The 2024 Movies on the Common series is being produced by the Downtown Worcester BID in collaboration with the City of Worcester and several prominent community organizations. Each event will feature a variety of pre-movie activities, including live performances, music, family-friendly activities, local food, and more.
City Manager Eric D. Batista said, "Movies on the Common have become a beloved annual tradition in Worcester and we are proud to have partners like the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District leading the way in growing and developing the series. These evenings provide our community with a fantastic opportunity to come together with family and friends, and to enjoy a fun and free experience on the picturesque Worcester Common. Events like these strengthen the bonds within our community and highlight the beauty of our city's public spaces.”
Downtown Worcester BID Board Chair Julian Wade added, "The Downtown Worcester BID believes in the power of community and entertainment to bring people together. 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."
Downtown Worcester BID Program Director Victoria Mariano also shared her excitement, emphasizing, "Our collaboration with the City of Worcester, community partners, local entertainers, and small businesses is key to making Movies on the Common fun, exciting, and accessible to all. By working together, we can help ensure that even more folks come out to enjoy these cultural experiences together in our vibrant Downtown neighborhood.”
Mark your calendars with the following dates and movies this summer:
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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.
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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.
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August 15: Mystery Night - Clue | In partnership with 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!
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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.
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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.
English closed captioning is available for the 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.
Attendees are encouraged to come early for their choice of seating. Space is first come, first served. Bring your own blankets and chairs or use seating available on the Common. The first 100 attendees will receive free popcorn, and the first 50 attendees will also receive a free food/drink voucher to use at one of the on-site food vendors. Refreshments can also be purchased on-site, at one of many Downtown restaurants just steps away from the Common, or attendees are welcome to bring their own.
The 2024 Movies on the Common Series is proudly presented by the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District and the City of Worcester, with support from by Clark University, Mercantile Center, and Quinsigamond Community College, and media sponsors 90.5 WICN Radio, Don’t Touch My Podcast, Manny Jae Media, Unity Radio, WCCA TV, and WXLO.
All movies will be shown on the Worcester Common, located at 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA. In the event of rain, movies will be shown indoors at the JMAC or YWCA.
Photos below from 2023 Movies on the Common series. Photo credit: Jullian Valadares for Downtown Worcester BID. Additional photos available upon request.
