Drive-in season usually ends when summer does, but Edmonton is squeezing one more night out of it. Spook and Screen, a one-night Halloween movie event, takes over Lake Summerside in the city's southeast on Saturday, October 17, running from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. at 1720 88th St. SW.
It's a double feature with two very different vibes. First up is Hotel Transylvania, the animated family favourite, screening at 4 p.m. with gates opening at 3:15 p.m. Then things get considerably darker: Jordan Peele's horror hit Us plays at 7:30 p.m., with gates at 6:45 p.m. Both films were picked by fans via polls on the organisers' social media, so the crowd had a say in the scare level. Organisers ask everyone to arrive at least half an hour before their showtime.
The fun isn't limited to the screen. Food trucks will be parked on site serving snacks and dinner, and costumed spooky characters will wander the grounds between showings — a nice touch if you're bringing kids to the early film or just want the full Halloween atmosphere. The whole thing is pitched as a cosy evening under the stars, blankets encouraged.
One of the best details: you don't actually need a car. There are two ticket types. A drive-in car ticket costs $22.73 all in (about $20 plus taxes and fees) and covers everyone in the vehicle — good value if you fill the car. If you'd rather sit outside, walk-up tickets cost $17.40 and cover up to five people; just bring chairs and blankets and pick your spot. Tickets are available online or at the gate, but spots are limited, so booking ahead is the safer bet.
Planning to stay for both films? You can. Let staff know when you arrive and they'll keep you parked and check you in again for the second feature, so horror fans can make a full evening of it — dinner from the food trucks, the family flick at dusk, then Us in full darkness.
Why it matters: this is a cheap, flexible night out that works for two very different audiences. Families can do the early slot and be home by bedtime, while groups of friends can turn the late showing into a proper Halloween-date-night. And since walk-ups don't need a vehicle, it also works for anyone in the city without a car — something most drive-ins can't say.
The event listing gives the date as Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, so check the organiser's page before you go to confirm the year and current details, as times and lineups can shift. Either way, if a fall fright night by the lake sounds like your kind of October, this one belongs on the calendar.
Story via Curiocity.
