5 tips for a wonderful night at the drive-in theater

Ladies, fluff up those poodle skirts! Gents, grease up that hair! And everyone rev up your engines! Thanks to the pandemic, drive-in movie theaters are making a comeback and that really razzes our berries.

Here are 7 of the most essential tips and tricks you need to know for how to go to a drive-in movie theater like a pro and to help you get the most out of your experience.

1. Plan for a late night

The first thing to be aware of when planning how to go to a drive-in movie theater is that most drive-in movies don’t start until after it begins to get dark. So, depending on the season, showtimes can run kind of late, especially if you’re there for a double feature. Of course, you are always able to leave whenever you need to. But you might as well get your money’s worth by preparing ahead of time to make a night of it. So, if you’re not normally a night owl, then there are no worries since we offer hot coffee at our food concessions

2. Bring activities for downtime

If you know how to go to a drive-in movie theater and are doing it right, there will be extra time to kill since you will get there early and stay for the double feature (if offered). This means you’ll have time between films as well. If this is a solo night, bring a book or get on your phone and catch up on some interesting articles online. If you are with friends or family, this would be a great time to bring out some of your favorite board games or a deck of cards. And maybe enjoy some concessions, too.

3. Wear comfy clothes

Make sure you check the weather forecast for the evening and dress accordingly. A good rule of thumb is to always bring an extra jacket or sweater for after the sun goes down. When you’re sitting outside in the elements for that long it always feels colder than you’d expect. But other than that, the dress code for those who really know how to go to a drive-in movie theater is unanimously COMFY. So, wear your favorite hoodie with pride. Find your fuzziest socks. And take this opportunity to bring out that old Snuggie and use it to its fullest intended potential.

4. Create a comfortable set-up

Another thing to be aware of when learning how to go to a drive-in movie theater like a pro is that each establishment has its own rules for whether you are confined to the inside of your vehicle (or truck bed) or are allowed to sit outside your vehicle. This is especially true when safety measures are being taken by some establishments during the pandemic. So, again, this is another thing to check for on your local drive-in theater’s website or by phone.

5. Bring bug spray

Watching a new blockbuster or favorite classic under the stars in the crisp night air and enjoying the breeze is all part of the charm of experiencing a drive-in movie. However, when your exposure to that delightful breeze is also met with exposure to mosquito bites, it can really suck (mosquito pun intended). This is an important part of knowing how to go to a drive-in movie theater and being prepared. So, if you live in an area that tends to be very inviting to lots of mosquitoes or other pesky bugs, make sure to bring plenty of bug spray with you for your group. In fact, go ahead and have some on hand no matter what, just in case.