News Flash

Focus Event Group Announces “The Drive at Winston-Salem Fairgrounds” -- A Health & Safety Focused Drive-in Movie Venue

The Drive, a socially distanced drive-in movie and entertainment venue operated by Focus Event Group, is coming to the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds and will begin showing movies July 7.

The Drive will feature extra-large parking spots spaced at least 6 feet apart, a touch-free ticketing and entry process, fairgrounds concessions (including beer and wine) that can be ordered by mobile app and delivered to vehicles, and professional audio and video production provided by Winston-Salem-based Special Event Services, one of the nation’s premier live event production companies.

The Drive will feature a range of movies, from recent releases to classic movies like “Grease,” projected on a 40-by-25 foot double-sided screen set up on the midway. The Drive will be open Tuesday to Saturday nights during July and August. In September, the drive-in will be open Thursday to Saturday until at least Sept. 12. Gates open each night at 7:30 p.m. and movies begin at dusk. 

Tickets are $8.50 adults/$7 children 12 & under on weeknights and $10.50/$8:50 Fridays & Saturdays and should be purchased in advance through Ticketmaster. The advance purchase ticket option provides a fast and easy way to enter the drive-in without delays, says Chris King, the president of Focus Event Group. 

“We are excited to partner with the city and the fairgrounds to bring this community drive-in space to life for the entire Piedmont-Triad,” King said. “New solutions are needed for community events and entertainment in the COVID-era and beyond. We hope this project will be an appealing opportunity for families seeking a safe entertainment experience in a public outdoor space.”  

The Drive debuts with “Sonic the Hedgehog” and “Knives Out,” showing July 7 - 11. The following week offers “The Secret Life of Pets 2” and “Grease.” The schedule for future movies will be posted under the Events link at WSFairgrounds.com. and on The Drive mobile app, available for iPhone and Android.

The Drive will also feature “Midnight Movies” on several upcoming Saturday nights, starting July 18 with “Parasite” and “Days of Thunder.” Gates for Midnight Movies open at 11:15 p.m.

The Drive will differ from other drive-in movie options in the Triad, said Robert Mulhearn, the venue manager at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds. “This experience will be unique by offering touch-free ticketing and concessions options, along with beer and wine selections,” Mulhearn said. “As Winston-Salem’s home for entertainment, we are excited to work with The Drive during this unique time of safety and restrictions.”