RANGELEY — Rangeley Friends of the Arts is offering a free winter movie series at the Lakeside Theater, featuring classic films and family favorites each weekend from Feb. 20 through March 29.
No tickets are required and concessions will be available. The doors open 45 minutes before each show.
The series begins Feb. 20 with “Jurassic Park” at 5 p.m., followed by “The Goonies” at 8 p.m. Additional screenings continue throughout the weekend and in the following weeks, with showings scheduled on Friday evenings, Saturday afternoons and evenings, and Sunday afternoons.
The free movie series builds on the organization’s longstanding commitment to providing accessible arts programming throughout the year.
“We offer many free art & cultural events,” said Diane Bellington, executive director of Rangeley Friends of the Arts. “Our year round revolving art gallery exhibits are open to the public at no charge.”
The Friends offer a summer street dance festival and winter Walk to Bethlehem for free. And the Kitchen Table Storytelling series gives people a chance to share personal stories on stage twice a year, including free storytelling workshops.
Bellington said it seemed natural to expand and offer a winter film series, one that encourages people connect with others while enjoying a variety of great movies.
The organization tested the concept last winter.
“We had a pilot program with a volunteer staff to test out the idea of offering a free movie series last winter and entitled it Cabin Fever Reliever,” said Bellington.
Rangeley Friends of the Arts relies on community support, including volunteers and sponsors, to make programs like the free movie series possible.
“For the Free movie series, there are both staff and volunteers involved,” Bellington said. “We had volunteer input on which movies to select, research to obtain licenses as well as arranging all the details. A lot of work goes into the planning and administration of screening films.”
Volunteers help support theater operations in a variety of roles, including concessions, box office assistance, stage crew, technical support and gallery hosting.
“This is our first year going public with this idea and we are excited to see what the response will be,” said Bellington.
Upcoming free movie schedule:
Feb. 20
“Jurassic Park” – 5 p.m.
“The Goonies” – 8 p.m.
Feb. 21
“Jurassic Park” – 2 p.m.
“The Goonies” – 5 p.m.
Feb. 22
“The Goonies” – 2 p.m.
Feb. 27
“Sing” – 5 p.m.
“Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” – 8 p.m.
Feb. 28
“Sing” – 2 p.m.
“Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” – 5 p.m.
March 1
“Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” – 2 p.m.
March 6
“Iron Giant” – 5 p.m.
“The Birds” – 8 p.m.
March 7
“Iron Giant” – 2 p.m.
“The Birds” – 5 p.m.
March 8
“The Birds” – 2 p.m.
March 13
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” – 5 p.m.
“The Big Lebowski” – 8 p.m.
March 14
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” – 2 p.m.
“The Big Lebowski” – 5 p.m.
March 15
“The Big Lebowski” – 2 p.m.
March 20
“The Great Muppet Caper” – 5 p.m.
“Purple Rain” – 8 p.m.
March 21
“The Great Muppet Caper” – 2 p.m.
“Purple Rain” – 5 p.m.
March 22
“Purple Rain” – 2 p.m.
March 27
“Lego Batman” – 5 p.m.
“Field of Dreams” – 8 p.m.
March 28
“Lego Batman” – 2 p.m.
“Field of Dreams” – 5 p.m.
March 29
“Field of Dreams” – 2 p.m.
The Lakeside Theater and Rangeley Friends of the Arts serve as a year-round hub for cultural programming in the region, offering movies, theater rentals, classes and other arts opportunities.
“We have at least 35 events in the works for the 2026 season which include, Live Theater, Concerts, Camps, Workshops, Film Festivals and so much more,” Bellington said. “Our full season of arts programming will go live May 1st. There are also many ways for folks to get involved both off and on stage. Visit our website for our full calendar of events as well as ways to get involved. www.rangeleyarts.org.”
Residents can stay updated on movie schedules and other events by visiting rangeleyarts.org or the Rangeley Chamber of Commerce community calendar.