McHenry Outdoor Theater: Coming Summer Attractions

McHenry Outdoor Theater: Coming Attractions for 2023

McHenry Outdoor Theater is inarguably an American treasure we’re lucky to have in the northwest burbs: It’s one of only about 11 drive-in theaters left in Illinois; one of 330 in the United States. In their heyday, there were 5,000 drive-in theaters. It also has the distinction of being one of 16 masonry tower screens in the nation (the screen, tower and marquee were renovated in 2022).

Over the past 72 years, like many others, the McHenry Outdoor has faced one economic challenge after another as tastes and technology have changed. The final nail in the coffin for many theaters was the move to digital in the 2000s: 35 mm film became expensive, but also the move to digital required a huge upfront cost. Many made the hard choice to close.

Thankfully, in 2013, McHenry Outdoor Theater won Honda’s Project Drive-In contest earning them a new digital projector valued at $130,000. “I find myself blessed to be in a position to help provide memories like those I experienced as a child to a whole new generation of families,” said owner Scott M. Dehn.

Always Improving

The theater has never been one to rest on its laurels, and ramping up for the 2023 season is no exception. “I’m so excited,” Dehn said, adding he’s gearing up for opening weekend May 5-6, featuring “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.” “There’s so much going on this season.”

Renovations include concession building improvements. New floors, walls, ceilings, cabinets, countertops, sinks, toilets and a fresh coat of paint are on the way.

“We will have ‘smart mirrors’ over the bathroom sinks that actually can show video, like trailers and ads and trivia games. So, the entertainment won’t stop outside,” he said. “Everything is basically being replaced.”

Building Partnerships

He’s also been forging dynamic partnerships to provide visitors an even more spectacular movie-going experience.

“Welcome to the Bremer Team Tap House and Snack Bar,” he said, as he took a visitor through the ongoing off-season construction, where a sponsorship from The Bremer Team, Keller Williams Success Realty is offsetting costs. It’s also where free popcorn will be provided on Monday nights all season long to visitors who mention “The Bremer Team,” scoring themselves a voucher, as they pass through the box office.

Given the theater’s newly acquired liquor license, the north side of the building will feature an area where beer and wine will be available to those over 21 who were not stamped on their way in as their vehicle’s driver. Toward the south side of the building, all-new food prep areas and appliances are being installed, Dehn said.

“I’ve had a long-term plan,” he said. “Last year’s goal was to replace the screen — more of a focus on the outside. This year, we’re renovating the inside.”

The Bremer Team Tap House and Snack Bar won’t be the only place to grab a beer or glass of wine, either. Dehn also is building a “Behind-The-Scenes Tap House” in the tower, directly under the big screen. McHenry Outdoor merch, such as hats, T-shirts, discs and more, will be available at both locations.

Let Us Entertain You

In addition to renovations and new amenities, special events are frequently a part of the fun at the McHenry Outdoor. For example, opening weekend May 5-6 will feature live music by The Bridgeport Ramblers before the shows.

And, all season long, expect a new premium pre-show featuring world record holding mind reader Joe Diamond. These will be interactive videos on the screen accompanying trailers before the films every night at no extra cost.

“I’ve created several videos that apparently read the viewers’ minds throughout the season,” Diamond said. “These are an additional bonus for audiences at the historic drive-in.

“Each of the videos will feature several interactive mind reading tests and psychological experiments, as well as live performance footage with various McHenry County locals and notable figures,” he added. “The videos will change throughout the season, so it’s very likely to be a different video if you come back in a month or two!"

Hot Summer Lineup

Don’t forget the main attraction: There is a tremendous movie lineup is in store at the McHenry Outdoor, including highly anticipated films such as the new “Little Mermaid,” plus new installments in the “Spider-Man,” “Transformers,” “Indiana Jones,” “Mission: Impossible,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and “Expendables” franchises — and more.

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