Fans can relive the beloved 1997 classic alongside their dogs while getting an exclusive first look at AIR BUD RETURNS before its theatrical debut in 2027.
Nearly three decades after proving there really “ain’t no rule that says a dog can’t play basketball,” Air Bud is making a heartwarming return to the big screen.
Cineverse, Air Bud Entertainment, and the PEDIGREE brand have announced a nationwide summer celebration that invites fan and their four-legged best friends—to experience the original 1997 Air Bud in theaters once again. Even better, attendees will also receive an exclusive behind-the-scenes preview of the upcoming theatrical sequel, AIR BUD RETURNS, before it arrives in theaters on January 22, 2027.
The special dog-friendly events celebrate one of the most beloved family films of the ’90s while introducing a new generation to Buddy’s unforgettable story.
Air Bud and Your Best Friend Head Back to the Movies
The screenings will take place across three cities during August, with every event welcoming guests to bring their dogs along for the experience.
The event schedule includes:
- August 3 – St. Barks – Studio City (Los Angeles), California
- August 5 – ChiTown Drive-In – Chicago, Illinois
- August 10 – Boulevard Drive-In – Kansas City, Kansas
Fans can RSVP and find additional event information at returns.airbud.com.
Each event will begin with an exclusive video introduction from Robert Vince, creator of the Air Bud franchise and writer-director of AIR BUD RETURNS, offering audiences a first behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming film before the original movie plays on the big screen.
More Than a Movie Night
The celebration goes beyond simply watching the film. Guests can enjoy themed photo opportunities, exclusive merchandise, PEDIGREE product samples, giveaways, and a custom basketball activation inspired by Buddy’s legendary skills on the court. Pet-friendly hydration stations will also be available to ensure every furry guest stays comfortable throughout the event.
The screenings are part of the PEDIGREE brand’s new “Good Then, Better Now” campaign, celebrating more than four decades of helping families care for their dogs while highlighting improvements to its classic dog food recipe.
“We all cherish the memories of the dogs we grew up with, and many of us watched Air Bud alongside our furry family members,” said Helen Hastings, Director of the PEDIGREE brand at Mars Pet Nutrition North America. “PEDIGREE is proud to be part of those moments, and these dog-friendly screening events are a joyful way to bring families together and create new memories.”
Robert Vince Celebrates Air Bud’s Legacy
For franchise creator Robert Vince, the screenings are about reconnecting longtime fans with a movie that became a family favorite while introducing Buddy to a brand-new audience.
“For the millions who grew up with Air Bud, we wanted to give our fans a chance to experience the original underdog story on the big screen with their family and dogs, allowing a new generation to discover him for the first time,” Vince said. “With this Summer Series, we’re celebrating everything that made Air Bud and PEDIGREE special then—and making those moments even better now.”
AIR BUD RETURNS Brings Buddy Back to the Big Screen
The upcoming film serves as a brand-new chapter in the iconic franchise while honoring the original story that audiences have loved for nearly 30 years.
In AIR BUD RETURNS, 14-year-old Jacob dreams of becoming a basketball star, but after losing his father, that dream feels out of reach. When he and his mother move to Fernfield—his father’s hometown—Jacob discovers an old VHS tape labeled Air Bud and learns his father once played alongside the legendary basketball-playing golden retriever.
Soon after, Jacob befriends a stray golden retriever he names Buddy. Together, they build an unlikely basketball team, inspire their community, and prove once again that heart matters more than anything on the court.
The film marks Buddy’s long-awaited theatrical return and promises a new generation of families the same uplifting adventure that made the original an enduring classic.
AIR BUD RETURNS opens exclusively in theaters on January 22, 2027.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
