Hurricane Harvey: Texas Theater Chains Offer Free Movie Screenings For Evacuees

AUSTIN, TX — Two Texas movie theater chains are offering free admission to movie screenings for those displaced from their homes as a result of Hurricane Harvey— now downgraded to Tropical Storm Harvey.

Santikos Entertainment officials posted the offer to Texas Gulf Coast evacuees on their Facebook page. The offer runs until Aug. 31. A valid picture ID is required to secure a seat, with the offer available to residents of Calhoun, Jackson, San Patricio, Refugio, Matagorda, Brazoria, Victoria, Nueces, Aransas, Wharton and Kleberg counties.

“We recognize that this is a difficult time for families who have been displaced as a result of this storm.” David Holmes, CEO of Santikos Entertainment, said in a prepared statement. “Disaster assistance was one of the many causes Mr. Santikos chose to support, so we are pleased to offer a free movie during this difficult time.”

Alamo Drafthouse also is offering free admission for evacuees until Aug. 31 at any San Antonio, Laredo and New Braunfels locations. Alamo Drafthouse officials also made their announcement via their Facebook page noting the offer is for first-run films only and does not apply to special engagements or private events. All late comer, take & text, and age policies apply.

No verification of evacuee status is required for the offer, and it will be conducted on the honor system.

Home displacement as a result of natural disasters can take an emotional toll on families. At least for the hour-and-a-half to two hours run of a typical movie, distressed families—particularly anxious children among them—can find momentary escape with a good film.

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