Recurring Summer Events in PoCo – July 2024

Pocahontas County has a great variety of recurring activities in July for families and individuals to enjoy. From free movies to free live music and great reading programs, you will want to be sure to take advantage of some of these opportunities in July!

The Rialto Theatre offers free kids movies each Tuesday and Thursday at 10 AM on Tuesdays and 1:30 PM on Thursdays. These movies are able to have free admission and discounted combo trays at the concessions thanks to the generosity from local businesses. “Although we have been doing the free movies for several summers now, this is our second summer showing Universal titles,” stated Rialto Manager, Parker Aden. “We have a great lineup of some of DreamWorks’ greatest hits, and they have been very well attended so far! We crossed over 500 people in the month of June alone. We have 5 more movies planned for July and August.”

These movies, which include The Boss Baby and Over the Hedge, resume after July 4th on July 9th and run each week until August 8th. “It is so fun getting to see a wide variety of kids and adults enjoy movies from throughout the last two decades with us on the big screen,” shared Aden. The Rialto Theatre is located on Main Street in Pocahontas, and continues to have its routine nightly showings of current movies with a 2 PM Sunday matinee in addition to the free shows.

Multiple libraries through Pocahontas County have offered summer reading opportunities through fun programs. “Encouraging children to participate in the Summer Reading program at their library is important because it encourages reading skills (both established and new), sparks interest in books, is an opportunity for social interaction (for kids & their adults!) and is just plain fun!” Stated Glenda Mulder, librarian at the Laurens Public Library. “Our County Libraries have a variety of areas of interest this year. Some are using the National theme of “Read, Renew, Repeat”, which has an emphasis on conservation. One Library is doing a Star Wars theme, and some are just plain doing Summer Reading, with a variety of topics, STEM activities, and local guests of interest to the kids.”

These program times are all scattered throughout the weeks and days, so there is sure to be one that fits your schedule. Each library has a unique space and activity to offer your family! “Whether you only go to your local library,” shared Mulder, “or make it a goal to visit as many libraries as you can this summer, READ and enjoy!” 

There are also some great live music opportunities families and adults can enjoy. Of course there are some great headliners at the local celebrations, but in addition the Pocahontas Chamber of Commerce coordinates Art in the Park every Wednesday through July at Heritage Park in Pocahontas.

“Art in the Park takes place at 6:30 PM in Heritage Park,” shared Sam White, Pocahontas Chamber Summer Intern. “Every week we have a new performer play and have free seating available. It’s a good way for people to get outside, meet new people, and have fun all while enjoying free entertainment!”

Additionally, Aspen Leaf Coffee has a First Friday music series with a new entertainer performing the first Friday of each month. You can follow the schedule on their Facebook page and make plans to attend.

Looking for more activities to do in PoCo this summer? Check out our community calendar!