On summer nights in Harrisburg, the air often carries the scent of popcorn, the fizz of soda, and the buzz of anticipation.
As dusk settles, hundreds of neighbors gather next to Midtown Cinema to laugh, cheer and sing along beneath the stars. It’s a scene that’s become a seasonal tradition. This summer, the Friends of Midtown Outdoor Film Series is marking its 10th anniversary.
First launched in 2015, the series is presented by Friends of Midtown, a community-benefit nonprofit dedicated to the economic and cultural development of Harrisburg’s Midtown neighborhood. Composed of residents and business owners who take pride in the district, the organization works year-round to help Midtown thrive. With support from host Midtown Cinema, the series has grown from a grassroots effort to a beloved staple of the Harrisburg summer.
“From the beginning, it’s always been about bringing people together,” said Hannah Witwer, a longtime volunteer with Friends of Midtown. “The sense of connection and joy that this series brings to the neighborhood is what makes it so special. We’re proud to be celebrating 10 years of that tradition.”
Even in challenging times, the series has endured. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Friends of Midtown and Midtown Cinema pivoted to a drive-in experience in the Farm Show Complex parking lot, screening “Jurassic Park” and “E.T.” for audiences safely distanced in their cars.
Screenings begin at dusk, and, this year, the fun stretches further into the season with a September date added to the calendar.
The 2025 lineup includes “Dirty Dancing” (June 28), “Jumanji” (July 12), “Moana 2” (Aug. 23), and—weather willing—”Black Panther” (Sept. 13). It’s the fourth attempt to show “Black Panther” after past summers saw cancellations due to thunderstorms, wildfire smoke and other unpredictable weather events.
“I say, ‘weather permitting’ with crossed fingers,” Witwer said. “We’ve been waiting a long time to see this movie on the big screen with our neighbors.”
Held in the parking lot next to Midtown Cinema, the experience is festive and familiar. Families and friends gather on blankets and lawn chairs, and Zeroday Brewing Co. serves up beer alongside hot dogs, paninis and classic concessions like popcorn and candy.
“We hope every screening feels like an open invitation,” Witwer said. “Whether you’re coming for the first time or returning for another summer, it’s about creating a space where people can enjoy something together.”
Midtown Cinema is no stranger to creating community. Year-round, the venue presents a robust lineup of independent, foreign and documentary films—the heart of its mission—and hosts events like open mic nights, trivia and live music that extend that spirit of connection beyond the screen. The Outdoor Film Series is a natural extension of that welcoming ethos.
“Each summer, it’s incredible to watch our parking lot transform into a gathering place for hundreds of people,” said Rachel Landon, general manager of Midtown Cinema. “It’s a joyful reminder of how meaningful it is to create space for community—not just inside our cinema, but outside under the stars.”
Stuart Landon is the director of community engagement at Midtown Cinema.
Midtown Cinema is located at 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com.
June Events At Midtown Cinema
Potential First-Run Films
“Phoenician Scheme,” June 6
“Life of Chuck,” June 13
“Materialists,” June 13
“28 Years Later,” June 20
Late Night Frights
“The Evil Dead” (1981)
Friday, June 6, 9:30 p.m.
Funny Flix Series
“Best in Show” (2000)
Sunday, June 8, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, June 10, 7 p.m.
National Theatre Live
“Dr. Strangelove”
Sunday, June 8, 5 p.m.
“Hamlet”
Sunday, June 15, 5 p.m.
“Present Laughter”
Sunday, June 22, 5 p.m.
Sunday Docs Series
“Man on Wire” (2008)
Sunday, June 8, 12 p.m.
Down in Front!
Comedy Riffing
“Death Bed: The Bed That Eats” (1977)
Friday, June 13, 9:30 p.m.
3rd in the Burg Movie Night
“Planes, Trains & Automobiles” (1987)
Friday, June 20, 9:30 p.m.
Trivia Night
Tuesday, June 10, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, June 24, 7 p.m.
Open Mic Night
Tuesday, June 3, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, June 17, 7 p.m.
Live Music
Thursdays 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Friends of Midtown Outdoor Film Series
“Dirty Dancing” (1987), June 28
“Jumanji” (1995), July 12
“Moana 2” (2025), Aug. 23
“Black Panther” (2018), Sept. 13
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