Movie on the Lawn: A Paw-fect Night at Huizenga Park

April 14, 2026

Grab a blanket, bring your lawn chairs, and don’t forget your four‑legged friends—Movie on the Lawn is returning to Huizenga Park on April 24, and this one is going to the dogs (and cats).

Join us for an outdoor screening of The Secret Life of Pets, a family‑friendly favorite that celebrates the funny, lovable lives of our furry companions. The evening will be filled with pet‑themed fun, sweet treats, and plenty of activities starting at 6:00 p.m. before the movie kicks off at 7:30 p.m.

Pet‑Themed Activities for All Ages

We’re turning movie night into a full experience with activities starting at 6:00 p.m. designed for both people and pets, including:

• Face painting with dog and cat designs for kids

• Pet vendors with treats, accessories, and information

• Kilwins with delicious sweets available for purchase

• Free popcorn for the first 100 guests

  
  

Dog Contests

And for our star guests with paws…

Get ready for some friendly competition! We’ll be hosting a best dressed pet contest and a dog peanut butter eating contest, with details to be announced soon.

The winners of both contests will receive a hand-curated Huizenga Park picnic basket filled with goodies for the winning pet and their humans too.

Park Partner Spotlight: Epic Pop Up Cinema

Epic Pop Up Cinema is Huizenga Park’s trusted programming partner for bringing unforgettable Movie on the Lawn experiences to life. As a South Florida–based outdoor cinema provider, Epic transforms the Civic Lawn into a vibrant open-air theater with high-quality projection, crystal-clear sound, and their signature silent, blower-free screens. Their full-service approach—from setup and operations to licensing—ensures a seamless, elevated experience for our guests, allowing the park to deliver memorable evenings under the stars in the heart of DowntownFTL.

A Community Night Under the Stars

Movie on the Lawn is all about bringing our community together in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, and this pet‑themed evening is no exception. Whether you’re coming with family, friends, or your favorite furry companion, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a spring night in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.

We hope you’ll join us for this tail‑wagging good time. Be sure to check our programming calendar for additional details—and check out more fun happenings at Huizenga Park.

About the Author

The team behind Huizenga Park is guided by a shared commitment to fostering community, creating lasting memories, and building an exceptional park experience.

This post was written by Juan Rodriguez, FTLDDA's Urban Park Manager, who oversees the operations, maintenance, and programming of Huizenga Park.