Connecticut’s Only Free, Outdoor Horror Movie Series Returns to Downtown Hartford in July and August; to Include Vendors and Prizes at Each Screening

Hartford, CT – June 5, 2025 – Hartford.com and the Hartford Business Improvement District are once again welcoming horror movie fans to downtown Hartford this year with the return of their popular outdoor horror movie series, Spooky Popcorn presented by Fine Fettle.

Connecticut’s only free, outdoor horror movie series, which takes place in downtown Hartford on Constitution Plaza, will screen eight classic horror movies on Saturday nights in July and August. Spooky Popcorn will start on July 12 with a screening of The Conjuring, the original film in the Conjuring universe that centers on a case involving Ed and Lorraine Warren, Connecticut’s most famous paranormal investigators.

Spooky Popcorn will feature several critically acclaimed horror classics including The Conjuring (July 12), I Saw The TV Glow (July 19), Stephen King’s Maximum Overdrive (July 26), the Jordan Peele produced 2021 Candyman sequel (August 2), Scanners (August 9), Spanish-language Argentinean film When Evil Lurks (August 16), the original 1977 version of Suspiria (August 23), and 28 Days Later (August 30). Rain dates for each film will be the corresponding Sunday nights.  Thanks to the generous support of presenting sponsor, Fine Fettle Dispensary, all eight movie screenings are free and open to the general public.

“We’re so excited to be partnering with the Spooky Popcorn Horror Movie Series this summer”, said Tori Giannini, Northeast Field Marketing Manager.  “At Fine Fettle, being local means everything to us. We love finding fun ways to connect with our communities, and what’s better than free outdoor horror movies in downtown Hartford? With our new West Hartford dispensary at 1232 Farmington Ave, it’s easier than ever to stop by, stock up, get ‘comffy’, and settle in for the perfect movie night."

This year, Spooky Popcorn will also host an array of vendors, including local artists and crafters, as well a dessert vendor each night featuring Capital Ice Cream, The Wheely Cool, and more. Attendees to Spooky Popcorn will also have a chance to win several weekly prizes including tickets to The Dark Manor Haunted House in Baltic, CT, tickets to Rope at Hartford Stage, and gift cards to Urban Lodge Brewery and Sunberry Restaurant on Pratt Street in downtown Hartford.

Screenings take place by the clock tower on the north end of Constitution Plaza in downtown Hartford. All movie-goers are encouraged to bring their own blankets and chairs. Outside food and beverages are also welcome. Children aged 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information on Spooky Popcorn visit Hartford.com/Spooky.

For any questions or more information please contact HBID Director of Placemaking & Events, Chip McCabe at cmccabe@hartfordbid.com.