Rhode Island’s Nostalgic Rustic Drive-In Opening for the Season This Week

It's been a summertime staple in Rhode Island since the 1950s and has entertained the masses for generations.

The Rustic Tri View Drive-In located in North Smithfield, RI is the only remaining drive-in theater in the state. The three-screen venue offers moviegoers a unique way to take in a feature film.

Nostalgia of Drive-in Movies

Growing up in Rhode Island, I loved going to the drive-in. Wearing your pajamas, packing the car with snacks, laying in the back of the car to watch the screen, setting the radio dial to just the right station and watching not one but two movies.

This back-to-back feature along with a price-per-car style of admission made a trip to the Rustic Drive-In super affordable. Even if you wanted to just one half of the double feature, it was worth it.

However, sometimes you'd get a solid matchup like the time Finding Nemo and Pirates of the Caribbean played back-to-back, or when Bridesmaids and The Hangover 2 were paired together.

74 Years of Movie Magic

This year, the drive-in is back for more. The 74th season begins April 25, 2025 with gates opening at 6 p.m.

"It's a great experience, especially if you've never been to one before. It's a nice relaxing way to privately watch a movie in your own vehicle under the stars," Rustic General Manager Holli Parker said.,

The Rustic will be serving up some tasty treats to enjoy with your favorite flick.

"Our menu consists of chicken and fries, pizza, burgers, fried dough, French fries, fried Oreos, assorted candy, and of course popcorn, along with other goodies," Parker said.

Drive-in movies can be enjoyed Friday and Saturday nights until mid-June when the Rustic transitions to its full schedule.