A free showing of the 1977 science-fiction film “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” will take place on the Great Meadow of the Glendale Cemetery, located at 150 Glendale Ave., on Sept. 21.

This event is part of an ongoing effort by the volunteer committee Free Akron Outdoor Movies to provide affordable entertainment for Akron residents and is made possible by support from the Knight Foundation and the Akron Community Foundation.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, flashlights and blankets but asked to please leave pets at home.

Although the movie is expected to start around 8 p.m., the cemetery gates on Exchange Street will open at 6 p.m. for pre-movie activities including trolley services, a tour of the Civil War Memorial Chapel and a picnic on the grounds.

Trolley services and parking will be located in the lot above Glendale at 182 Wills Ave. 

Provided by the City of Akron, the trolley will run between the lot and Meadow until 8:30 p.m. and resume following the movie at 10:30 p.m. Additional parking can be found at January Paint & Wallpaper, 394 West Exchange St.

Snacks and drinks will be sold by vendors such as Stray Dog Cart and the West Hill Neighborhood Organization. Additionally, those in attendance are encouraged to wear sci-fi attire to participate in the costume parade at 7:30 p.m.

Other family-friendly activities available prior to the movie include the chance to stack rocks in the shape of the Devil’s Tower and Pink Velvet Studio, a local art workshop, leading an alien-related art activity.

John Bryson, a member of the committee, said that families are encouraged to attend and enjoy, “the last weekend of the ‘Summer of Space’ and gather around our inflatable mothership of a screen for this alien movie classic under the stars.”

In the event of bad weather, the movie showing will take place the next day at the same time. Those planning to attend can check the event’s Facebook page for weather and other updates.