BEDFORD – From Mitchell to Bedford and even Bloomington, late August is packed with free and low-cost events for families, movie lovers, and young creatives.
You can join a Dinner and Movie Night at the Mitchell First Church of God on Sunday, August 17. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m., followed by a 6 p.m. movie screening at 405 N. 12th St. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair for comfortable outdoor viewing.
A week later, the Mitchell Opera House will host a free showing of The Hunger Games on Saturday, August 23, at 6:30 p.m. The event is part of the venue’s ongoing free movie series aimed at bringing blockbuster entertainment to the community at no cost. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Families looking for another cinematic experience that same evening can head north to Bryan Park in Bloomington for the Performing Arts Series screening of Wild Robot (PG) at 8:30 p.m. on August 23. The free outdoor event will feature live local music before the movie, with attendees encouraged to bring blankets or chairs.
Younger residents have a chance to get hands-on with art and culture during the Bedford Public Library’s “Studio Bento: Ghibli-Inspired Lunches” on Tuesday, August 26, from 6 to 7 p.m. The program, open to ages 9–15, will teach bento box culture while participants decorate lunches inspired by characters from Studio Ghibli films. Registration is required at bedlib.org.
Local movie buffs can also catch reviews of the latest theatrical releases every Friday at 8:15 a.m. on Going to the Movies With Goller, part of the Sean Duncan Show on Southern Indiana’s Classic Hits 105.5 WQRK. The segment spotlights the newest movie of the week and offers recommendations for what’s worth a trip to the theater.
Whether it’s a community dinner, an outdoor film under the stars, or a creative library workshop, residents have plenty of opportunities to connect, create, and enjoy the last weeks of summer.
