A recently renovated outdoor theater located in McHenry, IL is showing a special drive-in screening of Top Gun: Maverick this Memorial Day.
The McHenry Outdoor Theater – Golden Age Cinemas has upgraded the overall grounds and the ever-popular concession area along with their tech for screenings. Theater owner Scott Dehn has invested about $40,000 to refurbish the six-story-high, 100-foot-wide screen at the southeast corner of Chapel Hill and Lincoln roads. Another $10,000 went into new lighting and lenses for the digital projector.
Head to the theater on Memorial Day with a special screening of the new Top Gun installment. The box office will opens no later than 6:30 PM, and the theater recommends arriving early to get a ticket as capacity is limited.
While they officially reopen on Friday, May 27, the theater will show the highly anticipated “Top Gun” reboot, and “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.” Other titles in the summer lineup include:: “Jurassic World Dominion,” “Minions: The Rise of Gru” and “DC League of Super-Pets,” and more.
The renovations also include the addition of the Skyline Tap and Gaming area, located in on the concession building’s north side. There will also be beer and wine available for purchase until intermission. As for those at the wheel, upon entering the grounds, they will receive a hand stamp indicating they are the designated driver for the night, and will not be served any alcoholic beverages. New menu items at the concession stand include chicken sandwiches and soft serve ice cream, along with cappuccinos and hot chocolate.
There is also a small merchandise shop featuring T-shirts, sweatshirts, blankets, Frisbees, hats and can koozies, with prices ranging from $6 for a koozie to $45 for a sweatshirt. People can also rent an inflatable lounger for $7, with a $10 deposit.
Special surprises are in store all summer long, including the addition of movie-themed artwork along the area under the screen, around the projector and the concession buildings. Family-friendly flicks will have a bounce house and face painting while other events will feature a band, or virtual concert.
The theater has been around since 1951, initially opening as the Sky-line Drive In, and has only continued to expand over the years. Admission is $12 per adult, $6 for military and seniors, as well as children ages 3 to 11. Kids under three get free admission.
There’s a $12-per-carload special which begins on May 31 and continues each Tuesday night thereafter. Season passes also are available here. Get tickets to the Top Gun: Maverick Memorial Day showing here.
The drive from Chicago is just over an hour, so plan to head out of the city early if you want to make the first showing.
Address: McHenry Outdoor Theater, 1510 Chapel Hill Road McHenry, IL. 60050