Free August movie screenings highlight Ohio’s 2026 film celebration

Dozens of free movie screenings are scheduled across Ohio in August as part of Ohio Goes to the Movies, a statewide celebration tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary. The August events are among more than 250 free screenings planned in all 88 counties through October, with nearly every week featuring films connected to Ohio through actors, directors, writers, or filming locations.

Organizers say each venue picked its own movie from an Ohio Movie Database, and every title has an Ohio connection. Local hosts also shared their reasoning.

In northwest Ohio, an August 5 screening of “Eenie Meanie” at the Virginia Theater in North Baltimore was chosen because parts were filmed nearby, including Toledo’s Hollywood Casino. The August 15 documentary “Go Tigers!” will screen at Regal Massillon; its general manager said the film celebrates the city’s football tradition and kicks off the fall season.

Films tied to Ohio directors and crew include “Holler,” directed by Nicole Riegel, at Jackson’s TriCity Theatre on August 12. Riegel grew up in Jackson and worked at the theater in high school. August 15 features “The Mummy” at the Hancock Historical Museum in Findlay, where visual effects artist John A. Berton Jr. will speak. On August 27, the Alliance Historical Society will screen “Documenting the Journey: Stories, Cuts, Conversations and Coming Attractions,” with filmmaker Ben Patterson on hand to discuss his work. “Swordfish,” directed by Niles native Domenic Sena, shows August 29 at Regal Eastwood.

Ohio actor connections include “The Ice Pirates,” starring Toronto, Ohio native Robert Urich, on August 13; “A Raisin in the Sun” with Cleveland native Ruby Dee on August 14; and “Duel in the Sun,” featuring Massillon’s Lillian Gish, on August 15 at Kent State University Stark.