Movies with a View: Meet Rooftop Cinema Club
Ever wanted to watch your favorite film al fresco, with sparkling views of the city? You’re in luck!
Photos by Anna Petrow
If you have social media and interests in film or pop culture, your algorithm may have fed you ads for a very specific, very enticing, incredibly fun experience that popped up in The Crossroads District of Kansas City, Missouri over the summer. And while that season was an absolute swamp fest of a time to be outside, this particular experience is growing in its enticement as the weather cools – or at least until we go straight from “balmy” to “frigid.”
Rooftop Cinema Club has already made its mark in nine major cities around the world. Its tenth location just opened its doors this summer, on a rooftop above our most vibrant arts district. Founder and CEO Gerry Cottle, Jr. fell in love with the Crossroads area when he visited, the “young, professional, arts-focues community” being similar to those that enjoy Rooftop in other cities.
As for the building itself? Beautiful and easy to find. While there is no designated parking, per se, there are an abundance of street parking options nearby, a few lots, and it is an easy commute down via trolley and foot from Union Station. The website suggests a paid parking garage at West 22nd St. as well.
This specific location – a three story building with a brick facade tucked away at West 21st and West Pennway St, was chosen very carefully. “We looked into different locations and ultimately settled on 2101 Broadway because everything aligned seamlessly,” explains Priscilla Gonzalez and the team with Rooftop Cinema Club. “When we toured the rooftop for our Kansas City location and saw the amazing skyline view, it was no question that this was the perfect venue.”
And she isn’t wrong. As soon as you reach the roof on the fourth floor, there is a sudden burst of fresh air as you are met by kind staff and a cute, full service bar with a curated cocktail menu, decked out with twinkling lights and ceiling fans for nights when the sticky summer weather just won’t quit. (And in the midwest, humidity is an issue!) The Box Office is well marked in lights, and there are a few really cute photo op moments around the space. A brilliant, cartoon mural is the focal point in a space that feels tropical, almost.
At the bar, you can grab brats, hot dogs, and mac n cheese, cooked to order in a 32-foot airstream that is sitting on the roof. (Ambiance!) Or cozy up with signature cocktails like the “Chai Before Guys” and “Per My Last Email.” Both delectable, if I do say so myself. The picturesque rooftop bar is open to the public – you don’t even have to have a movie ticket – daily at 5pm, so make sure to get there early so you can park and meander up for a drink. (Or three!)
Rooftop Cinema Club boasts an 80-capacity movie section that is intimate, yet expansive. With the sky as your celing, you may be subject to the elements but your sense of whimsy is threefold what it could be at another theatre. There is a projector set up to begin play at 7:30 pm and 10:30 pm, though start times may vary as the season progresses due to the sunset.
There are three pricing tiers depending on the type of seat you purchase, and you can choose between premium luxe sofas, adirondack chairs, and loveseats. Pricing depends on which type of seat you choose, the seat type, and if your particular event has any ticket inclusions, but ranges between $20 and $30 per person. The luxe sofas come with exclusive table service at your own coffee table setup, so it feels like home under the stars.
Each seat has its own set of light up headphones. While I wanted to be annoyed by them – I hadn’t planned on going to a silent disco – having the lights did help when the sun set, and the sound quality was much better than I am sure they could battle the elements with on amplifiers. (The staff thoroughly cleans and replaces head gear meticulously, so germs aren’t anything you need to worry about.)
Since their tenth location in Kansas City also happens to be one of the more volatile, weather-wise, I was lucky enough to ask about protocol for evenings when things might not necessarily go as planned. Admitted Gonzalez, “We are certainly prepared and have learned over the years. In case of rain, guests will have a chance to transfer their tickets to a different showing. If it's not raining too hard, we have ponchos to pass out if they choose to stay. For those who add weather protection when purchasing their ticket, they can receive a full refund for any canceled screening.”
While I was lucky enough to stop in for a showing of American Psycho, Kansas City has been responding well to the Rooftop Cinema Club calendar as a whole. “We are seeing Crossroads gravitate to staples like La La Land, 10 Things I Hate About You, and The Notebook,” expands Gonzalez. “However, newer films like Sinners are selling out quickly. Oh, and our Gilmore Girls Mini-Marathon. We broke a company record with how fast KC snagged those tickets.”
Get witchy all season long with themed movies with your friends! And keep your eyes peeled for upcoming Wooftop Cinema Club events, where you can bring your fur friends for a laid back evening on the roof.
