The Wexner Center is closed November 23.
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Past Film/Video | Classics | Series & Festivals
Zoom Drive-In
Family Programming
Free for all audiences Gate opens 8:30 PM Program starts approx. 9:15 PM Event is first come, first served No reserved parking
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. If you have questions about accessibility or require an accommodation such as captioning or ASL interpretation to participate in this event, please contact Accessibility Manager Helyn Marshall at accessibility@wexarts.org or via telephone at (614) 688–3890. Requests made by two weeks in advance will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the Wexner Center for the Arts will make every effort to meet requests made after this date.
Join us at the South Drive-In Theatre to enjoy one of the most beloved family films ever made—plus free activities and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams—during this socially distanced evening under the stars.
Steven Spielberg's timeless story follows the unforgettable journey of a lost alien and the 10-year-old (Henry Thomas) he befriends. Endlessly imitated but still singular, E.T. is full of adventure and laughs, and the blockbuster introduced audiences around the world to Drew Barrymore, Reese’s Pieces, and the phrase “E.T. phone home.” (115 mins., DCP, rated PG for language and mild thematic elements)
Drive-in attendees will receive a free activity bag (one for each car while supplies last) that contains a coloring page, craft materials, and instructions. Need some assistance on-site? Just visit our table staffed by the center’s Learning & Public Practice team.
Preregistration for this event is closed, but we currently have nearly 300 spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the event. You can arrive as early as 8:30 PM to secure yours. If you have questions, please contact us at education@wexarts.org or via phone at (614) 813-3416. Hope to see you there!
Keep reading below for helpful tips in advance of your visit and how-to videos for several of the activities, as well a reading list from our friends at Columbus Metropolitan Libraries. Activities recommended for ages 8 and up.
Supplies: one square piece of paper, approximately 8 1/2 x 8 1/2 in. 1. Start with a square piece of paper. 2. Fold in half on the diagonal, then again in the other direction; open it up. 3. Fold in half of the square, then again in the other direction. 4. Open it up: see all the folds. 5. Fold all four corners into the center. 6. Fold all four corners into the center, again. 7. Flip it over to the side with no openings. 8. Fold all four corners into the center, again. Write or collage numbers. 9. Fold diagonally both ways. 10. Open to side with fewer openings and no numbers; add four colors, seasons, faces, feelings—four of anything! 11. Fold both ways on square. 12. Gently SCRUNCH together. 13. Open up each corner: up and out. 14. Flip over and use: put fingers into opened corners. 15. PLAY THE GAME!
Click here to download visual instructions
Supplies: one 6 x 9 in. piece of paper, one narrow piece of paper, scissors, and glue stick. 1. Fold a half-inch border along the longer sides of your 6 x 9 sheet. This will be the outside of your lantern. 2. Flip the paper over and fold it in half the long way (borders should be on the outside). 3. Cut proportional lines towards the border, cut up from the folded crease. 4. Open and glue ends together (fold inward). 5. Glue the skinny strip of paper to the inner part of the lantern to create a handle.
Supplies: yarn, googly eyes, and glue. 1. Wrap yarn around your fingers, being sure to leave a tail for tying off; wrap 30–50 times. 2. Slide off your fingers carefully, tie middle very securely, cut loops and fluff and trim if you would like. 3. Glue on eyes! Be sure to allow glue to set for 5 mins at least or come up to the glue gun table for help!
Click here to download, color, and enjoy
E.T. Reading List
If you liked E.T., check out these films from the library’s Kanopy Kids streaming service:
The South Drive-In Theatre is located at 3050 South High Street, on Columbus’s South Side. For the safety of our staff and patrons, we will be collecting patron information using COVID-19 contact tracing. For ease of entry, please bring a completed form filled out in advance with you to the event (also available at the bottom of this page). Forms will also be available in person at the gate.
Concessions are available through the South Drive-In. Please note that masks are required in certain areas at the drive-in. We will offer free medical masks at the gate for those that need them.
For more information about what to expect at the South Drive-In, please see this helpful comic and visit www.drive-inmovies.com.
Image courtesy of Universal Pictures
SUPPORT FOR THIS PRESENTATION CoverMyMeds
WEXNER CENTER FILM/VIDEO PROGRAMS MADE POSSIBLE BY Cardinal Health Kaufman Development
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY Rohauer Collection Foundation
LEARNING & PUBLIC PRACTICE PROGRAMS MADE POSSIBLE BY American Electric Power Foundation
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY Ingram-White Castle Foundation State Farm Ohio Arts Council Martha Holden Jennings Foundation PNC Foundation Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation
WEXNER CENTER PROGRAMS MADE POSSIBLE BY The Wexner Family Greater Columbus Arts Council Mary and C. Robert Kidder L Brands Foundation American Electric Power Foundation The Columbus Foundation Ohio Arts Council Bill and Sheila Lambert Adam Flatto Huntington Institute of Museum and Library Services Nationwide Foundation Vorys, Sater, Seymour, and Pease Arlene and Michael Weiss
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY Carol and David Aronowitz Michael and Paige Crane Axium Packaging Fenwick & West LLP Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams KDC/ONE M/I Homes Ohio State Energy Partners Regina Miracle International Ltd. Washington Prime Group Alene Candles Lisa Barton Fuel Transport Russell and Joyce Gertmenian Liza Kessler and Greg Henchel Nancy Kramer Matrix Psychological Services Paramount Group, Inc. Bruce and Joy Soll Clark and Sandra Swanson Business Furniture Installations CASTO E.C. Provini Co, Inc. Garlock Printing & Converting M-Engineering New England Development Our Country Home Performance Team Premier Candle Corporation ProAmpac Steiner + Associates Textile Printing Andrew and Amanda Wise
Past Film/Video
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
