[New Albany, Ohio] May 21, 2026 – The New Albany Community Foundation kicks off its fourth season of programming at the Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater offering national entertainment and a Free Family Flick Night movie series for all ages.

Programming begins in June and runs through August at New Albany’s iconic open-air arts venue. Support from donors and sponsors make it possible for the Foundation to host Free Family Flick Nights on June 16 (The Princess and the Frog), July 14 (Ratatouille) and August 11 (The Lion King).

Gates and food trucks open at 6:30pm and the movies roll at 7:30pm. Admission is free.

The New Albany Community Foundation is honored to be a film presenter as part of Ohio Goes to the Movies (OGTTM), a signature event of America 250-Ohio. The New Albany Community Foundation will present its OGTTM event on June 16 with the showing of The Princess and the Frog, joining communities in all 88 counties in celebrating Ohio’s impact on film from February through October 2026.

Ohio Goes to the Movies is a collaborative statewide initiative highlighting Ohio’s role in cinema—from films shot in the state to Ohio-born stars, directors, and crew. Visitors can explore more at OhioGoestotheMovies.org.

The Princess and the Frog was selected for this year’s Free Family Flick Nights because the voice of the charming firefly “Ray” was voiced by Jim Cummings, a voice actor who was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio. Cummings is a legendary voice actor known for hundreds of roles, including Winnie the Pooh and Tigger.

“We can’t wait to bring the community together to be a part of Ohio Goes to the Movies and this celebration of cinema in Ohio. As the United States celebrates its Semiquincentennial this year, it’s a great time to gather with family and friends for outdoor movies and fun,” said Craig Mohre, President of The New Albany Community Foundation. “The Foundation continues to try to offer something for everyone – amazing musical artists for adults and movies for the whole family. There’s a lot of excitement for this year’s summer season and we look forward to seeing you there!”

The Foundation will screen the three FREE family movies on The Mershad Digital Experience powered by Google and Axium. This state-of-the-art, 20’x 36’ LED video wall – a gift from longtime New Albany residents Sara and Rick Mershad with support from Google and Axium – provides audiences with next-level technology in a super-sized format. Amphitheater Season Sponsors include Axium, Bob-Boyd Lincoln of Columbus and CK Construction. Presenting Sponsor: The Olivia Claire Obrokta Foundation. Movie Sponsors: Elliot’s, Mortellaro McDonald’s, In Memory of Jane Walther and White Castle. Educational Partner: The Kids Mental Health Foundation | Nationwide Children’s.

The sixth annual Amp Up the Arts benefit that raises funds to support arts and culture programming will be held on August 13 and feature The Music of CHICAGO starring Brass Transit. Gates open at 7:00pm for dinner and the show begins at 8:00pm. Table, sponsorship and lawn seat information is at newalbanyfoundation.org.

Brass Transit was formed in 2008 and brought together eight of the most talented and accomplished award-winning musicians. Their sole purpose was to pay tribute to one of the world’s most successful pop/rock groups of all time, CHICAGO. Since then, the group has toured North America dazzling audiences with their flawless performances and spectacular attention to every detail of the CHICAGO songbook. Hits like: Saturday In The Park, 25 or 6 To 4, If You Leave Me Now, You’re The Inspiration have left crowds in awe and on their feet more than once during a show, evoking comments like “Spine-Tingling” and “Perfect in every detail.” Brass Transit goes far beyond just imitating the songs, they embody the music.

Amp Up the Arts Performance Sponsors include Anonymous Donors, Hinson Family Trust and The New Albany Company.

Previous Amp Up the Arts benefits have featured Michael Cavanaugh, the voice of the American Rock & Roll Songbook and a charismatic performer and musician made famous for is piano/lead vocals in the Broadway musical Movin’ Out, powerhouse indie pop duo of Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw, and stars of Broadway Leslie Odom, Jr. and Renee Elise Goldsberry, known through their respective roles as Aaron Burr and Angelica Schuyler in the international musical sensation, HAMILTON.

Amp Up the Arts tickets are on sale now. See https://newalbanyfoundation.org/programs/amphitheater-benefit/ for details on how to purchase tables, individual table seats and lawn seats. The evening includes wine and a special picnic dinner created by Cameron Mitchell Premier Events.

The Hinson Amphitheater was dedicated in Fall 2021 and is a performance and community gathering venue located in the heart of New Albany adjacent to the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts. Since opening, the venue has hosted hundreds of events ranging from national to local musical entertainment, theater performances, dance performances and community festivals.

The Hinson Amphitheater was made possible through collaborative public and private partnerships led by the Foundation.