Movies On the Block Makes a Comeback
The first screening at Grants Blocks in downtown Providence is Waiting for Guffman on June 26.
Movies on the Block. Photo courtesy of InDowncity.
InDowncity is bringing back the popular outdoor film series “Movies on the Block” for the first time since 2019. The summer 2025 season will screen one movie each month from June to September at Grant’s Block at 260 Westminster St. All films are set to begin at dusk and are free for the public to attend. Movie-goers are encouraged to bring their own blankets and chairs, as well as snacks for the event, or purchase food and drinks from surrounding businesses.
“We began the series in 2008 (amazing how time flies!), so it feels both nostalgic and new to be bringing it back in the newly improved park space this year,” says InDowncity’s director of commercial leasing and marketing Joanna Levitt.
The first screening is set to take place on June 26 with Waiting for Guffman. The July 24 screening is Mermaids, August 28 is Clue and September 25 will screen The Wizard of Oz. Each movie screening is dependent on weather, so cancellations and rescheduling will be announced on the InDowncity website and Instagram page, @Indowncitypvd. The free film screenings are sponsored by InDowncity, the downtown small business community, and Cornish Associates.
InDowncity is partnering with local restaurants for concessions such as Oberlin, Ellie’s and Cielito for order-to-go movie snacks.
“Our goal is to bring folks into the city in the summer months, when they might otherwise be seeking activities by the shore,” Levitt says. “We could not be more excited to bring back this cornerstone event for the downtown Providence community. 2019 was the last time we held Movies on the Block, and ever since, we’ve heard countless requests asking when the series will return. We’re glad to announce the 2025 season and look forward to seeing everyone downtown this summer at the newly renovated Grant’s Block.”
Attendees are encouraged to arrive by bike, foot or public transportation due to limited parking availability. Anyone planning on driving should plan to park on city streets or in nearby parking lots.
