A night at the drive-in is a precious past time for those who prefer a more retro movie-going experience. But, it’s hard to find a drive-in theater during the fall months (or at all, anymore), after the summer season of outdoor entertainment has passed. This year, in honor of Halloween, one local drive-in will be staying open throughout the weekends in October for the first time ever.
The Mendon Twin Drive-In, owned by the Phantom Gourmet brothers Dan, Dave and Michael Andelman and located about an hour outside of Boston, is bringing scary movies to their two outdoor screens this month, as well as serving up pumpkin beers and hard ciders, and more Halloween-themed fun.
Already picturing a perfect fall night at the drive in – wrapped in a blanket with a beer in hand and a horror movie on the screen? To complete the atmosphere, the drive in’s heated beer garden will be transformed into a pumpkin patch with fire pits, cider donuts and candy, and costumed characters from Halloween Outlet will be roaming the grounds for an added spook effect. For those who are feeling the Halloween spirit themselves, nightly awards will be handed out to the top three best costumes in the form of free movie passes, Phantom Gourmet restaurant gift cards and memorabilia. If that all wasn’t enough, it doesn’t hurt that the Mendon Drive-In serves a spread of classic snack bar fare, like fried dough, nachos, pretzels and, of course, popcorn.
The movie screenings take on themes like “Scary Dolls,” “Salute to Zombies,” and “Ode to Halloween.” This weekend on October 11, visitors will be treated to a bonus show from Rhode Island acting troupe The RKO Players, who will perform a live reenactment of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” in between movie screenings, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show during the screening of the film.
October’s Mendon Drive-In movie nights are shaping up to be the perfect fall adventure leading up to Halloween, so if you’re already planning your trip, check out the complete schedule below. The nights combine family-friendly screenings with more fright-filled ones, so there’s something for everyone going on. The Mendon Drive-In charges $25 per car.
October 10
Screen One: Ghostbusters & Beetlejuice
Screen Two: Annabelle & Child’s Play
October 11
Screen One: Annabelle & Child’s Play
Screen Two: Beetlejuice & The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Plus, bonus performances by The RKO Players.
October 12
Screen One: Annabelle & Child’s Play
Screen Two: Ghostbusters & Beetlejuice
October 17 & 18
Screen One: Friday the 13th & Nightmare on Elm Street
Screen Two: Dawn of the Dead & Zombieland
October 24 & 25
Screen One: Ouija & Dracula (2014)
Screen Two: Halloween & Halloween II
October 30, & 31, November 1
Screen One: Ouija & Dracula (2014)
Screen Two: Saw & The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
