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 five dates from June through October 2024. Each movie night event takes place on the Worcester Common Oval and features fun, family-friendly pre-movie activities and entertainment, local food vendors, and a free movie shown on the big screen outdoors.
Pre-movie activities start at 6:00pm for all movies. Movie start times vary — check out the full movie schedule below for details.
Come early! Space is limited. Bring your own blankets and chairs or use seating available on the Common.
2024 Movies on the Common Lineup
Here are all the details you need to know about this year’s Movies on the Common series:
Thursday, June 20: Barbie
YOUTH PRIDE NIGHT
Kick off the summer and celebrate Pride as “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 lots of pink, play, and Ken-ergy.
Movie start time (approximate): 8:40pm
In the event of rain, this movie will be shown at the JMAC, located at 20 Franklin Street.
Produced in partnership with SWAGLY and Pride Worcester.
ABOUT THE MOVIE: “Barbie” (2023) – PG-13; 1 hour 54 minutes
To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken. From Oscar-nominated writer/director Greta Gerwig comes “Barbie,” starring Oscar-nominees Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, alongside America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera, Ariana Greenblatt, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, Will Ferrell, and many more.
Thursday, July 18: Free Guy
FILMED IN WORCESTER NIGHT
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 you can take home free keepsake photos, and comedy from our MC and local comic Latasha Hughes.
Movie start time (approximate): 8:35pm
In the event of rain, this movie will be shown at the JMAC, located at 20 Franklin Street.
Produced in partnership with Discover Central Massachusetts.
ABOUT THE MOVIE: Free Guy (2022) – PG-13; 1 hour 55 minutes
A bank teller (Ryan Reynolds) discovers he is actually a background player in an open-world video game, and decides to become the hero of his own story. Now, in a world where there are no limits, he is determined to be the guy who saves his world his way before it’s too late.
Thursday, August 15: Clue
MYSTERY NIGHT
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!
Movie start time (approximate): 8:05pm
In the event of rain, this movie will be shown at the JMAC, located at 20 Franklin Street.
Produced in partnership with The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts.
ABOUT THE MOVIE: “Clue” (1985) – PG-13; 1 hour 37 minutes
The murderously funny movie based on the world-famous Clue board game. Was it Colonel Mustard in the study with a gun? Miss Scarlet in the billiard room with the rope? Or was it Wadsworth the butler? Meet all the notorious suspects and discover all their foul play things. You’ll love their dastardly doings as the bodies and the laughs pile up before your eyes.
Thursday, September 19: In the Heights
HISPANIC & LATINO/A/E/X HERITAGE NIGHT
Get ready for a lively celebration of Hispanic 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.
Movie start time (approximate): 7:05pm
In the event of rain, this movie will be shown in the YWCA’s gym, located at 1 Salem Square.
Produced in partnership with Casita Cultura Latina.
ABOUT THE MOVIE: “In the Heights” (2021) – PG-13; 2 hours 23 minutes
From the creator of “Hamilton,” experience a cinematic event where the streets are made of music and little dreams become big… “In the Heights.” Lights up on Washington Heights…The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside of the 181st Street subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is the likeable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines and sings about a better life.
Thursday, October 17: Haunted Mansion
HALLOWEEN MOVIE NIGHT
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 of the Worcester Historical Museum, and ghost stories told live by Tim Weisberg before the movie begins.
Movie start time (approximate): 7:00pm
In the event of rain, this movie will be shown in the YWCA’s gym, located at 1 Salem Square.
ABOUT THE MOVIE: “Haunted Mansion” (2023) – PG-13; 2 hours 3 minutes
Inspired by the classic theme park attraction, “Haunted Mansion” is about a woman and her son who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters. Featuring an all-star cast including LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, Chase W. Dillon, Dan Levy, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Jared Leto, this is a modern Halloween film for the whole family.
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.
Plus, there will be a beer garden at each movie night, presented by Creed Lounge. (21+ only)
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.
Movies on the Common Sponsors & Partners
Movies on the Common would not be possible without our community partners and sponsors.
Presenting Sponsors:
Silver Sponsors:
Media Sponsors:
Looking for More Fun Events Downtown?
Movies on the Common are just some of the many events happening in Downtown Worcester.
You’ll find lots of activities, events, and special offers all around the neighborhood, all year long. Come experience the best of Worcester right here in the heart of the city!
Check out our Events Calendar for even more Downtown Worcester events and sign up for our once-a-month email newsletter below to stay up to date on all the fun things happening Downtown.
