Bob Bell / Flickr
Drive-in theatres have become a thing of the past. In 2021, only three drive-in theatres are still operational in BC, located in Enderby, Langley, and Prince George. The medium largely became a thing of the past decades ago as new ways to consume media became more accessible and convenient.
When the world was turned on its head by the Covid-19 pandemic over a year ago many of these means of consumption, such as movie theatres and live concerts, were no longer viable while also maintaining safe and legal distance. In their absence, the drive-in format started to gain popularity for the first time in half a century.
Naturally, the three remaining drive-in theatres had new customers in the summer months, but many entrepreneurs across the province saw this as an opportunity to innovate. Drive in events started frequently appearing across the province in 2020, Walmart and Canadian Tire parking lots started turning into makeshift screens with a projector and radio transmitter. Some took it farther, offering to host socially distanced drive in weddings, funerals, and graduations in parking lots.
Musicians also adapted to the format. On August 29th, 2020, Metallica held an exclusive live concert that was broadcast to drive-in theatres all across North America. In Prince George, an event called “Rooftop Rock” was scheduled for May 23, 2020, which was set to feature local band Studio 720 as well as other local guests. The event was originally supposed to be hosted on the roof of the Prince George Canadian Tire, but tickets and reservations filled so quickly that it was moved to the roof of the CN Centre; Prince George’s biggest arena venue, most notably the home of the Western Hockey League’s Prince George Cougars. This event became big enough that it gained national attention and praise for its safety measures and innovative look at pandemic entertainment. Unfortunately the event was unable to run, as within the week of the event health orders put a vague cap on cars allowed in a parking lot.
This summer, everyone’s minds are on the vaccine and a return to live concerts, theatres, restaurants, and friends’ apartments/houses. Until we get to that point, look out for more drive in events local to you, and enjoy them safely.