The Chalfonte Theatre, home to the historic Elk Rapids Cinema, is proud to introduce CineGroove, a new weeknight film and music series that transforms the theatre into a lively cultural lounge.

Running Monday through Thursday from 6 PM to 9 PM, CineGroove features free classic films, live Village Radio DJs, and a wine and spirits tasting courtesy of Château Chantal — an all free event and open to the public.

Each evening begins at 6 PM with a curated selection of classic short films, animations, and cinematic treasures — from 1898’s one-minute “9th Infantry, Spanish-American War,” filmed by Thomas A. Edison, to vintage comedies by The Three Stooges, early Looney Tunes animations, and charming newsreels and documentaries from Hollywood’s Golden Age. These rare shorts are more than entertainment — they’re living artifacts of film history projected as they were meant to be seen: on the big screen.

At 7 PM, audiences can settle in for a feature-length classic. The weekly lineup through October includes:
Monday: Charade (1963) — Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn star in a sharp, stylish romantic thriller often called “the best Hitchcock movie Hitchcock never made.”

Tuesday: “Wives Under Suspicion” (1938) — A sharp and stylish crime drama from Universal Pictures, directed by the legendary James Whale (Frankenstein, The Invisible Man).

Wednesday: “The Big Wheel” (1949) starring Mickey Rooney, a thrilling race drama full of grit, charm, and roaring engines.

Thursday: “The Stranger” (1946) directed by and starring Orson Welles, alongside Edward G. Robinson and Loretta Young — a gripping noir masterpiece about identity and deception.

Between screenings, guests are invited to unwind in the CineGroove Lounge — a newly reimagined cinema lobby featuring soft lighting, vintage décor, and comfortable seating. Visitors can enjoy wine and cocktail tastings from Château Chantal, mingle with neighbors, and take in live music from Village Radio 99.7 LPFM, broadcast directly from the theatre. Each night features a different DJ and musical theme — from Nick Ranger’s International Waters to The Big Mellon Show’s signature sound — adding to the immersive cinematic atmosphere.

“CineGroove is all about rediscovering the communal joy of cinema,” said Aaron Timlin, President of the Chalfonte Foundation. “We wanted to create something where people could come together, relax, and experience classic film and music in an environment that feels both elegant and alive — and to make it accessible to everyone.”

CineGroove continues weekly at the Elk Rapids Cinema, Monday–Thursday, 6 PM to 9 PM. Admission is completely free, and all are welcome to drop in at any time during the evening.

For more information or to see the full lineup of films and events, visit elkrapidscinema.com or follow the Chalfonte Theatre on social media.