Fourth annual San Fernando Valley Drive-In Nights moves to the Westfield Fashion Square Mall in Sherman Oaks

Poster of San Fernando Valley Drive In Nights

Alex Behunin, Reporter

Movies from “Back to the Future,” “Harry Potter” and “Home Alone” were some of the many films shown at the Lake Balboa Complex during San Fernando Valley Drive-In Nights, an annual event organized by My Valley Pass for families from all over the Los Angeles area for the last three years. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and evolving restrictions, the event will move to a new location — the Westfield Fashion Square Mall in Sherman Oaks.

“We are going to miss hosting the event at the Lake Balboa Complex for our 4th season. Unfortunately, due to many COVID-19 restrictions, it was impossible to obtain a permit at the city-owned and operated space,” said Oscar Urrutia, the founder of My Valley Pass, in an email to The Sundial. “But we are thrilled to be working with our new partners at the Westfield Fashion Square Mall. The venue provides the ultimate drive-in movie setting, and we look forward to welcoming those who’ve supported us over the last three years, as well as those who’ve never experienced a My Valley Pass drive-in night.”

 

The San Fernando Valley Drive-In Theatre and “Movies On Location” series are My Valley Pass’s premiere hosted events. They also offer tours, such as the San Fernando Valley Virtual Bizarre Tour, San Fernando Valley Restaurant Tour, San Fernando Film Bus Tour and San Fernando Valley Brewery Tour.

The drive-in events will take place beginning Aug. 13 and run through the 16. The audience can watch and listen in the comfort of their own vehicles.

The four movies will be:

· Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020 – “The Sandlot”

· Friday, Aug. 14, 2020 – “Grease”

· Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020 – “Jurassic Park”

· Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020 – “La Bamba”

“We took a look at what was available for licensing since many movies are not available this year because they are being held for movie theaters as they won’t have new content,” Urrutia said. “We looked at our lists of what we did in the past and we added one new movie, ‘The Sandlot.’ All of our movies are fun family-oriented movies that will be a fun summer evening.”

This year the venue will include additional restroom cleaning and safety measures for the guests. The restaurants in the Westfield Fashion Square mall’s food court will offer take-out menu options for guests to enjoy in their vehicles.

My Valley Pass will also be raising funds during the drive-in to benefit partners at The Valley Relics Museum and Neon Retro Arcade, both of which have been closed for several months and have experienced hardships as a result of COVID-19.

“Guests can expect a fun authentic drive-in experience, unlike other pop-up drive-ins that come and go,” Urrutia said. “This is our fourth year doing it and we have mastered the craft and pioneered the experience to ensure that it is a true drive in movie night- best audio, largest projection on the screen. We also have surprises that we don’t announce, so that people have memories to go home with.”

The ticket prices are comparable to traditional movie theatres at $15.00 per person; the event also has the option of family or group packs available.