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Devil's Night Drive-In Is a Slice of Heaven Downtown
Photo courtesy Devil's Night.
After Halloween has passed, you might be surprised to learn that there’s actually another Devil’s Night in Southern California, and they might even have the upper hand when it comes to getting you out of the house. Devil’s Night Drive-In, a monthly downtown movie experience set atop a parking garage, is perhaps your best excuse yet to brave the onslaught of an upcoming autumn night. Where *cough, cough* OTHER Los Angeles outdoor film screening events pack in crowds by summer and pack up almost entirely by Labor Day, Devil’s Night is a year-round affair, offering an array of classic films to fit any season.
LAist was invited to stay out past curfew at Devil’s Night last month, and even if our parents get mad — boy, was it worth it. Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein was the order of the night, fitting in perfectly with a largely moonless October evening in LA. Patrons to the $10 event (presale, it’s $12 at the gate) are offered the option of traditional car seating on the second story of the garage on 4th Street, or perhaps a cozy spot on the rolled out Astroturf. Both have their advantages: an FM transmitter ensures quality audio no matter where you park, and of course it’s much easier to steal a harvest kiss inside your Kia Rio. Outside on the ‘turf, you can spread your legs, pull up a blanket and allow yourself some wandering eyes toward the towering buildings that surround you. There’s little crowding, and most every spot has a natural sightline to the main attraction.
As the night rolled on and Gene Wilder continued to amaze, the mid-sized crowd laughed easily while splitting picnic snacks and refreshments of their choice. Should the need arise, there are also carhops meandering through the spaces, providing car-side food service. If you pack smartly (and bring the right bottle opener), you shouldn’t need much beyond a warm blanket, light jacket and a smile.
Devil’s Night Drive-In isn’t exactly a secret; at least, not to the neighbors with windows overlooking the parking garage. Yet, there’s none of the elbow-to-elbow uncomfortableness that has been finding its way into many of those other summer screening events. Despite the name, Devil’s Night Drive-In is a walk in the clouds for anyone looking for a relaxing night out-of-doors, year-round in the city that cinema built.
Devil's Night Drive-In
240 W. 4th Street (at Broadway)
$10 pre-sale, $12 at gate
The next screening is Kick-Ass on November 12th
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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