North Hempstead sets free drive-in movie series starting May 23

A free drive-in movie series will begin later this month, providing what could be the first communal moviegoing experience for Long Islanders since theaters were ordered to close in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Town of North Hempstead announced it would launch the weekly series May 23 with a screening of “Goonies,” the 1985 adventure-comedy about small-town kids who discover a treasure map in an attic.

The screenings will take place at parks with sizable parking lots and will be shown on 30-foot screens rented for the occasion. Current locations include North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington, Clinton G. Martin Park in New Hyde Park and Manorhaven Beach Park in Port Washington. Attendees are encouraged to register their vehicles ahead of time and to bring canned or nonperishable food for the town’s donation drive. No food or drinks will be sold on site, but portable toilets will be provided. Audio will be broadcast via FM transmission.

"I am so pleased that we will be able to bring drive-in movies to North Hempstead," Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said in a statement. "This program is fun, family-friendly, and, most importantly, in-line with the social-distancing guidelines we have all been following over the last two months."

As of Tuesday afternoon, all spaces for the May 23 screening had been taken, but the town is actively looking to add capacity at additional locations. To find out about upcoming screenings or to make a reservation, visit NorthHempsteadNY.gov/drive-in or call 311.

Meanwhile, the Southampton Chamber of Commerce also announced the launch of its 11th annual Nostalgic Summer Drive-In Movie Monday Series. The chamber fundraising event will run July 27-Aug.10 at Coopers Beach. Admission to screenings is $50 per carload. For information visit southamptonchamber.com or call 631-283-0402.