North Smithfield Drive-In Offers Socially Distanced Entertainment

NORTH SMITHFIELD, RI — Rhode Island has lifted its stay-at-home order and begun the phased opening process, though close-contact and entertainment businesses remain closed for now. Starting this week, those looking for some socially distanced fun can visit the Rustic Drive-In.

The North Smithfield theater has been a seasonal favorite in Rhode Island for generations. The novelty of drive-in movie theaters have become a saving grace in the time of coronavirus, when social distancing requirements make traditional movie theaters and other entertainment venues impossible.

Theater management has created a plan to keep customers and staff safe. While movie-goers will stay at or in their cars while watching the film, distance requirements had to be implemented at restrooms and the concession stand.

The theater will open to the public on Friday. Gates will open at 6 p.m. and the first films will start at 8:20 p.m. All three screens will have double features, with films geared towards different age levels. The film lineups are listed below.

• Screen 1: Onward, followed by The Call of the Wild (both rated PG)
• Screen 2: The Hunt, followed by The Invisible Man (both rated R)
• Screen 3: Trolls World Tour, followed by Jumanji: The Next Level (both rated G)

Upon arrival, customers will be directed to a parking spot by an attendant. For safety reasons, there will be one open spot in between each vehicle. Movie-goers can watch the film from inside their vehicle, in the bed of their truck or from chairs directly in front of the vehicle. Customers will not be allowed to congregate with anyone else.

Masks will be required anytime a person leaves their vehicles or if they leave their windows open. The sound will be broadcasted over the radio — 901. for screen one, 91.5 for screen two and 87.9 for screen three. If the vehicle's radio will not work, customers are asked to bring their own radio, since none will be provided.

The concession stand will be open, with 6 foot distancing and mask requirements. Orders can be placed by walking up to the window on the women's restroom side of the building or by calling 401-484-5452. Orders can be picked up 20 minutes after ordering at the pickup window, which is on the men's restroom side of the building. All trash must be taken with customers when they leave.

Restrooms will be open and monitored by an attendant. Up to three people can be in a restroom at any time, with requirements for distancing and masks.