Summer movie season is officially underway, and this year, Ohioans have a lot more than traditional theaters to choose from.
Ohio Goes to the Movies has released its June lineup, bringing 30 free screenings to theaters, parks, libraries, drive-ins, and some seriously unexpected venues across the state. The statewide event is part of the larger America 250-Ohio celebration and will continue through October 2026.
“This month offers something for every audience,” said OGTTM Program Director Molly Kreuzman in a statement, pointing to everything from family movies and cult classics to Ohio-connected films and retro drive-in experiences.
One of the biggest themes throughout June’s schedule is outdoor movie season.
Several Ohio drive-ins are participating this month, including screenings of Men in Black, A Christmas Story, and Coco at drive-ins across the state. Ohio remains one of the country’s biggest drive-in states, currently ranking third in the nation for operating drive-in theaters.
Families looking for a more laid-back outdoor movie night will also find plenty of options.
In Wintersville, families are invited to dress as superheroes for an outdoor screening of Dog Man near a dog park. Meanwhile, Geauga Park District is hosting a screening of Finding Nemo at Observatory Park, which is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park.
Other family-friendly screenings this month include The Princess and the Frog in Grove City and New Albany, plus a double feature of Inside Out 2 and Black Panther during Dublin’s Summer Fun Series.
Beyond the family films, Ohio Goes to the Movies is also highlighting the state’s deep ties to the entertainment industry.
A Juneteenth screening of The Butler at Ohio Theatre will feature an appearance by Columbus native and journalist Wil Haygood, whose Washington Post article inspired the film. Other screenings spotlight Ohio connections through actors, directors, composers, and filming locations, including films tied to George Clooney, Lee Unkrich, and Henry Mancini.
Part of what makes the series especially fun, though, is where some of these screenings are happening.
June’s schedule includes movies at a western-themed town, an ice cream shop, a museum dedicated to bandleader Ted Lewis, and a historical museum celebrating early silent film and racing history.
In Sylvania, visitors can grab ice cream while watching Captain America: The Winter Soldier at Mayberry Ice Cream. Meanwhile, Dogwood Pass Old West Town in Beaver will host a screening of Showdown in Yesteryear in an actual Old West-style setting.
The statewide series runs through October and includes more than 250 free movie events across all 88 Ohio counties as part of the state’s America 250 celebration.
A full schedule of screenings and locations is available at Ohio Goes to the Movies.
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