Youngstown Summer Movie Series returns, offers family-friendly screenings
It’s back: The Youngstown Summer Movie Series will return this summer, starting next week and running for eight weeks through Aug. 10. Free, family-friendly screenings will be held on Mondays at 9 p.m. on the Covelli Centre front lawn, located at 229 E. Front St.
The Youngstown Rayen Early College National Honor Society will distribute concessions throughout the series. Viewers should bring their own seating, whether blankets or lawn chairs, to the event.
Below is the 2026 movie lineup:
‘A Minecraft Movie’ — June 22
Kicking off the summer is the adventure comedy film “A Minecraft Movie” (2025). Steve (Jack Black) leads Garett (Jason Momoa), Natalie (Emma Myers), Henry (Sebastian Hansen) and Dawn (Danielle Brooks) through the Overworld — the first and primary world where players start in Minecraft.
To return home, the group of four must accompany Steve and explore their unknown cubic environment. Viewers will embark on the journey alongside them on June 22.
‘Men in Black’ — June 29
Almost 30 years have passed since the release of “Men in Black” (1997). The film centers on Agent J (Will Smith) as Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) recruits him into a secret government agency that surveys extraterrestrial life on Earth.
“Men in Black” ends the last week of June and offers the community a throwback with a 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
‘Superman’ — July 6
It’s nearly the first anniversary of the Man of Steel. “Superman” (2025) follows Clark Kent (David Corenswet), who grapples with his alien Kryptonian heritage and human upbringing while fighting the evil of Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult).
Even with the help of Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and none other than Krypto, Superman’s four-legged companion, it’s unclear if justice will prevail for the superhero. Watch the action-packed movie on July 6 to find out.
‘Good Burger’ — July 13
Craving a good burger? Look no further than this 1997 comedy film starring Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell.
Two coworkers, Dexter (Thompson) and Ed (Mitchell), must save their old burger joint as a new burger restaurant opens across the street. It might leave the audience hungry, but it won’t leave them without a good laugh.
‘How to Train Your Dragon’ — July 20
Get ready to leave this world for another with the live-action remake “How to Train Your Dragon” (2025).
On the isle of Berk, a Viking named Hiccup (Mason Thames) befriends Toothless, a Night Fury dragon, despite a centuries-old feud between the species. Their connection becomes what the future depends on, and they’re flying toward it together.
‘Free Willy’ — July 27
Ending the July run of movies is “Free Willy” (1993). The film follows an orphaned boy named Jesse (Jason James Richter) who meets Willy, a young orca in captivity, and learns that the amusement park owner, Dial (Michael Ironside), plans to harm his new killer whale friend.
By using the power of friendship, learning tricks and taking risks, watch to see how the two’s individual stories turn into one.
‘Frankenweenie’ — Aug. 3
Halloween arrived a bit early this year.
“Frankenweenie” (2012) enters the 2026 summer lineup to tell the story of a young Victor Frankenstein (Charlie Tahan) as he resurrects his beloved dog, Sparky, through a science experiment. Although the procedure proves successful, the chaos that follows is anything but.
‘Lilo & Stitch’ — Aug. 10
Another 2025 live-action remake is prepared to conclude the series for the Youngstown community. “Lilo & Stitch” combines comedy and science fiction to show how a lonely Hawaiian girl, Lilo (Maia Kealoha), and a runaway alien, Stitch (Chris Sanders), can become family.
Sanders will also direct the forthcoming live-action sequel, which has been in development since June 2025.
Don’t miss out on this annual outdoor movie series. If it rains, screenings will be moved to the following evening.