Alamo Drafthouse is turning the season into a cinematic shark fest with its “Great Bites” film series. And, if you’re looking to make an easy summer road trip, the Texas-based movie theater group is also hosting a lineup of on-the-water screenings at Volente Beach Resort & Waterpark down in Leander.
So, if you’re chasing the nostalgia for Jaws, or just hungering for new thrills like Dangerous Animals, you’re going to want to take a bite out of this.
Here’s a dive into everything you need to know about these events:
The "Great Bites" series in Dallas
In July, Alamo Drafthouse locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area will host the “Great Bites” film series, a curated lineup designed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jaws. But this special run of showings isn’t stopping at sharks.“We really wanted to capture the cultural footprint of Jaws,” explains Jake Isgar, Head of Alternative Content and Specialty Programming for Alamo Drafthouse. “It’s not just about sharks. This legacy inspired everything from knockoffs to completely fresh takes within the genre.”
Indeed, the series dives into a mix of classics and lesser-known gems like Piranha, Deep Blue Sea, Alligator, Grizzly and The Shallows. These films serve as both tributes to Jaws and celebrations of their unique storytelling flair. Adding even more appeal, tickets for these screenings are free with the purchase of a small — but fully refundable — food and beverage voucher. Just show up hungry, and Alamo will do the Rest.
True to Alamo Drafthouse’s knack for immersive fun, the Jaws Movie Party, running from May 26-28, promises more than just a screening. Think themed decor, interactive props and the chance to enthusiastically shout “You’re gonna need a bigger boat,” alongside a theater full of fellow fans. Tickets, priced at around $16, are rapidly vanishing, but a few seats remain for those daring enough to ride solo.
Jaws on the Water at Lake Travis
For the bravehearted looking to make plans for a summer trip, there’s Jaws on the Water. Kicking off this summer-long tradition at Volente Beach Resort in Leander, Texas, about a three-hour drive from Dallas, audiences will float under the stars in movie-themed inner tubes while Spielberg’s killer sea tale plays onscreen.“The immersive experience is what really makes it special,” says Dani Thomas, senior event producer for Alama Drafthouse. “You’re in the water, you’ve got divers lurking below, and when the final explosion happens on-screen, we sync it with fireworks. It’s the stuff of goosebumps, even for us veterans.”
Tickets for this cinematic dip, with two screening opportunities in June and two more in July, come in two tiers. You can bring your own tube for $41.95 or elevate the experience by snagging a Jaws-themed float for $64.98.
Dangerous Animals on the Water Texas Premiere
If you’re looking for something a little bloodier this summer, mark May 31 on your calendar for the Texas Premiere of Dangerous Animals. This “sharksploitation-meets-serial-killer” tale will also screen on-the-water at Volente Beach, offering fans their first taste of a Rolling Roadshow movie premiere. With extra props from Independent Film Company (IFC) and Shudder to amp up the festivities, Dangerous Animals on the Water is unlike anything Alamo Drafthouse has attempted before.
“This is the first time we’ve premiered a movie in this format, with filmmakers and cast in attendance,” Thomas ays.
Director Sean Byrne and star Hassie Harrison will partake in a live Q&A, giving attendees an up-close glimpse into their blood-pumping thriller. Each ticket includes waterpark access, a meal, a beverage and photo opportunities.
From themed inner tubes to synced special effects, these screenings are no small feat. Thomas says they require nearly a year of planning, but that the experience is worth it.
“Being able to watch people float in the water with their glow sticks, realizing there are divers beneath them, and truly seeing their smiles — that’s why we do it,” she says.
For those who prefer to enjoy their popcorn with air conditioning, the Dallas screenings have you covered. But, if you can’t help but wonder what it feels like to float on the edge of terror, Lake Travis awaits. Either way, Alamo Drafthouse is ensuring shark enthusiasts have plenty more to chew on this summer.
Quick Bite: What to Watch in Dallas
“Great Bites” series celebrating Jaws (July 1-29) - Free with refundable food and beverage vouchers
Jaws Movie Party (May 26-28) – $16 (includes themed props and souvenirs)
Lake Travis Experience:
Dangerous Animals on the Water Texas Premiere (May 31): $47.69
Jaws on the Water (June 7, June 21, July 12 and July 26): $41.95 (BYO tube) | $64.98 (with custom tube)
