KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene’s downtown area could be transformed into a nostalgic hub in April, thanks to a proposal from the Greater Monadnock Collaborative to host a three-day festival celebrating the 30th anniversary of “Jumanji,” the 1995 classic film.

The event is planned for April 11-13 in Central and Railroad Squares, providing fans and community members a chance to relive iconic moments from the movie, which features scenes filmed in Keene.

Cathy Bergstrom, a board member of the Collaborative, outlined the festival plans to the City Council’s Planning, Licenses, and Development Committee Wednesday, receiving unanimous support for the event. With the committee’s recommendation, the proposal will now move forward to the full council for final approval.

The event will kick off with a screening of the film at The Colonial Theatre on Friday, April 11. Saturday’s lineup promises a mix of fun and activity with a themed road race and parade, plus a scavenger hunt through downtown businesses. Festival organizers have planned a “mock stampede” to recreate the movie’s thrilling scene where jungle creatures roam the streets—a nod to Keene’s on-screen role as a small town overtaken by the wild.

More than just a celebration of the film, the festival will also shine a spotlight on mental health awareness. Inspired by Robin Williams’ role in the film and his later struggles with depression, the Collaborative hopes to dedicate a mural in his memory. The mural would also honor a local police officer who recently passed away, underscoring the importance of mental health in the community.

In a September letter to the city, Bergstrom shared that Sony Pictures Entertainment, the company that owns the rights to the film, has given its approval for the event. Local organizers are even exploring the idea of involving Keene residents who appeared as extras in the film to participate in the festivities.

The festival was originally planned for June, but with the downtown reconstruction project on the horizon, it has been moved to April to ensure a smooth celebration.