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Drive-in movies became popular in the 1930s. Over eight decades later, avid moviegoers still enjoy piling in the car with family and friends to see their favorite films play on a giant screen outdoors. Blockbuster movies like “Jaws,” “Star Wars,” and “Avengers: Endgame” all aired at drive-in theaters across the country. Most drive-ins have evolved to play audio over the car radio instead of hanging those clunky metal speakers from the car window.
Summer is the peak drive-in season. That means those corny refreshment stand ad reels are gearing up to entice a new crowd. You can keep snack costs low by bringing your own supplies. Here’s everything you need to have an incredible drive-in movie experience.
Photo: shaunl via gettyimages.com
You simply must eat popcorn at the movies! Pop a few bags of Kirkland’s Signature Microwave Popcorn before you gather your crew, and take your favorite popcorn bowls or brown lunch sacks to divvy it up at the drive-in. Kirkland’s popcorn is made with whole-grain popcorn, movie theater butter, and natural butter flavor. Plus, it’s a gluten-free snack. After you’ve passed it out to the group, grab your own popcorn, kick back, and enjoy the show.
Redbox Movie Night Care Package
Candy is another classic movie theater snack. Stock up on popular movie candy varieties with this Redbox Movie Night Care Package. The assortment includes more bags of microwave popcorn and popular candy brands like plain and peanut M&Ms, Skittles, Mike & Ike, Sour Patch, and more. Just pop the popcorn, grab your favorite candy, and head to the drive-in.
Kettle corn lovers crave the sweet and salty mix of this popular treat. This set features two bags of Angie’s BOOM CHICKA POP Kettle Corn. It’s ready to divide with your friends in the car at the drive-in. This brand of popcorn is gluten-free, too!
Portable AM/FM Analog Radio from Panasonic
If you want to tune into the drive-in’s audio channel (or just kick up some jams before the movie starts), try this battery-operated, Portable AM/FM Analog Radio from Panasonic. Most drive-in theaters have their own radio station that broadcasts the movie audio, so if you are planning to sit outside of your car, be sure to pick up a high-quality and smooth turning radio for your enjoyment.
Another fun feature of drive-in movie theaters is that you can opt to go in your pajamas. Plus, if you have an SUV, you can fold down the rear seats and spread a blanket to sprawl out and watch the movie. The KingCamp Outdoor Blanket is thermal and has buttons you can close to keep yourself warm. The extra-large size can comfortably hold multiple people.
Tommy Bahama Foldable Striped Chairs
If it’s a balmy summer night, you can opt to sit outside in front of your car to watch the movie. These Tommy Bahama Foldable Striped Chairs are perfect for outdoor drive-in viewing, on the beach, or at a campsite!
The one major drawback of going to the drive-in is that they are usually full of mosquitos—especially if it’s a warm, sticky night without a breeze. To protect yourself from unwanted mosquito bites and other pesky insects, take OFF! Deep Woods Bug Spray & Mosquito Repellent, Dry Touch Technology to the show and apply it liberally. The spray repels mosquitoes that may carry Zika, Dengue, and West Nile Viruses. Plus, the powder-dry formula isn’t greasy or oily and provides long-lasting protection.
If you eat a lot of salty popcorn and other treats, you’re going to get thirsty. Store your favorite drive-in beverages like soda, lemonade, punch, and water in this Collapsible Soft Sided Cooler from Maelstrom. The extra-large capacity cooler holds up to 60 cans plus two to four ice packs. Or you can add 15 lbs. of ice to keep beverages cold longer.
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Photo: shaunl via gettyimages.com
Redbox Movie Night Care Package
Portable AM/FM Analog Radio from Panasonic
Tommy Bahama Foldable Striped Chairs
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