4 Ways to Experience The Shawshank Redemption: 30th Anniversary Celebration
Get busy living and head to Mansfield’s famous prison and other sites across northern Ohio Aug. 9 through 11 for events celebrating the anniversary of this made-in-Ohio film.
Whether you’ve done serious time at Shawshank or never set foot inside, this weekend might be the right time to hit the road. For three full days (Aug. 9 through 11) the world of Andy and Red comes to life in Mansfield, Upper Sandusky and Ashland, which all played a role the 1994 film “The Shawshank Redemption.” Here are four ways you can dig into this special event.
Take a Refresher Course
Catch a screening of “The Shawshank Redemption” for a quick recap. Tickets are still available for showings at Mansfield’s Renaissance Theatre Aug. 8 at 8:45 p.m., Aug. 9 at 6:30 p.m. and Aug. 10 at 12:30 p.m. The Aug. 8 screening will be shown in a large outdoor space next to the theater. There is a free screening at the Ashland Theatre Aug. 10 at noon.
Hit the Road
Throughout the weekend, fans of the film can explore the Ohio State Reformatory, which served as the prison in the film, and 14 other sites. Ticketed bus tours are sold out, but you can always take a self-guided driving tour. Stops include the Shawshank Woodshop in Upper Sandusky, Pugh Cabin at Malabar Farm State Park and the Wyandot County Courthouse.
Dig Deeper
Tickets are available for the “Shawshank Cast Discussion” at the Renaissance Theatre Aug. 9 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. A dozen cast members, including Bob Gunton and William Sadler, as well as director Frank Darabont are scheduled to attend. The 100-seat “Return to Shawshank: An Intimate Evening with the Stars” Aug. 10 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. is sold out but tickets to the live stream in the Renaissance Theatre are still available.
Make a Run for It
The fun-filled weekend includes the “Shawshank Hustle” 7K race. It begins and ends at the Ohio State Reformatory, passing by several movie spots, such as the Bissman Building and Brooks’ Bench, along the route. This year is race’s 10th anniversary.
For more information about these and other events scheduled throughout the weekend, visit shawshank30.com.
Related Articles
Visit 14 Ohio Sites Where ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ Was Filmed
The Oscar-nominated movie was filmed at the Ohio State Reformatory and more than a dozen other nearby sites. We followed in the footsteps of Andy and Red. Here’s how you can, too. READ MORE >>
21 Movies That Were Made in Ohio
Academy Award-winning tales, lesser-known finds and, yes, even a couple of couple box-office bombs have been filmed in the Buckeye State. READ MORE >>
Ohio Magazine’s Best Hometowns 2025-26
This year, we honor Ashland, Barnesville, Green, Mount Vernon and Yellow Springs. These five communities embody the characteristics that make us proud to call Ohio home. READ MORE >>