Drive-In Movies Return To Smith Haven Mall: September Schedule

LAKE GROVE, NY — Drive-in movies are returning to the Smith Haven Mall parking lot in Lake Grove in September, Long Island event producer Starfish Junction announced Wednesday. The upcoming schedule includes family-friendly films and a fright-night blockbuster — three films in two nights. Here's a glance at what's on deck:

• Sept. 11: Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (8 p.m.; Rated PG)
• Sept. 12: Trolls World Tour (8 p.m.; Rated PG)
• Sept. 12: Steven King’s IT (11 p.m.; Rated R, 2017)

"We’re working on a fantastic lineup for fall," Lauren Powers, senior director at Starfish Junction, said via news release. "We’ve had such a positive response to the summer series that we decided to extend the drive-in movies into the fall season. We’ve got some awesome movies coming for the next few weeks and we’re currently finalizing plans for a Halloween spooktacular weekend, with movies sure to appeal to both kids and adults."

More information on the schedule, safety guidelines, show times and ticket availability is available on the MOVIE LOT Drive-In website.

MOVIE LOT, a pop-up drive-in movie experience, has entertained nearly 4,000 cars since it launched in May. Movies are shown on a 52-foot screen erected in the parking lot of Smith Haven Mall. Future showings will include movies perfect for date nights, family fun nights, girls' night out, sing-alongs, and classic films.

There are a limited number of tickets available for each showing. Tickets are on sale now — $40 per carload for early shows, $30 per carload for late night shows —and must be purchased online in advance at the MOVIE LOT website to adhere to the promise of contactless processing.

Lake Grove was among the first Long Island towns to offer post-quarantine entertainment for local residents, according to Starfish Junction. With sold-out showings, MOVIE LOT confirmed that Long Islanders are ready for a fun and safe way to embrace summer recreation as shelter-in-place restrictions loosen.

Ticket-holders are allowed to bring their own food and snacks to enjoy during the show. Attendees may also consider Smith Haven Mall restaurants for curbside pick up before filing into the lot for the movie. Portable restrooms will be available for use. The showings will take place rain or shine, and all ticket sales are final.

Patrons are told to enter near Verizon at 313 Smith Haven Mall and follow the signs to get to the movie lot.

The September 11-12 weekend community sponsor is Ronald McDonald House, who will use the weekend to raise funds and awareness.