Making sure we provide a wide variety of free, high-quality movies on a regular basis has been a goal of ours since the library began managing the Capitol in 2021. Looking at statistics after systematically targeting film lovers of all types and ages, it’s apparent our goal is paying off! While family movies in the summer have been a huge draw for several years, we have more recently seen a significant increase in attendance for other types of films, as well. Comparing 2024 to 2025, we have almost doubled the number of movies on the schedule, plus we have seen average attendance grow by 24%! Last year, 161 free movies were shown, and the number of attendees for all shows exceeded 13,000. Having folks experience movies in the same theater as existed in the early 1920s is an amazing historic experience, one we hope to continue many years into the future!
As for the near future, here are the movies on tap for February:
•Monday, February 2, at 2pm & 6:30pm – Bill Murray lives February 2 over and over in this comedy. (1993, PG) – Subtitled
•Wednesday, February 4, at 6:30pm – A 1970s Harlem-based crime drama starring Ron O’Neal. (1972, rated R)
•Wednesday, February 11, at 6:30pm – A psychological horror film about the disappearance of Alice Palmer (2008, rated R)
•Enjoy our Valentine’s Day double feature:
•Saturday, February 14, at 5pm – An updated version of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” starring Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles. (1999, rated PG-13)
•Saturday, February 14, at 7pm – A horror film about a Valentine’s Day massacre. (1981, rated R)
•Wednesday, February 18 at 6:30pm – Goodbye, Dragon Inn is a Mandarin language film that will be shown with English subtitles. (2003, not rated)
•We’re having an Oscar’s Best Picture movie marathon:
•Saturday, February 21, at 12pm – Experience this aerial World War I adventure, one of the first movies shown in the early days of the theater. (1927, rated PG-13)
•Saturday, February 21, at 3pm – Relive Rose and Jack’s romantic, ill-fated voyage! (1997, rated PG-13)
•Saturday, February 21, at 7pm – A South Korean black comedy thriller, in Korean with English subtitles. (2019, rated R)
•Wednesday, February 25, at 6:30pm – A biographical drama about the life of Malcolm X. (1992, rated PG-13)
Winterfest Live Music Lineup
Fridays in February are going to rock downtown during the Capitol’s free community concert series! All the talented bands that are part of the Winterfest lineup are brought to you by Warren County Public Library, Flora Templeton Stuart, and WNKY. They include:
February 6 at 7pm: Peter the Freshman will bring the ultimate ’90s party to the stage, covering all your favorite rock and pop hits from the decade. Known as “Bowling Green’s Premiere Party Band,” Peter the Freshman delivers a fun, crowd-friendly set packed with nostalgia that will have you singing along!
Friday, February 13 at 7pm: For four decades, the Ernie Small Blues Band has been a staple of the local music scene. Led by Ernie Small and featuring some of the area’s most notable musicians, the band will bring a dynamic blend of blues, rock, and soul to the stage. Their signature mix of tight musicianship and feel-good energy has made them a beloved favorite across South Central Kentucky.
Friday, February 20 at 7pm: Business of Misery is Bowling Green’s premier Paramore tribute band, led by vocalist Candace Barbee. Founded in 2025, this high energy four-piece will deliver a faithful take on Paramore’s biggest songs. Their set is packed with fan favorites that are guaranteed to make you dance!
Friday, February 27 at 7pm: Bueler’s Day Off is another local band known for covering a wide mix of genres. Each member brings years of professional experience, and together they will create a fun, laid-back atmosphere built around their shared love of making music. Whether it’s rock, pop, or something in between, Bueler’s Day Off delivers a show that’s all about great music and good times.
MORE Feel-Good-February Moments!
While we highlighted the speakers who’ll be on stage this month in last month’s article, we want to remind you again about their free presentations on the Capitol stage:
•Monday, February 9 at 6pm – Former Bachelor alum Sean Lowe will discuss faith and family. The first 200 in attendance will be given a free rose!
•Tuesday, February 17 at 6pm – Former Bachelorette Michelle Young will discuss her foundation that connects students to educational opportunities. The first 200 in attendance will be given a free rose!
•Saturday, February 28 at 3pm – Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Dr. Betty Shabazz and Malcolm X, will discuss her work to continue her parents’ legacy. Free copies of one of her books will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis.
Free tickets are available at capitolbg.org/events.
-by Ashley Fowlkes, Digital Content Manager
