4 Ways to Experience The Shawshank Redemption: 30th Anniversary Celebration

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.