Love movies? Looking for an affordable way to watch some beloved classics? Ohio movie fans will be able to watch more than 250 films across the state in 2026.
As part of Ohio’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, “Ohio Goes to the Movies” will show more than 250 free movie screenings in all 88 counties starting in February. The “Ohio Goes to the Movies” festival will spotlight Ohio’s significance in cinema while showcasing films, actors, directors, composers and stories set in locations such as “The Shawshank Redemption” and “A Christmas Story” filmed in Ohio.
The film event runs for about 250 days from February through October 2026. Here’s what to know about the free movie screenings.
Free movies to be shown throughout Ohio in 2026
The free movie series begins Feb. 11, 2026 and continues through October 2026. The calendar of events (shown further below) will continue to be updated throughout the celebration.
The first free ticketed event, “Boy, Did I Get a Wrong Number,” will be shown at Cincinnati’s Kenwood Theatre, one of more than 250 screenings statewide.
Dates for free movies shown at the end of this story.
Free movie screenings highlight Ohio’s film achievements, actors, directors
The free screenings in 2026 celebrate Ohio’s history and impact in the film industry and moviemaking.
According to a news release, the 2026 series recognizes popular films made in Ohio such as “The Shawshank Redemption” (filmed at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield and in Upper Sandusky), “A Christmas Story” (filmed in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood), “The Avengers” (shot in downtown Cleveland and other Ohio locations) and “Rain Man” (filmed throughout Cincinnati.)
Celebrated actors who were also Ohio natives include Clark Gable, Lillian Gish, Dorothy Dandridge, Doris Day, and Paul Newman, according to the “Ohio Goes to the Movies” website, along with modern-day actors like Halle Berry, Sarah Jessica Parker and Janelle Monaé.
Steven Spielberg, Jim Jarmusch, Julia Reichert, the Russo Brothers and even the Warner Brothers are among the list of famous Ohio filmmakers.
According to Stephen George, chief strategist and senior advisor to the CEO of the Ohio History Connection, the idea to celebrate the state’s role in cinema was decades in the making, dating back to planning the 2003 Ohio Bicentennial. He adds that the festival is unprecedented in scale, involving communities across the state. “Ohio Goes to the Movies” has received support from Governor DeWine and other statewide leaders and has partnered with America 250.
Ohio’s 2026 free movie calendar
“Ohio Goes to the Movies” shared its movie calendar for free showings across Ohio’s 88 counties (dates were accurate as of Dec. 8). Moviegoers should check back for updates at OhioGoesToTheMovies.org.
Here are the dates and locations in Stark and surrounding counties:
Carroll
Columbiana
Mahoning
Portage
Stark
Summit
Tuscarawas
Wayne
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Free movies will be shown across Ohio in 2026. Here’s where and when
Reporting by Alex Perry, Columbus Dispatch / The Repository
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
