Almost 30 years ago the last of Alberta’s drive-ins were torn away to make way for multiplexes. Watching movies in a car was old-fashioned and out-of-date. As we marched into a new century, no one ever imagined drive-ins would reappear.
But COVID-19 has drastically altered our way of life and forced us to return to simpler times. Today pop-up drive-ins are trendy and movie-hungry fans are snapping up tickets in droves.
Here in the city, St. Albert Dodge is resurrecting the nostalgic screen experience with Ford v Ferrari on Saturday, Sept. 12. The 2019 film features Academy Award-winners Matt Damon as an American car designer, and Christian Bale, a ballsy British driver.
Based on a true story, the duo is dispatched to build a revolutionary Ford racing car that will defeat the perennially dominant Ferrari team.
A food truck and concessions will be on site. St. Albert Dodge is at 1155 St. Albert Trail. Showtime is at 8:30 p.m. It is recommended to arrive before 8 p.m. to secure a parking spot. Tickets are available at eventrbite.com.
Shaw Outdoor Cinema
There’s an exciting series of drive-in movies playing in Edmonton during the month of Sept. Cinematic buffs can purchase tickets and watch a series of family and adult movies in their parked cars at the Edmonton Inn and Conference Centre.
The kickoff is Friday, Sept. 4, with two showings: Hairspray at 6 p.m. and Pulp Fiction at 9:30 p.m.
Screenings will take place on two 30-foot by 16-foot LED walls bright enough to be viewed in full daylight.
Two ticket options are available. Fans can buy either buy a drive-in spot for their vehicle or reserve a outdoor table in a socially distanced area with bar service and complete viewing access to screens.
Drive-in only tickets are per vehicle with a maximum of five people permitted in each vehicle. Contactless purchase of food is available.
Tickets can be purchased through ticketmaster.ca.
Movie nights are:
Sept. 4 to 6
Hairspray – 6 p.m.
Pulp Fiction – 9:30 p.m.
Sept. 9 to 13
Spy Kids – 6 p.m.
Kill Bill Vol. 1 – 9:30 p.m.
Sept. 16 to 20
Paddington – 6 p.m.
Drive – 9:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 to 27
Gnomeo and Juliet – 6 p.m.
Reservoir Dogs – 9:30 p.m.
