Dog-Friendly Movies? The New Parkway Invites Fido to the Show — Experimentally

More cafes and taverns are welcoming patrons with dogs, especially in their patio spaces, but taking your dog to the movies?

Oakland's New Parkway, 424 - 24th St., may be the first indoor theater ever to allow customers to bring their four-legged friends to a show. A screening of the R-rated Beginners on Saturday, June 8, at 3 p.m. is billed as "doggie-style," with dogs welcome — but only if at least 40 people purchase tickets in advance. according to the theater's Facebook page.

It's an experiment, and even theater staff are split about whether it's a workable idea, according to the theater's Facebook page.

Comments following the Facebook announcement are divided, with several people raising concerns about allergic reactions by customers at later shows. The staff says they will change all couch covers and clean the theater thoroughly before the next  screening.

You may purchase tickets in advance for $8 per person (plus service fee) at Brown Paper Tickets here. There's no extra charge for your dog. Check the New Parkway's Facebook page or call the theater information line at (510) 658-7900 for updates.

The New Parkway, modeled on East Oakland's now-defunct Parkway Theater, offers seating on couches and has a cafe selling food, including vegetarian options, and beverages, including beer and wine, which may be consumed in the theater itself.

Meanwhile, dog owners may also want to check out "Five Dog-Friendly Bars and Restaurants in the East Bay" in this week's edition of the East Bay Express.