In the age of the file-in, file-out multiplex march, drive-ins make movies events. More than nostalgia, outdoor theaters remain essential summer movie experiences.
Most people aren’t aware that there are 12 drive-in movie theaters within 100 miles of Chicago–five of those within 50 miles–making for pleasant weekend excursions and family outings.
If you haven’t been to a drive-in lately, here are some tips:
Bring a map: A big, detailed road atlas, if you can. Most drive-ins don’t have exact addresses and can be hard to find on country roads. So don’t be shy: Ask for directions. Also check out www.drive-ins.com for exact locations and maps beforehand.
Bring blankets and chairs: It’s summer, but the temperature can drop quickly. Don’t annoy other movie-goers by turning on your heat (or air conditioning, as the case may be), thereby activating parking lights that draw attention from the screen. If it’s nice out, why not pack lawn chairs and enjoy the night air?
SUV etiquette: If you drive an SUV or other large vehicle, it’s OK to back into a space and leave the back hatch open for the kiddies. Just don’t do this in the first five or so rows, as it blocks the screen for those with regular-size vehicles.
Mosquito caution: Wear long sleeves and carry bug spray in your car.
Food: I’m a sucker for Chinese food during drive-ins, but most drive-in owners frown (and sometimes ban) outside food, as concessions sales are a main income source. So if you’re bringing in an egg roll, buy refreshments and dessert from the drive-in.
Below, we’ve listed seven nearby drive-ins, most open by Memorial Day weekend. Check out www.drive-ins.com for locations farther afield.
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34 Drive-In
Old U.S. Highway 34
Earlville
815-246-9700
www.rt34drivein.com
49er Drive-In
Calumet Avenue
Valparaiso, Ind.
219-462-6122
www.49erdrivein.com
Cascade Outdoor Theatre
28W741 North Ave.
West Chicago
630-231-3150
www.cascadedrivein.com
Hi-Lite 30 Drive-In
Montgomery Road
Aurora
630-898-5888
www.novacinemas.com
Keno Family Drive-In
9102 Sheridan Rd.
Pleasant Prairie, Wis.
262-694-8855
www.kenooutdoortheatre.com
McHenry Outdoor Theater
1510 N. Chapel Hill Rd.
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McHenry
815-385-0144
Melody Drive-In
7055 SR 35 S.
Knox, Ind.
574-772-2042
www.melodydrivein.com