Oakbrook Center Movies on the Lawn series returns June 18
Oakbrook Center's popular Movies on the Lawn series of free family films shown at 7 p.m. Wednesday evenings returns June 18 and runs through Aug. 27 in the village green area, near Crate & Barrel.
Showing of the movies began in 2014 and will have one significant change this summer to the digital screen that is 18 feet wide and 32 feet tall.
'We are installing a new digital screen this year that will improve video and sound quality of the movies,' said Serge Khalimsky, senior general manager of Oakbrook Center.
Khalimsky said Oakbrook Center has continued the movie series as a way to offer a free, safe, family fun entertainment option to the local community.
'The lawn at Oakbrook is a town square, and we want to provide a place for the community to come together,' he said. 'The Movies on the Lawn series has become a summer staple for local families looking to enjoy a nice night out in the summer.'
Khalimsky said attracting people to the Wednesday night movies is a good way to bring additional business to the mall's stores and restaurants.
'We want those who attend to have the whole Oakbrook experience, whether they want to come early and do a bit of shopping, or eat at one of the restaurants, or grab a bite to enjoy during the movie from our food hall,' he said, adding that The Table at Crate will be setting up to sell refreshments that can be purchased at the lawn.
Khalimsky said mall management has received great feedback from its tenants about how good business is during movie nights.
'The events bring in guests who often grab dinner at the restaurants beforehand or pick up takeout to enjoy on the lawn during the movie,' he said. 'It's also a nice setup for families or couples, with some members heading off to shop, while others settle in for the movie. It's a great way to spend the evening.'
Khalimsky said Oakbrook Center staff does its best to curate a list of classic fan favorite movies or recent blockbuster hits.
'Last year, we showed 'Barbie,' and this summer we'll show 'Wicked,'' he said. 'Additionally, if we are working with a local partner on a themed night, we'll choose a movie that pairs well with the evening, such as, July 9th is 'Dog Man,' and we'll have Hinsdale Animal Society on-site.'
Seating for movies is on a first-come first-serve basis, with blankets and chairs welcome. Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
Movies on the Lawn are subject to the weather and will not be rescheduled.
The 2025 movie schedule:
June 18 – 'Moana 2' (animated -PG)
June 25 – 'IF' (Live-PG)
July 2 – 'The Marvels' (Live-PG13)
July 9 – Hinsdale Humane Society Night – 'Dog Man' (animated-PG)
July 16 – People's Resource Center BTS Night – double feature: 'Inside Out,' 4-6 p.m. (animated-PG) and 'Inside Out 2,' 7-9 p.m. (animated – PG).
July 23 – 'Wicked' (Live-PG)
July 30 – 'Indiana Jones & the Dial of Destiny' (Live-PG13)
August 6 – 'Elemental' (animated-PG)
August 13 – 'Kung Fu Panda 4' (animated-PG)
August 20 – 'Dungeons & Dragons: Horror Among Thieves' (Live-PG13)
August 27 – 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' (Live-PG13)
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