Vermilion families will have a new reason to get outside next summer as Movies in the Parks officially returns for 2026. The Vermilion Parks and Recreation Board approved the request from Main Street Vermilion on November 18, giving organizers the green light to revive the popular community tradition.
Main Street Vermilion Executive Director Kate Repola told the board that volunteers approached her earlier this year asking to bring the event back. The idea quickly grew into a partnership between Main Street Vermilion and the Showse Park Revitalization and Transformation Committee, which had also been exploring outdoor movie nights.
Under the approved plan, four movie nights will be held across two parks. Two events will take place at East Exchange Park, and two will be held at Showse Park. The dates are June 26, July 31, August 28, and September 25, with showings scheduled between 5 p.m. and 11:45 p.m. Movies will begin around sunset, with earlier start times planned for September.
Repola said organizers hired FunFlicks, a professional outdoor movie company, to handle setup and teardown. Volunteers from both committees will serve as on-site point people during each event. The groups will also work together to raise funds to cover costs.
Rain dates are not scheduled at this time. Repola said unpredictable weather makes it difficult to pre-plan backup days. If a showing is canceled, organizers will make decisions on a case-by-case basis.
Board members said they were pleased to see the collaboration between the two groups and unanimously approved the request.
The 2026 season will be promoted under one name: Movies in the Parks. Repola said this will help residents understand that the series is a joint effort and not two separate organizations holding different events.
The full schedule and movie titles will be announced next year.
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