A special free screening of "Phenomenon" in celebration of its 30th anniversary and as a tribute to our town. Photo courtesy of Auburn State Theater 


AUBURN, CA (MPG) - Auburn State Theatre presents a free screening of “Phenomenon” in celebration of its 30th anniversary and as a tribute to our town. Filmed in Old Town Auburn, Machado Orchards and ARD, this special screening is sponsored by Hour in the

Tower Escape Room, Old Town Pizza and the City of Auburn. This is an outdoor event, so bring your chairs!

“Phenomenon” tells the story of a small-town everyman (John Travolta) who develops remarkable intelligence and telekinetic abilities after being hit by a ball of mysterious white lights that only he can see. This 1996 blockbuster also stars Kyra Sedgwick, Forest Whitaker and Robert Duvall.

To explore the real-life sets seen in the film, head to Historic Old Town Auburn. You can easily walk to exact shooting spots like Auburn Alehouse (formerly the legendary Shanghai Bar), Machado Orchards, and the Placer County Courthouse.

A self-guided tour around town features several specific, hyper-localized spots from the movie. Including the Old Town Auburn Streetscape, the main town of "Harmon" is actually Historic Old Town Auburn. The local garage set where Travolta’s character (George Malley) worked was constructed temporarily right in the middle of the street in front of the Old Town Post Office.

The Auburn Alehouse (Formerly Shanghai Bar): Located at 289 Washington Street, is also featured as the interior and exterior of this bar were prominently featured as the watering hole where George celebrated his birthday just before being struck by the mysterious, glowing white lights.

The Placer County Courthouse, located at 101 Maple Street will be featured on the tour. This prominent local landmark features heavily in the movie's backdrop as George experiences his sudden surge of intelligence and telekinetic powers.

Machado Orchards, located at 100 Apple Lane (off Bowman Road), this family-owned orchard is where George uses his mind to help pick apples and demonstrates his abilities will be on the tour.

As well as Doc's Office, the physician’s office where George's friend Doc (played by Robert Duvall) works was filmed at 107 Sacramento Street.

And lastly the Sierra Moon Goldsmiths: Located at 204 Washington Street, this building served as a jewelry store location in the film.

"Phenomenon," will premiere on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. The movie is set to run for two hours and three minutes. Admission is free admission however this is an outdoor event so bring your chairs! The premiere will be located in Old Town Auburn in front of the old post office.

Tickets are available at AuburnStateTheatre.org or call 530-885-0156.