2010 Sundown Film Festival

Start your engines for these car-related films coinciding with our Cars: The Need for Speed exhibit! Now in its fifth year, the Sundown Film Festival is one of the community's favorite summertime family events. Films are projected on a giant screen on the lawn of the Kansas Historical Society. Films and museum admission are free and concessions are available. This year's festival films include:

With the voices of Jim Henson and Frank Oz, this film follows Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear on their way to Hollywood to find fame. Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and the rest of the Muppets join them on their cross-country journey. Featured cars: 1946 Ford Station Wagon, 1951 Studebaker Commander Coupe, 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood Limousine

Richard Dreyfuss and Ron Howard star in this film about four California teenagers who spend their last summer night before college cruising, drag racing, picking up girls, and struggling with decisions about their future. Featured cars: 1932 Ford Deuce Coupe, 1955 Chevy One-Fifty, 1956 Ford Thunderbird, 1958 Chevy Impala, 1958 Edsel Corsair

This film, starring James Dean, Natalie Wood, and Sal Mineo, follows three teenagers through violence and tragedy, including a fatal “Chickie Run” where stolen cars are driven towards the edge of a cliff. Featured cars: 1941 Chevrolet Special DeLuxe, 1946 Ford Super DeLuxe, 1949 Mercury Coupe

John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John star in this musical about students at Rydell High. Members of the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies propel this film through pep rallies, dances, drive-ins, and drag races. Featured cars: 1948 Ford DeLuxe, 1948 Studebaker Commander Regal, 1949 Dodge Wayfarer, 1949 Mercury Custom, 1956 Dodge Custom Royal

Tips for enjoying the Sundown Film Festival:

• Bring your blankets and/or lawn chairs.
• Come early, because the plaza fills up fast! Set up on the grass, then stroll over to the museum to visit our main gallery for free from 5 to 9 p.m.
• The movie starts at sundown, usually around 9 p.m.
• Bug spray is always a good idea on a muggy summer night.
• The concession stand closes about 30 minutes into the film. Support the festival by buying concessions and/or making donations!
• In case of rain, the event will be moved inside to the museum lobby.