The Labour Day long weekend is here and Stardust Drive-in Theatre in Morden has a stacked line-up ready for us to enjoy.
Owner, Marlene Nelson, came by our studio to share details of the regular long weekend double feature tradition.
Kicking things off on Friday and Saturday evening at dusk which, these days, is around 9 p.m. is
Fantastic Four: First Steps.
The double feature happens on Sunday evening starting with a favourite of young movie-goers, Lilo & Stitch.
"It's back by popular demand," said Nelson. "It's a great way for the kids to kick back, enjoy that first movie then they can nod off and the rest of the night is yours."
Up second, once again, is
Fantastic Four: First Steps.
“It’s a great date night idea—you can bring the kids, they’ll fall asleep after the first movie, and you get the second movie to yourselves. No babysitter needed," she added.
Gates open at least an hour before showtime. Admission is $10/person 13 and over. To guarantee your admission, tickets are available here. Limited tickets are available by cash purchase at the gate.
A starry tradition
Marlene and her family have been the heartbeat behind the drive-in theatre for over two decades.
While many long weekends mean getaways or lazy days for most, for Marlene, they bring something even better—crowds of smiling faces pulling into the iconic drive-in for a night under the stars.
“I actually really do enjoy long weekends,” she says with a warm laugh. “I don’t get to take them in the same way other people do, but I get to enjoy them.”
That enjoyment comes from seeing generations gather for a simple, timeless pleasure—watching movies from the comfort of their cars, surrounded by popcorn, blankets, and memories in the making.
From childhood job to lifelong passion
Marlene’s connection to the Stardust goes back far beyond her family taking ownership in 2002.
“I started working there when I was 12,” she says. “We lived right next door. It was just a great place to be.”
Back then, the drive-in was owned by Gibson and managed by a man named Howard Ritz.
For young Darlene, it was more than just a job—it was a way of life. She recalls sneaking through the fence for "munchy time" with her family, grabbing deep-fried pizza pops even if they weren’t staying for the movie.
“We’d wave at the guy in the ticket booth,” she says, laughing. “He knew what was going on.”
A place where time stands still
When asked why she continues to run the drive-in, despite the seasonal nature and weather challenges, Marlene’s answer is simple: “When you get to see the grandma and grandpa bring in the grandchildren… and they stop at that door and smile because it looks very much like it did—that’s just an awesome feeling.”
That feeling of nostalgia is something that resonates deeply with visitors. In a world filled with fast-paced technology and constant distractions, the Stardust offers a rare chance to slow down.
“You get to kick back, be with your friends or family, and just enjoy a movie under the stars,” she says. “It’s a great way to spend an evening.”
New visitors, timeless experiences
Surprisingly, many guests are first timers, discovering the magic of the drive-in for the very first time.
“It’s shocking how many people have never been to a drive-in,” Marlene says. “And at the end of the night, when they just say ‘thank you’—that means the world. That’s why we do this.”
Whether it’s a date night, a family outing, or a spontaneous evening plan, the Stardust offers more than just a movie. It offers connection, community, and a chance to make memories that last.
With files from Ty Hildebrand