Labor Day may signal the official end of summer, but it also marks the beginning of special series and events season at Harbor Theater. In September alone, you’ll find the return of Arts on Film and Cinema Clubhouse series, a special free event for members, and a Middle Earth birthday party!

The weekend of Friday, Sept. 18 and Saturday, Sept. 19 is packed with fun for everyone! On Friday at 2 p.m. we celebrate the return of our Arts on Film series with Exhibition on Screen film “James McNeil Whistler.” This incredible artist is finally getting the attention he deserves in this expansive new documentary based on Tate Britain's blockbuster retrospective. This is your unmissable chance to get to know the man behind the masterpieces. Two shows only: 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18 and Saturday, Sept. 19.

On the evening of the 18th at 7, families can kick off the new school year with a great film deal! For the opening of newly released “The Magic Faraway Tree” (PG, 1 hour, 50 minutes). Harbor Theater and Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library are teaming up to offer free family passes, free popcorn, and a drawing for two free books and a movie poster. 

Adapted from Enid Blyton's beloved classic novel "The Magic Faraway Tree," the film centers on Polly (Claire Foy), Tim (Andrew Garfield), and their three children - a modern family forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. As they adapt to their new lives, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric residents, including treasured characters Moonface, Silky (Nicola Coughlan), Dame Washalot, and Saucepan Man. At the top of the tree, they are transported to spectacular, fantastical lands, and through the joys and challenges of their adventures, the family learns to reconnect and value each other for the first time in years. Free Family Passes must be acquired in advance at: https://www.simpletix.com/e/family-film-free-pass-167307.

On Sunday evening, Sept. 20, Harbor Theater Members are invited to step back into Depression-era Chicago for a special evening celebrating one of Hollywood’s most entertaining classics! Join us for "The Sting," starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford, complete with a special Scott Joplin musical introduction and Depression-era cocktails & canapés before the film. Winner of seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, "The Sting" is also remembered for its unforgettable use of Scott Joplin’s ragtime music, including “The Entertainer,” which became synonymous with the film. Harbor Theater Members attend FREE! Come early, enjoy the music, cocktails & canapés, and settle in for a classic that was made to be enjoyed on the big screen. To join or renew your membership go to: https://boothbaycinema.org/membership/.

Bilbo and Frodo Baggins celebrate their birthdays at Harbor Theater on Tuesday, Sept. 22! Baggins Birthday Bash tickets are a special $6 each for everyone of any age. Admission includes “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” (2001, PG-13, 2 hours, 59 minutes), a costume contest with prizes, and special “po-tay-toes” baked potato bar! Don’t miss this special 6 p.m. Middle Earth movie event!

To cap off the month, Tanner Grover’s Cinema Clubhouse returns for its second season at Harbor Theater. Cinema Clubhouse movies are free and open to everyone! To join the clubhouse, get information about the movies that Tanner selects and the accompanying guests and activities each month, sign up at facebook.com/thecinemaclubhouse or Instagram.com/the_cinemaclubhouse.

See you at the movies in September! Subscribe to our newsletter at https://boothbaycinema.org/to stay up to date with the latest films and events happening at the theater located at 185 Townsend Ave.