The Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St. NE) will host its first summer film series from June 9 to Sept. 4.

Thursdays will feature a tongue-in-cheek series called Gay 101, with films such as “La Cage Aux Folles” and “All About Eve.”

Saturday afternoons will have family films from the 1970s, including “The Muppet Movie” and “Charlotte’s Web.”

And Saturday evenings will turn the Atlas into Cinema al Fresco, a virtual vacation to Italy through film. Some films for this series include “The Godfather: Part II” and “Roman Holiday.”

Although seating will be available, audience members can also bring their own chairs, blankets and picnics to create an outdoor atmosphere. Beer, wine and food will be on sale.

The staff hopes the people from the community embrace the series, said Jen DeMayo, the Atlas’ communications director.

“We want it to introduce us to people who haven’t seen a show at the Atlas yet,” she said. “The series will create its own atmosphere.”

The film series started out as an idea that allowed parents to bring their children to an outdoor movie setting, DeMayo said. Usually, outdoor movies start too late for families to venture out. With space available at the Atlas and a slow summer season, why not start a film series?

The idea grew from there, with the Gay 101 and “staycation” elements added on. Plans have already begun for next year’s film series.

The films will be shown in the Sprenger Theatre. Tickets are $6 each, with package deals available online and at the box office at 202-399-7993.

For more information and a list of the movies, visit atlasarts.org.