Cathedral City Launches Free Summer Movie Series Aimed at Boosting Youth Literacy Across the Coachella Valley

CATHEDRAL CITY, California — Local non-profits, municipal leaders, and county educators are joining forces to launch an innovative summer initiative aimed at boosting youth literacy across the Coachella Valley. With studies showing that more than one in five Americans struggle with everyday reading tasks, organizers are utilizing a unique approach: a free summer kids' movie series designed to merge family entertainment with foundational learning.

The Free Summer Kids Movie Series will take place at the Mary Pickford Theatre in Downtown Cathedral City every Friday morning at 10:00 a.m., running from June 12th through July 31st, 2026. Doors will open weekly at 9:30 a.m., and because seating is limited, free passes will be distributed at the box office on a first-come, first-served basis. To support local families, a free junior popcorn and a small bottled water will also be provided to the first 100 children in attendance each week.

The multi-week program is designed to directly support the Riverside County Office of Education’s "Literacy by Fifth Grade" initiative, which aims to ensure that every local student achieves reading fluency before entering the fifth grade. To maximize the educational impact of the film screenings, representatives from the Riverside County Library System will take the stage before each movie to read a selected children's book aloud to the audience. Additionally, free books will be distributed to young attendees at every single screening to help children build their own libraries at home.

Sean Webb, the Executive Director of the Read With Me Volunteer Programs, emphasized that building strong reading habits early in life drastically improves a child's future, paving a clearer path toward higher education and sustainable career opportunities. Webb noted that when children develop a genuine love for reading, it shifts their lifelong trajectory, helping them earn degrees and build a better life. This community-driven initiative is fully supported by the Cathedral City Parks and Community Events Commission, NAI Consulting, Fomotor Engineering, and Dinner with Patsi.

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