The original 1984 classic The Karate Kid is a fierce yet endearing underdog story of friendship between high schooler Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and his apartment maintenance man turned martial arts trainer Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) as the teenager prepares to take on his rival in the All Valley Karate Tournament. Through Miyagi’s mentoring, LaRusso learns important life lessons, overcomes adversity and ultimately faces his opponent in an epic match.

Moviegoers are encouraged to come early to picnic, with local food vendors including Stray Dog Cart, The Popcorn Truck, The Square Scullery, and Popsmith. The West Hill Community Development Corporation will be selling snacks, candy, hot cocoa, and water. Sarah Gott will lead a pre-movie craft for children and children of all ages are invited to stack rocks with Ed Cote.

Attendees are welcome to bring their own low chairs, blankets and flashlights, but are asked to leave pets at home. Parking and trolley service will run from the parking lot above Glendale at 182 Wills Ave. From the main entrance, go up the Locust St. hill and turn right onto Wills Ave. Two trolleys provided by the City of Akron will run on a loop between the lot and the meadow until 8:00pm and then resume following the movie. Additional walk in parking is available across the street from the West entrance at January Paint & Wallpaper, 394 West Exchange Street.

In the case of rain, the event will be moved back one day to Sunday, September 9, at the same times. For weather updates, check the Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/260318931265068/.

Free Akron Outdoor Movies (https://www.facebook.com/FreeAkronOutdoorMovies) is a volunteer committee that plans and hosts several free outdoor movies each summer. The events are always free, but donations of any amount are welcomed. This event is made possible by the generous support of Knight Foundation and Akron Community Foundation. In kind support provided by the City of Akron, The Akronist, and Glendale Cemetery.