October Drive-In Movies Come To Smith Haven Mall

LAKE GROVE, NY — Drive-in movies are back at the Smith Haven Mall parking lot in Lake Grove in October, Long Island event producer Starfish Junction announced Thursday. The upcoming schedule includes family-friendly fun, as well as Halloween horror flicks. Here's what's in store:

• Oct. 23: Ghostbusters 7:15 p.m. (with trick-or-treat alley)
• Oct. 23: Beetlejuice 10 p.m.
• Oct. 24: Monsters Inc. 7:15 p.m. (with trick-or-treat alley)
• Oct. 24: Hocus Pocus 9:45 p.m.
• Oct. 24: The Ring at midnight

The producer will also debut its "trick-or-treat alley," described as a "fun activity to do safely from your car." It will be open for early-show ticket holders on both dates and is sponsored by Ronald McDonald House. After movie ticket holders get their tickets scanned, they will proceed, in their car, down a row of sponsor tents collecting treats along the way.

Tickets will be scanned beginning at 6 p.m. on both evenings.

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

"We’re finalizing the details on a Spooktacular weekend of Halloween movies to entertain young and old," said Lauren Powers, senior director at Starfish Junction, via news release. "We’re working with the local Ronald McDonald House staff to host a pandemic-compliant trick-or-treat alley for ticketholders who attend the first movie each day. It’s going to be a fun and safe way to celebrate Halloween this year."

MOVIE LOT, a pop-up drive-in movie experience, has entertained more than 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.

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.

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.