Starlite Drive-In: A night under the Stars

Drive-ins will always make me think of “Grease”— there’s just no way around it. But Starlite Drive-In, specifically, will always make me think of high school.

I can still hear my friend Kimberly asking me, “What’s the number for that place?” as we all stared at her, waiting for the punch line of a joke that never came.

Growing up in Wichita, I assumed everyone had the number seared into their brains by the radio commercial. Clearly, I was mistaken.

Memories aside, Starlite Drive-In actually has a fun and unique experience to offer.

You have the option of listening to the audio for the movies through your car stereo, or through the old-fashioned speakers on posts next to each parking spot. Depending on how nostalgic you’re feeling, it may just be worth it to listen through those outdoor speakers under the starlight.

While the seats in your car might not be as cushioned as theatre seats, it may still be a worthwhile sacrifice. With ticket prices at the Warren going up every so often, Starlite’s $12 per carload deal is a decent option, especially considering you can stay for three movies, if you so choose.

However, the ticket office only accepts cash, so keep that in mind as you prepare to go. Here are some other things to consider when planning a night at the drive-in:

Starlite is only open on Friday and Saturday nights. Shows don’t start until sunset, so times change as the seasons change. Additionally, they ask that you leave your pets at home and not save parking spots for additional cars. If you want to take a large group, plan ahead, and go at the same time.

Part of the fun of the experience is that the movie options change almost every weekend, and vary from new movies to family films to the classics. With Halloween quickly approaching, the horror films start this weekend.

The director’s cut version of “Alien,” the original “Friday the 13th” and “Halloween 3: Season of the Witch” all show this weekend on Screen 1 and will continue running through Oct. 25 and 26.

As for me, I think I’ll skip the scary movies and stick with the more traditional 80’s classics such as “American Grafitti,” “The Breakfast Club” and “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” that are showing now.

Of course, the entire time I’ll be hearing “You’re The One That I Want” in my head, but that’s a risk I am willing to take to experience a small piece of nostalgia.

For more information on how Starlite Drive-In gives you more, call 524-2424.