URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — The Illini Union Board is bringing free outdoor movies back to the University of Illinois Main Quad this summer with weekly Thursday night screenings beginning May 21.

The annual Summer Movies on the Quad series will feature a mix of classic films, family favorites, and upcoming releases shown at 9 p.m. each week through Aug. 13. Organizers say the event is designed to give students and community members a free entertainment option during the summer months.

The season opened Thursday night with “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” while upcoming films include “Back to the Future,” “Jurassic Park,” “Grease,” “Wicked,” and “Coco.” Newer titles such as “Project Hail Mary” and “Mandalorian and Grogu” are also scheduled later in the summer.

The Quad Shop will remain open before each screening, offering popcorn, candy, drinks, and other movie snacks. In the event of rain, screenings will move indoors to the Illini Union I-Rooms.

University officials say the movie series has become a popular campus tradition that encourages students, families, and residents to gather outdoors during the summer season.