Are you looking for something different to do with your family? A way to get outdoors and have some fun? A new movie entertainment option has opened up outside Valley West Mall in West Des Moines. Here’s what to know about this new theater and what to expect the first time you go.
Summer is here and chances are you’re looking for some fun things to do with your family. Drive-in movies are lots of summer fun, but if you’re not ready to make the road trip to Newton or farther, a new drive-in option has opened up in the Des Moines metro.
Hy-Vee is sponsoring a new drive-in movie theater located at Valley West Mall. The Hy-Vee Drive-In Theater is located in the parking lot south of the former Younker’s department store. With a special fenced area for attendees, movies will be shown on the big screen.
The new theater made its debut last with a special showing of Iowa favorite “Field of Dreams.” Making a special appearance at the event was Dwier Brown, who played John Kinsella (Kevin Costner’s dad) in the film.
Games and food vendors will be available during movies, including a beer garden for those ages 21 and older. There is a play area for children. While the theater website says no outside food and drink, we did spot most attendees bringing coolers and snacks in without a problem.
Attendees can watch the movie from the comfort of their car, or bring chairs to sit up close to the screen in socially distanced squares. The theater website asks you to pick one or the other. If you’re not sure for your first showing, pick the car opinion. Many families were sitting in chairs next to their cars.
The theater is scheduled to show movies every Thursday through Sunday this summer and will focus on classic films. Three movies will play per day each day, and will begin with the showing of a children’s movie during the afternoon and also have two feature films in the evenings.
This West Des Moines outdoor theater can accommodate 98 vehicles and 75 groups sitting in chairs (up to 6 people per group). Pricing is per car (not per person).
In addition to movies, there will also be tailgate events for football and the summer Olympics, concerts and additional upcoming events. The theater area is also available for rent for private functions on Monday through Wednesdays for groups, businesses or fundraising events.
Our family attended the Field of Dreams screening last weekend and this was a fun and new way to see movies in the metro. There was lots of space to spread out, food available for purchase and fun games to play together as a family like giant connect 4 and bean bag toss. A beer garden is available for the grown ups and we were able to purchase sodas and popcorn from one of the available food trucks. Sound for the film is projected from the big screen, and if you’re watching from your car, you can also tune in on the designated radio station as well for the film’s audio.
Much like any outdoor event in Iowa, you’ll want to prepare for the heat when you go to a show at this new theater. There isn’t much shade, so on hot days I’d definitely recommend having sunscreen and cold drinks. Just like any event, if you come early, you may also want to bring some entertainment to help keep the kids busy before the show.
Want more information and to find out upcoming movie listings? Visit hyveedriveintheater.com for show times and ticket information.