A new shopping center in Northwest Bakersfield is debuting a first in a series of outdoor family movie screenings on Thursday.

Families can go sit under the stars and enjoy the movie "Despicable Me 3" at the Artisan Square Shopping Center at 8 p.m.

Organizers say it is free and open to the community.

Attendees can also enjoy free popcorn and enter a free prize drawing. Businesses in Artisan Square, such as The Pizza Press, The Habit Burger and Sultan's Mediterranean Grill, are offering gift cards as prizes for the drawing.

Attendees are encourage to bring lawn chairs and blankets for the outdoor event.