The Capitol has long been heralded as one of the “coolest” places to visit in downtown Bowling Green. While they could have been referring to the fan ventilation systems in use during early years or the air conditioning units of modern times, we believe that the building’s “cool” factor is an indicator of not only its comfortable temperature but of its overall vibe, as well!
In fact, for those looking to rent a local, affordable space for a ceremony, celebration, or big-screen movie showing, the Capitol could be the perfect cool location! The historic venue on Main Street with its spacious auditorium and beautiful lobby on the first floor and mezzanine, conference room, and balcony seating on the second floor, the facility can accommodate groups of all sizes. With historic ambiance and art deco styling, the building makes for an attractive, festive gathering space.
If you are interested in renting the Capitol, get the process started by going to capitolbg.org and filling out the “Contact Us” form with details and the dates you’re interested in. We will get back to you within a few days to discuss availability and event details. Before you begin planning for a movie event, keep in mind that any film you select to show must fall under the library’s public performance umbrella. A complete list of those movies can be found on the Swank website (www.swank.com/public-libraries). From their home page, under “Market” select “Public Libraries” as the audience.
Speaking of films, a slate of free ones (including one high-flying documentary) has been scheduled, most corresponding with the transportation theme of the Summer Reading Program. While we can’t share the movies’ titles in this article because of public performance parameters, they are viewable via the movie link at capitolbg.com. You may, however, be able to guess them by the quotes and synopses listed below:
Sunday, June 2, 3pm – “The Great American Air Affair”
On the 30th anniversary of Bowling Green’s exhilarating air show, join Peridot Pictures to celebrate the city’s rich history with aviation. This documentary provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds and their experiences as top-notch aerial performers. After the screening, the filmmakers and event organizers will participate in a Q&A session and discuss what it took to host and document a world-class air show.
Monday, June 3, 2pm – “Don’t call me Shirley!”
Midday Movies start with a community social hour at 1pm followed by an inclusive theater experience at 2pm featuring a movie with subtitles. Synopsis: A traumatized ex-flier boards a plane hoping to win back his flight attendant girlfriend. Meanwhile, the pilots get food poisoning, and someone has to land the jet. Rated: PG (1980)
Tuesday June 4, 12:30pm – “You’ve got a friend in me!”
This computer-animated tale centers on the rivalry between two children’s toys: Woody, a cowboy doll who’s the leader and the brains of the group, and a cocky spaceman named Buzz Lightyear. Rated: G (1995)
Tuesday, June 4, 6:30pm – “If you ain’t first, you’re last.”
This comedy starring Will Ferrell follows the rise and fall and rise again of a NASCAR driver and his good-ol’-boy sidekick. Rated: PG-13 (2006)
Wednesday, June 5, 6:30pm – Duncan Hines Days Movie Night
Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton sing and dance in this 1982 block-buster musical comedy sponsored by Duncan Hines Days. Rated: R (1982)
Tuesday, June 11, 12:30pm – “To infinity and beyond!”
This sci-fi action adventure is the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the toy, and follows the legendary Space Ranger. Rated: PG (2022)
Wednesday, June 12, 6:30pm – “Do you think there’s people on other planets?”
Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughey shine in this spellbinding drama of a dedicated astronomer’s quest to make first contact. Rated: PG (1997)
Tuesday, June 18, 12:30pm – The Pixar saga continues!
Buzz and the gang race to save Woody after he’s kidnapped by a greedy toy collector who’s intent on making a lucrative online sale. Rated: G (1999)
Wednesday, June 19, 6pm – Juneteenth Celebration & Movie Night with BG Freedom Walkers
To celebrate Juneteenth, BG Freedom Walkers will host a speaker from the community at 6pm followed by a movie at 6:30pm. Synopsis: Three female African American mathematicians provide crucial calculations for NASA’s space race against the Soviets, while dealing with their co-workers’ racist and sexist assumptions. Rated: PG (2016)
Tuesday, June 25, 12:30pm – Here comes Lightning McQueen!
A cocky hot rod gets stranded in a desert town en route to a big race and gets a long-overdue lesson in humility with the help of the town’s quirky car population. Rated: G (2006)
Tickets are not required for admission, but concessions will be sold. To view additional ticketed events happening at the Capitol this month or in the months to come, go to capitolbg.org/get-tickets. Don’t forget to follow us on social media and sign up for our online newsletter, too!
-by Ashley Fowlkes
