A guide to Columbus outdoor movies
By Kelly Brooks, Events/Marketing Coordinator
Photo: Wexner Center for the Arts
For many people, outdoor movies carry a sense of nostalgia: childhood memories of visiting the local park—popcorn and blanket in tow—to watch a movie with friends, family and neighbors. Well, outdoor movies are back, and in a big way.
Sure, you may be familiar with the free movie screenings in NYC’s Central Park or the Screen on the Green series at the National Mall in D.C., but did you know that Columbus has plenty of its own outdoor movie options? With unique venues such as Creekside Plaza and Easton Town Center, and movie options ranging from black and white classics to animated flicks, it’s an experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
To get you started, I’ve put together a list of outdoor movie series throughout Columbus. All are completely free, family-friendly events that are certain to get you out of a summer rut. Pick you favorite flick, pop some popcorn and do something different this summer!
Classics on the Creek (Gahanna)
June 25 – Chicken Run
July 23 – Top Gun
August 27 – Pirates of the Caribbean
Where: Creekside Plaza, at 123 Mill Street
When: Fridays at 9 p.m.
How much: FREE
For more information, visit Gahanna.gov or call 614-342-4250.
Fryer Flicks on the Hill (Grove City)
June 17 - Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
June 24 - Raiders of the Lost Ark
July 1 - The Wizard of Oz
July 8 - Casablanca
July 15 - Hotel for Dogs
July 22 - Beverly Hills Cop (edited edition)
July 29 - Charlotte’s Web
August 5 - Rudy
Where: Fryer Park sledding hill, at 3899 Orders Road
When: Thursdays at dusk
How much: FREE. Ice cream and popcorn are sold on-site.
For more information, visit GroveCityOhio.gov or call 614-277-3050.
Movies By Moonlight Series (Easton Town Center)
July 13 - Where the Wild Things Are
July 20 - Surf’s Up
July 27 - Charlotte’s Web
August 3 - Labyrinth
August 10 - Top Gun
August 17 - A League of Their Own
August 24 - Back to the Future
August 31 - The Blind Side
Where: Town Square, at Easton Town Center
When: Tuesdays at dusk
How much: FREE
For more information, visit http://www.eastontowncenter.com/Events.aspx?id=179 .
Movies in the Park (Upper Arlington)
June 18 - Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
July 9 - Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
July 15 - Where the Wild Things Are
August 20 - Up
Where: Thompson Park, near the South Shelter House off McCoy Road
When: Thursdays and Fridays at dusk
How much: FREE
For more information, visit http://www.ua-ohio.net/recreation/division.php?fDD=91-669 .
Screen on the Green (Victorian Village)
July 30 – The Fantastic Mr. Fox
August 20 – Monty Python and the Holy Grail
September 24 – Best in Show
Where: Goodale Park, at the corner of Goodale Boulevard and Park Street
When: Fridays at dusk; classic cartoons precede the film beginning at 8:30 p.m.
How much: FREE. Refreshments from Clintonville Community Market, Mikey’s Late Night Slice, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Rad Dog are sold on-site.
For more information, visit FriendsOfGoodalePark.org .
Wex Drive-In (OSU Campus)
July 15 - The Talented Mr. Ripley
August 19 - Roman Holiday
Where: Wexner Center Plaza, at 15th Avenue and High Street
When: Thursdays at dusk; event begins at 8 p.m.
How much: FREE. Snacks and beverages are sold on-site.
For more information, visit http://www.wexarts.org/fv/?seriesid=169 or call 614-292-3535.
Did I miss anything here? If so, please let us know!
Tags: Easton Town Center, family friendly, Gahanna, Grove City, movies, outdoor, Upper Arlington, Victorian Village, Wexner
July 12th, 2010 at 11:32 am
There also is “Movies in the Park,” a signature event sponsored by the new Clintonville Rotary Club, which will transform the lower soccer fields in Whetstone Park, 3923 N. High St., into an outdoor community movie theater.
Movie fans will have a chance to watch two classics, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and The Wizard of Oz on a 28-foot giant screen, provided by Buckeye Outdoor Movies.
Willie Wonka will be shown Saturday, July 10, with a rain date scheduled for July 17.
The Wizard of Oz will be shown Saturday, July 24, with a rain date scheduled for July 31.
Move fans should plan to arrive at the park by 8:30 p.m. as the movies will begin at dusk. They’re encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, bug spray and flashlights
Free with light refreshments provided for a donation.
September 9th, 2010 at 10:31 pm
You can also enjoy the “Drive In” movie atmosphere in the comfort of your own backyard! Buckeye Outdoor Cinema is Ohio’s premiere Outdoor Movie Screen rental company. Great for the Big game or your own personal Backyard Movie night! We provide free standard delivery for Columbus and surrounding communities. Please visit http://www.BuckeyeOutdoorCinema.com for all the details.
January 7th, 2011 at 1:40 am
Fun Day Events has been doing outdoor movie events in Central Ohio for over 5 years and has movie systems to fit any venue from 50 guests to 3500 guests, from the back yard tailgate party to Giant public events held at Columbus Crew Stadium and on the lawn at the Columbus State House. The best Outdoor Movie Event guaranteed!
May 8th, 2011 at 10:08 am
Ohio Outdoor Movies has done our Outdoor Movie Series for the past four years and has the best price in Ohio and the best equipment. Why would we risk using a new unproven provider working out of their garage and risk our reputation, who ends up looking bad when the provider messes up your event?? Ohio Outdoor Movies has more screen sizes and brighter projectors then any other provider in Ohio and the BEST price with FREE delivery.Visit http://www.OhioOutdoorMovies.com or CALL 740-549-9000