Rustic Drive-In sets October 31 as last day of 2026 season

NORTH SMITHFIELD, R.I. — The summer movie season is coming to an end at the Rustic Drive-In with October 31 being the official last day of the 2026 season.

The longtime North Smithfield drive-in will remain open on Fridays and Saturdays through October 31.

Located on Eddie Dowling Highway, the Rustic has been a Rhode Island tradition for generations. The drive-in first opened in 1942 as the Westacres Auto Theatre before becoming known as the Rustic Drive-In in 1951. The theater later expanded to three screens and became the Rustic Tri-View Drive-In. 

The Rustic remains Rhode Island’s last operating drive-in theater, according to the state’s tourism information and historical documentation. The theater has three screens and can accommodate hundreds of vehicles for its outdoor movie experience. 

For moviegoers, the seasonal closing marks the end of another year of watching films under the stars.

The Rustic’s 2026 season was also a special one. The theater celebrated its 75th season this year, continuing a tradition that has survived changes in technology, home entertainment and the movie business. 

The drive-i welcomes guests for double features across its three screens, with movies beginning around dusk. Visitors can bring their vehicles, settle into a parking spot and enjoy the experience that has kept drive-in theaters a nostalgic part of American entertainment. 

With Halloween falling on the final night of the season, October 31 will be the last opportunity this year to grab some snacks, tune in to the movie audio and enjoy a film beneath the night sky at the Rustic.

Then, just like the movies projected across its screens, the 2026 season will fade to black until the drive-in returns next year.