:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/MMXLXRO55DH5CRX5R5KOQ26QDU.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/MMXLXRO55DH5CRX5R5KOQ26QDU.jpg)
Fans of the drive-in theater experience have just three more chances to enjoy the nostalgic concessions, pre-show cartoons and convenient in-car audio of Earlville's Route 34 Drive-In theater, before they close their doors for the season, on November 2nd. This rural oasis, located in northwestern Starved Rock Country, has been a road trip destination for decades of film aficionados and those who miss the authentic drive-in experience from their childhoods. In 2020, however, new health and safety mandates brought on by the COVID-19 crisis have created a brand-new fan base for these socially-distant outdoor film screenings! Across the country, new pop-up drive-in theaters have opened and the remaining true drive-in theaters have seen substantial increases in admissions.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/AHHFXHHC6Q33GIBPW4HKDO6W74.jpg)
It just so happens that Starved Rock Country is home to the Route 34 Drive-In, one of the best single screen outdoor theaters in the entire Midwest! Located just a short drive from I-80 and I-39, this theater is the perfect destination to savor one last drive-in screening, before the end of the season. Double features are a staple of The Route 34 Drive-In Theater, and an excellent value for those looking for an entertaining and budget-friendly night out of the house. To close out their 2020 season, Route 34 will be hosting screenings of the family favorite Halloween classics Hocus Pocus and A Nightmare Before Christmas. The final three showings for 2020 will take place Friday Oct. 30, Saturday Oct. 31 (Halloween) and Sunday Nov. 1, each showing will start approximately at 7:30. Tickets are only $10 for adults and $7 for children. Please keep in mind, The Route 34 Drive-In is cash only, no checks or credit cards will be accepted. Tickets for these screenings will not be sold online or in advance.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/PYNZBWNF24TXPFCPTMG2DROGJA.jpg)
This season, the Route 34 Drive-In has taken extra precautions to make sure their customers stayed safe while they were enjoying their movies! They've limited the total car capacity every night to 175 vehicles. This means there will only be one vehicle per drive-in pole, rather than the standard two, allowing for ample social distance. Guests have also been required to stay in their vehicles, with the exception of visits to the restrooms or concessions, trips to both of which will required masks or coverings. The concession menu was limited, for efficiency, and a visit requires proper social distancing. A member of their staff waits outside to limit the number of patrons in the concessions building at one time. The restrooms have also been regularly cleaned and sanitized throughout the screenings by a diligent staff.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/SYQZXPLKVPY55455DTY43TZLUE.jpg)