Lights, Camera, Worcester: 2024 Movies on the Common Schedule Released

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester's annual summer movie series returns in June, kicking off a series of films that will each provide a theme for larger celebrations around the common behind City Hall on each movie night.

The Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) and the City of Worcester will sponsor each screening, which will feature other activities like free popcorn, games, music and more. Each event will also offer food and drink vouchers to the first 50 people in attendance, good for restaurants surrounding the Worcester Common.

"These free movie nights aren't just about watching films; they're about creating memories and fostering a sense of belonging for everyone here in the heart of Worcester. We look forward to welcoming everyone Downtown for an unforgettable summer of cinema under the stars," BID Board Chair Julian Wade said in a news release.

Each event begins at 6 p.m., but movie times will vary for each event. Here's the full lineup and description of each event from the BID:

• June 20: Youth Pride Night – Barbie | Kick off the summer and celebrate Pride as Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” graces the big screen. Before the film starts, enjoy a drag performance by Diva D and music from DJ TMAN2. Prepare to be entertained on a night filled with pink, play, and lots of Ken-ergy. Produced in partnership with SWAGLY and Pride Worcester.

• July 18: Filmed in Worcester Night – Free Guy | Funny, action-packed, and filmed right here in Downtown Worcester — see “Free Guy,” starring Ryan Reynolds, on the Common this summer. Plus, discover the film's Worcester connections! Pre-movie activities will include a behind-the-scenes talk on filming in Worcester, a themed photo booth so attendees can take home free keepsake photos, and comedy from our MC, local comic Latasha Hughes. Produced in partnership with Discover Central Massachusetts.
  
• August 15: Mystery Night - Clue | The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts, Movies on the Common proudly presents the ‘80s cult-classic film “Clue.” Join us for an evening filled with suspense, including a live interactive murder mystery experience before the movie begins!

• September 19: Hispanic & Latino/a/e/x Heritage Night - In the Heights | Get ready for a lively celebration of Hispanic & Latino/a/e/x Heritage Month as we bring the musical sensation “In the Heights” to the big screen. The evening’s pre-movie entertainment will also feature free salsa lessons and performances from Raices Latin Dance. Produced in partnership with Casita Cultura Latina.

• October 17: Halloween Movie Night – Haunted Mansion | The last movie night of the 2024 season will be a spooky adventure, as we bring Disney’s “Haunted Mansion” to Downtown. Adding to the haunted atmosphere, the evening will also include a short talk on the history of the Worcester Common Burial Ground by William D. Wallace, Executive Director Worcester Historical Museum, and ghost stories told live by Tim Weisberg before the movie begins.