McHenry Outdoor Theater Reopening: New Screen, Fewer COVID Rules

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — It's one of the few permanent drive-in theaters still operating in the Chicago area, and last year, as the coronavirus was just taking hold, it was a mainstay for many. The McHenry Outdoor Theater plans to reopen soon and this summer, will not be limited to the 50 percent capacity it had last summer due to COVID-19 restrictions, Scott Dehn, owner of the outdoor theater, told the Northwest Herald.

It also is boasting a new projector screen that will allow those further back in the parking lot to see the movies and a "crisper, brighter, cleaner image," Dehn said. Last winter, Dehn purchased a 10-acre lot to the east of the current theater property as more improvements, including an additional screen, are in the works, according to a Facebook post.

Last year, crowds flocked to the theater at 1510 N. Chapel Road in Lakemoor. And the 800 spaces in its parking lot may fill up quickly again this summer when the theater opens on April 30. Especially, if people are still looking for the comfort and fun a drive-in theater offer and aren't quite ready, even as more become vaccinated against COVID-19, to visit traditional, indoor theaters.

The McHenry Outdoor Theater has announced the features for its opening weekend, which is being dubbed "Sharknado Weekend." The opening double feature on April 30 and May 1 will include "Jaws" and "Twister."

Those stopping out will be asked to wear masks in the concessions area and to main social distancing. And to also be weary of another known "fact" shared via the McHenry Outdoor Theater Facebook page: "The past four times we've played TWISTER, we were under the threat of an actual tornado warning. You've been warned."

More via the McHenry Outdoor Theater Facebook page

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