Sunset Cinema: Hairspray at The Wharf

Sunset Cinema: Hairspray at The Wharf

The Wharf's Sunset Cinema series is back, and this week they are screening Hairspray (2007). If you have never watched it with your kids, you are in for a treat. The movie is packed with catchy songs, colorful choreography, and a message about inclusion that hits without being preachy. My kids were singing "You Can't Stop the Beat" for a solid week after we saw it last year at home, so I can only imagine what it will be like on a giant outdoor screen with a crowd.

The setup is pretty simple. Bring your own blanket or low chairs, claim a spot on the lawn along the waterfront, and settle in. The movie starts around sunset, but families start arriving earlier to eat dinner and let the kids run around before the show. The Wharf has a good mix of restaurants, so you can grab tacos from one place, ice cream from another, and basically build your own pre-movie picnic without packing anything from home.

One thing I appreciate about these screenings is how relaxed the atmosphere is. Nobody cares if your toddler dances in front of the screen or if your six-year-old asks questions every five minutes. It is a family event through and through. The waterfront location makes it feel like a real outing, not just watching a movie outside. And if the kids lose interest halfway through, you can walk along the water, look at the boats, and still have a great evening. The whole thing is free, which means there is zero pressure. If it works, great. If not, you leave whenever you want.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Arrive early: Good spots on the lawn fill up fast, especially on warm evenings. Getting there 30 to 45 minutes before showtime makes a big difference.
• ✓Bring layers: The waterfront gets breezy after sunset. A light jacket for the kids is a good idea even in June.
• ✓Food options: There are plenty of restaurants right at The Wharf. Grab takeout and eat while you watch.
• ✓Blankets and chairs: Low chairs and blankets work best. Tall chairs can block the view for families behind you.
• ✓Restrooms: Public restrooms are available at The Wharf. Lines can get long during the movie, so plan ahead.