It’s showtime!
Along with working in pajama pants and a massive rediscovery of the joy of playing outside, another pandemic positive has been the revival of the drive-in movie. To celebrate this classic activity, the Bijou Theatre and the Lincoln City Cultural Center are co-hosting the second annual drive-in summer movie series, playing classic movies on the big screen at the center every Saturday evening in July and August.
“I chose the movies based on a few things,” said Betsy Altomare, who owns the Bijou Theatre with husband Keith. “They had to be popular, cross all age groups and be movies that I actually liked.”
Betsy was quick to add that two of the eight movies, “Alien,” and “Bridesmaids,” are not kid-friendly so parents should use discretion.
Bringing back the series that brings back some cult classic films was based on the success of the first go-round.
“Last year we started this as a way to safely get people together and still be able to show movies while the theater was closed,” Betsy said. “We had seen a few other places start up these outdoor drive-ins, so we contacted the cultural center and they were in. We ended up selling out almost every show. Everybody loved the novelty of it and had a blast.”
Tickets are $25 per carload and include a large buttery popcorn from the Bijou. Grabbing a bag at the theater on the way to the center ensures that “just popped” taste. The “terroir” of Bijou popcorn comes from the machine, which has pride of place in the theater lobby and a seasoned history.
“Our popper is the President model and is over 40 years old,” Altomare said. “When I train a new employee, I have very specific instructions on how to treat it. We want it very clean but also well-seasoned, because we hear from people all the time about how our popcorn has a particular flavor that they love — we have people that buy our popcorn without even attending a movie.”
Movie goers who like to enjoy their popped corn in a theater seat, especially a classic movie theater seat, will be happy to know the Bijou is back and will be showing “In the Heights,” directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, beginning on Friday, July 5.
Ticket sales for the drive-in movie series are limited to the first 25 vehicles.
Shows start at dusk in the parking lot at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, located at 540 NE Hwy. 101.
For more information and tickets, go to cinemalovers.com.
Movie schedule
July 3: Beetlejuice
July 10: A League of Their Own
July 17: Grease
July 31: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
Aug. 7: Alien
Aug. 14: Gremlins
Aug. 21: Casablanca
Aug. 28: Bridesmaids