The Picture House Regional Film Center wrapped up its Family Fun Summer Series this past weekend, capping off a summer filled with blockbuster movies, special guests, themed activities, sweet treats, and memorable experiences for families at The Picture House Bronxville and Pelham.

Launched in June, the series was designed to make going to the movies an event for the whole family—pairing some of the summer’s biggest family films with interactive experiences before and after each screening.

The summer kicked off with “Toy Story 5,” where families met Buzz Lightyear, posed for photos, and enjoyed Toy Story-themed treats and collectibles. “Minions & Monsters” brought more movie-inspired fun, including a special guest meet-and-greet and Minions sundaes after the screenings.

In July, families were transported to the islands for Disney’s live-action “Moana,” with flower lei making, a Hawaiian-themed photo booth, hula hoops, tropical décor, and island-inspired refreshments. The fun continued in August with “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” In Pelham, the theater transformed into a superhero celebration with a special pop-up from Pelham Comics & Collectibles, a Spider-Man cosplay contest, collectible souvenir cups, popcorn, and free ice cream, generously sponsored by Pelham realtor Kurt Wiesenmaier of Houlihan Lawrence.

The series concluded with a special “PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie” celebration in Pelham. For the finale, the fun extended beyond the screen as families met real rescue dogs from NYC Second Chance Rescue and learned about their work helping dogs find forever homes. Pelham Police, Fire Department, and EMS workers also joined the festivities, giving children the chance to climb inside a police cruiser, fire truck, and EMS vehicle and meet some of the first responders who serve their community. The event was presented with the generous support of Mellstrom Bischof Ritchie Real Estate at Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty.

“What made this series so special was seeing families come through our doors not just to watch a movie, but to spend an afternoon together,” said Clayton Bushong, Executive Director of The Picture House Regional Film Center. “From meeting favorite characters and making leis to enjoying ice cream, meeting rescue dogs, and connecting with our local first responders, we were able to bring the movies to life in ways that created real memories. That sense of connection and shared experience is at the heart of what The Picture House is all about.”

“I also want to give a special thank you to our board members Lauren Frasca, Hyde Harper, Stephanie LaFera, Kyle Nichols, Julie Murray, and Bryan Terry, who championed the idea for this series from the beginning and brought so much creativity and enthusiasm to making it happen. Many of the special touches families enjoyed throughout the summer grew directly from their ideas and their commitment to creating something truly memorable for our community.”

And the fun doesn’t stop with summer. This fall, The Picture House invites the grown-ups to join in with two of its signature “fun-raising” events—Picnic in the Park in Pelham on Saturday, September 19, and Party on Kraft in Bronxville on Saturday, September 26. Both evenings bring friends, neighbors, and movie lovers together for delicious food and drinks, live music, and a special movie screening—all while raising critical funds to support The Picture House’s historic theaters, film programming, arts education, and community events throughout the year.

For more information about The Picture House, please visit www.thepicturehouse.org or email [email protected]. 

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Picture House. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.