The Getty Drive-In, a staple of summer nights and nostalgic entertainment in West Michigan, is gearing up to quickly open its gates for the 82nd consecutive year. The long-standing outdoor movie theater at 920 E Summit Ave., Norton Shores, is set for a grand opening this Friday. Despite lingering winter temperatures, with forecasts suggesting a "warm-up" to the low 50s during the day and a dip into the upper 30s at night, the attraction continues to draw in crowds with its retro charm and updated tech, providing digital projection and FM radio sound broadcasting, according to Woodradio.
The drive-in theater promises a mix of modern and classic film experiences spread across its four screens. This season's preliminary lineup includes double features such as "Death of a Unicorn / Opus," and family favorites like "How to Train Your Dragon" and "Lilo & Stitch." The upcoming schedule also touts action-filled hits like "Thunderbolts," and "Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning," set to entertain audiences looking for a thrill. Chad Gemzer, the manager of the Getty, emphasized the care taken to "spruce things up and slip in little upgrades that improve the experience," all the while preserving the traditional vibe patrons love, as reported by WZZM13.
Not only a bastion for the classic film buffs, the drive-in venue offers a unique social flavor to movie-going, resembling a "tailgater" where guests can bring their outdoor speakers, camp chairs, and hammocks to enjoy a collective experience under the stars. As the venue prepares to open its doors—or rather, its lot—the first 50 cars arriving on opening night will be graced with a free Getty sticker, becoming a part of the venue’s rich local legacy. Emily Loeks, Director of Community Affairs for Studio C, described the drive-in as a cherished summer tradition, saying, "Going to the drive-in is a summer tradition for lots of folks in West Michigan," as she told Fox17Online.
Scheduled to kick off around 8:15 p.m., just post sunset, the first double feature offers an earlier start to the evening's entertainment. This early opportunity is highlighted as being ideal for those not wanting to stay out too late, or for families with younger viewers—just another way the drive-in caters to various preferences among its audience. Interestingly, there will be a "family-friendly" movie combo available through to the Spring Break season, ensuring a little something for every age group, as Loeks revealed to Woodradio.
The gates open Friday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m., welcoming both longtime fans and newcomers. Whether for nostalgia, a social movie night, or a beloved local tradition, the Getty Drive-In is set for another season under the Michigan sky.
