Movies on the Common

Visit Downtown Worcester for our free monthly Movies on the Common series, presented by the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District, the City of Worcester, and our generous sponsors! We invite you to gather your friends and family, and come out to enjoy an evening of FREE entertainment and cinema with us Downtown.

Movies on the Common are back in Worcester with four dates from June through September 2025. Each event takes place on the Worcester Common Oval with fun, family-friendly pre-movie entertainment starting at 6 pm and a free outdoor movie starting at 7 pm. Expect live music, local food, themed giveaways, and community vibes, all in a welcoming, accessible setting. Elevating the movie night experience, this year’s production also includes the addition of a state-of-the-art LED screen! With vibrant, crystal-clear visuals and high-definition resolution, this screen delivers an incredible viewing experience and will also feature an interactive, pre-movie dance game.

Come early! Space is limited. Bring your own blankets and chairs or use seating available on the Common.

2025 Movies on the Common Lineup

Here are all the details you need to know about this year’s Movies on the Common series:

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Thursday, June 12: The Wizard of Oz

YOUTH PRIDE NIGHT

Kick off the summer and celebrate Pride Month as Dorothy, Toto, and the whole crew grace the big screen!

Produced in partnership with Pride Worcester

Rain Date: June 26

ABOUT THE MOVIE: “The Wizard of Oz” (1939) – PG; 1 hour 42 minutes

In this classic musical fantasy, Judy Garland stars as Dorothy Gale, a young Kansas farm girl who dreams of a land “somewhere over the rainbow.” Dorothy’s dream comes true when she, her dog, Toto, and her family’s house are transported by a tornado to a bright and magical world unlike anything she has seen before. Unfortunately, she makes a mortal enemy of a wicked witch when the house falls on the hag’s sister. Now, befriended by a scarecrow without a brain, a tin man with no heart and a cowardly lion—and protected by a pair of enchanted ruby slippers—Dorothy sets off along a yellow brick road for the Emerald City to beseech the all-powerful Wizard of Oz for his help to return home.

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Thursday, July 24: Spirited

“CHRISTMAS IN JULY”

Feeling festive? Come celebrate the holiday season in the summertime with us! (Did you also know Spirited was filmed in Worcester?!)

Produced in partnership with The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory

Rain Date: As of July 8, this movie night has been postponed from July 10 to July 24 due to the weather forecast!

ABOUT THE MOVIE: “Spirited” (2022) – PG-13; 2 hours 7 minutes

Imagine Charles Dickens’ heartwarming tale of a scrooge visited by four ghosts on Christmas Eve—but funnier. And with Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, and Octavia Spencer. Also, huge musical numbers. Okay, we’re asking a lot. Maybe just watch the trailer?

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Thursday, August 14: Inside Out 2

FAMILY NIGHT

Get ready for a night of laughs and heartwarming moments. Gather the whole family and join us on the Common for an unforgettable Family Movie Night under the stars!

Rain Date: August 21

ABOUT THE MOVIE: “Inside Out 2” (2024) – PG; 1 hour 36 minutes

“Inside Out 2” returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety shows up. And it looks like she’s not alone.

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Thursday, September 11: Wicked

MUSICAL NIGHT

Experience the magic of this blockbuster hit with a special screening of “Wicked!” Bring your friends, get cozy, and enjoy a night of music and wonder under the stars.

Rain Date: September 18

ABOUT THE MOVIE: “Wicked” (2024) – PG; 2 hours 40 minutes

“Wicked,” one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, now arrives on your screen as a generation-defining cinematic event. The untold story of the witches of Oz, Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman who has yet to discover her true power, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman who has yet to discover her true heart. The two meet at Shiz University and forge an unlikely friendship—before their lives take different paths following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Their extraordinary adventures will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Wicked is an immersive, cultural celebration that will have you dancing and singing along at home over and over again!

Movie Night Food & Refreshments

We’ve got all the best movie snacks, beverages, and more Downtown.

The first 100 Movies on the Common attendees at each event will receive FREE popcorn from Minuteman Kettle Corn, and the first 50 attendees will also receive a free food/drink voucher to use at one of our on-site food vendors!

Refreshments can also be purchased on-site, at one of many Downtown restaurants just steps away from the Common, or you’re welcome to bring your own.

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Accessibility

Our goal is to create a movie night experience that’s inclusive and welcoming to all.

All movies will be shown on the Worcester Common Oval.

Movies will be shown with English closed captioning for those who are deaf and hard of hearing.

There will also be English descriptive video service from Eye Audio Radio available for those who are blind or have low vision.

Additional accommodations can be provided if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. Please contact us to make a request or with any questions at: info@downtownworcester.org.

Getting to Movies on the Common

You have lots of options for getting around Downtown.

If you live or work nearby, the Worcester Common is an easy stroll from locations throughout Downtown, the nearby Canal District, and more!

You can also ride the bus. The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) bus hub is located at Union Station; a 5-6 minute walk from the Common. There are a number of convenient bus stops all around our Downtown neighborhood, too. Check the WRTA bus schedules for more info.

If you’re driving, you’ll find ample parking in Downtown Worcester, including on-street parking, parking garages, and parking lots located steps away from the Worcester Common.

Check out our full list of resources for Getting Here and Parking.