October 21, 2026 – An empty corner lot in Decatur’s Torrence Park neighborhood is getting a new purpose as neighbors, community volunteers and police officers come together to host free outdoor movie nights. The next free movie night will be this Friday.
The event begins at 6 p.m. at Toad Hill Commons, 1200 East Condit Street, just north of the Macon County Health Department. The evening will feature food truck offerings, popcorn, cotton candy and hot cocoa before a free showing of the 2024 film “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” at 7 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the movie on a giant portable screen provided by the Decatur Police Department, which is also providing the film.
The gathering is a collaborative effort involving the Decatur Police Department, Friends of Torrence Park Neighborhood and the Torrence Park Neighborhood Association.
Community volunteer Ayn Owens said the first movie night at Toad Hill, held two weeks ago, was a success and demonstrated the value of bringing people together in their own neighborhood.
“Projects like these which bring neighbors, Millikin students and our Police Department together are extremely valuable to rebuilding our neighborhood communities! It was an impressive effort,” Owens said.
Owens said the event also offers an opportunity for police officers and residents to build relationships outside of traditional law enforcement interactions.
“This is a very unique way for our police to do outreach and continue to build trust in our inner city communities,” she said.
Organizers hope the gathering will give neighbors a chance to connect, welcome Millikin University students into the community and enjoy a family-friendly evening together.
The movie is free, and everyone is welcome to attend. The event begins at 6 p.m. Friday, with the film scheduled to start at 7 p.m. at Toad Hill Commons.
