Basketball star Buddy is back in a big way: The original movie is returning to theaters in select cities in August with fans encouraged to bring their own dogs to screening events. It’s all part of a campaign to promote the upcoming sequel, “Air Bud Returns,” which will hit theaters on January 22, 2027.

The special screenings will take place in August in the following three cities:

• August 3 – Los Angeles, St. Barks, 10740 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

• August 5 – Chicago, ChiTown Drive-In, 2343 S Throop St, Chicago, IL 60608

• August 10 – Kansas City, Boulevard Drive-In, 1051 Merriam Lane, Kansas City, KS 66103

You can RSVP at returns.airbud.com.

Cineverse and Air Bud Entertainment have partnered with Pedigree dog food for the retro screenings, which will involve giveaways and a pet photo booth. Each event will feature a video introduction by Robert Vince, the creator and director behind the upcoming “Air Bud Returns.” There will also be Pedigree pet product samples, limited-edition movie merchandise and a custom-built basketball hoop activation. Guests are encouraged to bring their dogs to the events, where pet-friendly amenities like hydration stations will be available.

“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, giving a new generation an opportunity to discover him for the first time” said Vince in a press release. “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” stars Aydin Artis as 12-year-old Jacob, who is coping with his father’s death. After discovering a VHS copy of “Air Bud” among his father’s possessions, he befriends a stray Golden Retriever named Buddy who’s a natural at hoops. Together they learn that there “still…ain’t no rule that says a dog can’t play basketball.” The movie opens on January 22, 2027.

The new Buddy is played by dogs Charlie and Summer, who were chosen from 5,000 other Golden Retrievers who tried out for the job. The two pups were selected because they “best embody Buddy’s athleticism, charm, and heart.”

Charlie is from Ohio and Summer is from San Diego: Both dogs worked with professional trainers for the film, Variety reports.