FUN NOSTALGIC GIRLS NIGHT AT THE DRIVE-IN
CINÉ PARK BERNEX DRIVE-IN
by Alana Dunsmore
Are you old enough to have fond childhood memories of going to the drive-in? We are! I remember piling into our minivan in our pjs armed with stacks of snacks regularly as a child. I’m sure I’m not the only one who is excited that they’re making a comeback! One positive out of the Covid nightmare, right?
My friend and I giggle like teenagers as we get into her car, armed with gin, tonic and some classy snacks, for a more adult drive-in experience than I remember. We are off to the Bernex Drive-In, to see Slumdog Millionaire.
THE VENUE
The drive-in is set up in the parking lot of the Bernex sports complex. When we drive up, we are greeted by a woman wearing a mask. You need to reserve your ticket online in advance. Then we are directed to our parking spot. Parking is based on a first-come, first-served basis, so you can’t reserve spots online. It’s not a large parking lot, though, so I don’t think there is a bad spot.
Staff walk around with instructions on audio, which involves tuning into a specific radio station. The staff are there to help with any problems but luckily, we quickly find the station and enjoy some music until the movie starts. Tech issues are not a problem. The car next to us clearly have technical difficulties, but the staff are on hand with a small radio for them to use as a substitute to their car radio. Sorted.
After we are all parked and settled, we decide to check out the “American Snacks”. stand! There are various drinks including beer, as well as hot dogs, chips and candy. We go for a bit of a walk and find a bench. It is a beautiful night, perfect for a chat while we enjoy our treats!
GET COMFY IN YOUR CAR
As a child, one of the biggest perks of a drive-in night, was being able to snuggle under a blanket in your pjs with all your favorite snacks. The adult version includes a favourite adult snack – a gin and tonic!
Being able to watch the movie in your car means get to make it as comfy as you want. Some people have parked their vehicles backwards to enjoy a temporary bed in the back of their cars. How cool! Another couple with a camper van brought foldable chairs and watched the movie on top of their van. Make your drive-in movie experience special – your way!
TIP: If you bring a camper van, check with the organiser first because they note on the website that this is not allowed, but we did see one the night we visited.
THE COST
CHF40 per vehicle, purchase online
OUR VERDICT
The Ciné Park Bernex Drive-in movie is a great night out, whether for a fun girl’s night out or a trip down memory lane with your family!
Please note although the movie we went to was in English, most movies are in French. Also, because the movie we saw was mostly English but had some spoken Hindi, this meant there were French subtitles, no English. So, if your French is not up to it, you could miss out. However, it is still a cool experience.
NOTE: Our drive-in movie night was sponsored by the Ciné Park Bernex.
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