Like typewriters, horn-rimmed glasses and unicycles, drive-ins have now swung far enough around the wheel of time to be cool again. Here are the top tips for enjoying your ride down retro lane: illustrated (naturally) in Instagrams.
1. A sweet ride
What, have you not seen the drive-in scene from Grease? This is an occasion. If you can’t borrow a sweet ride, at least give your skedonk a bit of spit and polish. (If you’re going to the Design Indaba Film Fest, you can pay an extra R50 to sit in a Mini, right at the front, and eat free popcorn. It’s up to you.)
2. Get there early
Yes, it’s important to nab a good spot, but this is mostly about watching the sun set and getting your chatter out of the way so that you can actually pay attention to the movie.
3. A portable nest
Maybe the event will have bean bags for you to sit on – but, like a good little scout, you should always be prepared. This is the outdoors we’re talking about! Two blankets (one to sit on, one for warmth) are essential. If you want to go all out with pillows and a sleeping bag, you should do that, you decadent lord.
4. Popcorn
If you aren’t rolling your eyes at how obvious this is, maybe you should go back to watching movies at home and train a bit harder. It’s possible that you aren’t ready for a drive-in yet.
5. It’s not all about the popcorn
In the words of the traditional South African folksong: popcorn, chewing gum, peanuts and bubblegum, ice-cream, candyfloss and Eskimo pie. If you are above 12 years old and left your sweet tooth behind with your innocence, a combination of crackers, cheese and figs should do nicely. Man cannot sup on popcorn alone.
6. Cash for the food trucks
On that note – don’t be satisfied with crackers alone, either. You can’t always expect there to be food trucks, but life without hope is a dreary puddle – be optimistic. And if you find yourself close to Meisies Kitchen, the Mexican grilled cheese with chili and coriander comes highly recommended.
7. Drinks
Who’s driving? Hopefully not you. This differs from place to place, but my first drive-in had no restrictions about bringing your own drinks. Craft beer or organic wine, please. They go so well with your ironic mustache.
Sold yet? If you’re lucky enough to be in Cape Town, your options are varied. I went to the Design Indaba Film Fest, which ends on the 1st of March – so there are three wonderful films still yours for the watching. If you’ve missed that boat, most of these guidelines still apply at the Galileo Open Air Theatre, which runs into April.
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