Misquamicut Drive-In: HOCUS POCUS
Misquamicut Drive-In: HOCUS POCUS brings spooky season nostalgia and Halloween comedy to the giant outdoor screen at Misquamicut Drive-In for a movie night filled with witches, laughs, and autumn atmosphere. Starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, HOCUS POCUS has evolved from a cult favorite into one of the most beloved Halloween movies ever made. Set in Salem, Massachusetts, the film follows the mischievous Sanderson sisters after they’re accidentally resurrected on Halloween night, unleashing chaos, magic, and plenty of quotable moments along the way.
The Misquamicut Drive-In has become one of Rhode Island’s most memorable seasonal traditions, blending classic outdoor movie culture with beach town atmosphere and a little bit of nostalgia. As darkness settles over the lot and the giant screen flickers to life, families, friend groups, and couples gather in lawn chairs and open tailgates wrapped in blankets and sweatshirts. Watching HOCUS POCUS outdoors feels especially fitting once the air cools down and the night takes on that unmistakable early-fall feeling. Between the glow of the screen and the sound of laughter rolling across the crowd, the entire evening starts to feel like a community Halloween celebration.
Part of the experience comes from the drive-in’s immersive setup. Guests tune their radios to 96.3 FM to hear the movie audio directly through their vehicles, creating crisp sound across the entire lot. On cool evenings with the windows down, the soundtrack and dialogue drift through the air in a way that almost feels cinematic beyond the screen itself. Speakers near the front rows also project sound outward for guests sitting outside close to the screen, adding another layer to the atmosphere. With witches flying across the giant screen under the open night sky, HOCUS POCUS becomes exactly the kind of movie people want to watch with a crowd.
Rules and Suggestions:
• Tune vehicle radios to 96.3 FM for movie audio
• Front-row guests can also hear audio through outdoor speaker systems
• Lawn chairs, hoodies, and blankets are encouraged for guests sitting outside vehicles
• Arrive early for preferred parking and setup space
• Vehicle headlights and bright interior lights should remain off during the movie
• Cooler nighttime temperatures near the shoreline make layers a good idea
• Guests should review venue policies regarding food, beverages, and outside items before attending
