Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
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.
Support for LAist comes from
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
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity. -
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
-
The weather’s been a little different lately, with humidity, isolated rain and wind gusts throughout much of Southern California. What’s causing the late-summer bout of gray?
Best of LAist