Previews are seen on the big screen at a previous event at the Highway 2 Community ​Drive-In Theater in Manistique. (Courtesy photo)

MANISTIQUE — What initially began as a fun idea among friends has evolved into an essential family destination for many Upper Peninsula residents, and the Highway 2 Community Drive-In Theater in Manistique looks to keep the ball rolling as it kicks off its 11th season in May.

“It’s a little surreal when I think about the fact that we’ve been bringing free drive-in movie events to the Upper Peninsula for over a decade now,” said Don Erickson, Vice President of the Highway 2 Community Drive-In Theater. “The (drive-in) has been my personal passion project and provides meaningful fulfillment in my life.”

Eric Sherbinow, President of the Highway 2 Community Drive-In Theater, said that 10 years ago, keeping the drive-in theater alive felt like an unattainable dream.

“It’s so great that we’ve gone from a cool idea for a single show to something that people from across the region look forward to — year after year — and it’s something that is making a real impact in the community,” he said. “Sure, our model helps other nonprofits, but this theater is bringing people from all over the region to the area.”

Erickson said he is particularly proud of the drive-in’s concession model, which has raised over $50,000 for various Upper Peninsula community nonprofit organizations such as the Girl Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, Kiwanis, Trillium House, veteran organizations and more.

“(We) invite nonprofit organizations to apply to operate the concession stand, keeping the profits from all sales for their individual causes,” he said. “This model turns every movie night into a fundraiser for a different cause, creating a ripple effect where a single night of entertainment might buy jerseys for a school team or fund a veteran memorial. It effectively converts the drive-in into a community service utility rather than just an entertainment venue. Through our model, the Upper Peninsula Film Union ensures the theater will survive while helping the community to thrive.”

As far as the 2026 season, Erickson said he is particularly looking forward to the drive-in’s Labor Day weekend events.

“This will be the first year where we have both Friday and Saturday evening events (that) weekend,” he said. “We will be partnering with the Manistique Car Show to provide a Friday night event that will immediately follow the annual car parade in downtown Manistique on Sept. 4. We’re hoping to have people attend the car parade and then come out to the Highway 2 Community Drive-In Theater to watch the classic film, ‘American Graffiti.'”

Sherbinow said that while we’re in the depths of winter, he is looking forward to seeing people enjoying the drive-in again.

“It’s wonderful to see the cars streaming in through the gate,” he said. “It’s wonderful to see so many happy faces.”

For those who have never been to the Highway 2 Community Drive-In Theater — if you’re looking to experience some good old nostalgia, look no further, Erickson said.

“The drive-in will bring you back to a simpler time during the golden age of cinema and the experience will provide a slice of classic Americana,” he said. “If you have a family especially with small children, the drive-in is the place to be. There’s no better way to watch a movie with children than at your local drive-in movie theater. There are open spaces for children to play, and there’s a much more relaxed environment where kids can make noise without disrupting other’s viewing experience. If you’re looking for ultimate comfort and privacy, you won’t want to miss a trip to the drive-in.”

Sherbinow said that while many people come to see the movies, others come mainly for the whole drive-in experience.

“Sitting in your car or out in the open air, waiting for the sun to go down and the sky to get dark enough for the show to begin,” he said. “People everywhere, enjoying the evening, going to the concession to get food, snacks or beverages. It all just feels like a wonderful part of a bygone era.”

First-timers who are headed to the Highway 2 Community Drive-In Theater should be aware of a few things — other than every show is free, thanks to their generous donors. Visitors should make sure they know how to turn off the headlights on their vehicle, especially if they plan to run your vehicle during the movie. If they cannot be turned off, consider bringing something to cover them. Next, attendees should park as close to the white parking markers as possible to ensure two vehicles are able to park between two posts. If you choose to sit outside of your vehicle to watch the film, make sure to place your chairs directly in front of or behind your vehicle, depending on which way you park.

Also, remember to drive very slowly through the field while watching for pedestrians, and remember children are probably close by. There is also no smoking or vaping in or around the concession building, and attendees are reminded to be courteous if smoking in their vehicle.

For more information on the Highway 2 Community Drive-In Theater, send email to upfilmunion@gmail.com, visit the website at www.upfilmunion.org or check out the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/upfilmunion. If someone has specific questions about the season schedule they can call the movie guide at 906-356-3711.