BOARDMAN TWP., Ohio - In keeping with plans to make the Southern Park Mall a community destination, owners of the sprawling shopping venue announced that they will be showing free outdoor movies.

Beginning Thursday, June 18, the first movie in the “Free Cinema under the Stars” program will be “Sonic the Hedgehog”.

Audiences will be able to drive into the JCPenney parking lot at Southern Park Mall starting at 8 p.m. and the movie will begin at approximately 9 p.m. Guests will not be admitted to the parking lot after 9:15 p.m.

The series will run through June 21, weather permitting.  Free tickets are available in advance through the Eventbrite link.

Cars will be directed to a spot safely spaced from other visitors and tune their radio to a designated station for audio streaming from their own cars.

Donations will also be collected for the Salvation Army.

The movie lineup includes:

• Thursday, June 18: “Sonic the Hedgehog”
• Friday, June 19: “Raiders of the Lost Ark”
• Saturday, June 20: “The Lego Batman Movie”
• Sunday, June 21: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”

The free series is presented by Southern Park Mall’s parent company, Washington Prime Group, in partnership with The Arts District.

Arts District is a new cultural exhibition and entertainment complex opening in malls across the country in 2021.

Prior to COVID-19, The Arts District planned to launch permanent locations and animate the exteriors of Washington Prime Group malls – such as Southern Park Mall – with interactive content making it appear to come to life. The same technology will be used to provide a night out at the movies.