase from August 1-23. A maximum of 100 tickets is available. Everyone attending must check in with the pool attendant and receive a wristband prior to entering.
Concessions will be available for purchase, but no outside food or beverages are permitted. Alcohol, smoking, and unleashed pets are prohibited.
Be sure to bring a beach chair or blanket.
Swimming is allowed during the movie, but the slide and water features will be turned off.
In case of inclement weather, the movie screenings may be canceled.
Updated information will be posted on the Town website, Nextdoor, and the Facebook page. Smartphone users who have downloaded the Town app will also receive a push notification message concerning any schedule changes.
