Copyright The Oregonian
The 99W Drive-in Theatre in Newberg is soaked in nostalgia, so much so that it’s on the walls. Posters of vintage horror movies and the occasional “Ghostbuster” cardboard cutout surround the snack bar. It’s all part of the atmosphere that manager Ashton Livingston curates every two weeks for his “Thursday Night Terrors” event, a screening series that’s become a fan favorite. The biweekly feature has consistently drawn over 100 cars to the drive-in this year. “I’ve grown up loving horror; I love horror movies so much,” Livingston said. “I just wanted to kind of create a little bit of a community at the place I work around horror.” August through October, the drive-in has delivered on its promise of horror, featuring a selection of classic and contemporary films. Opened in 1953, the 99W Theatre in Newberg is one of the few remaining drive-in theaters in Oregon. It draws patrons from Portland, other parts of Oregon and even Washington. Before the box office opened Thursday, a line of cars sat along the street waiting for the featured presentation of “Halloween III: Season of the Witch.” It’s more than just a movie, though. “I usually try and make it a big fun night for people to come out,” Livingston said. “They’re excited that it’s a bit more of an event than just kind of coming to see a movie at the drive-in.” Before the film begins, there’s often another type of entertainment for the moviegoers. At the start of the season, a horror movie trivia group out of Portland would host a pre-show game. At the end of the season, DJs and live music artists would perform on the roof. Vendors selling horror merchandise like VHS tapes and apparel would also set up outside the concession booth. Livingston, who started the series three years ago, said the unconventional setup gives attendees a chance to connect a little more than in a regular theater. “It allows people to actually build community at the drive-in and make friends with other people,” Livingston said. “Which is something I’ve really noticed on Thursdays, is that a lot more people are coming together and making friends here, talking to each other.” As the 2025 season winds down, the drive-in is looking ahead. Livingston said the team is considering “Throwback Thursdays” for next year, featuring classic blockbusters outside the Halloween season. The 99W is typically open from March until December. For the current season, the final horror showing is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 6, featuring a double feature of holiday slashers: “Black Christmas” (1974) and “Don’t Open Till Christmas.”
