Double-Feature Drive-In at Mansfield: The Devil Wears Prada 2 & Send Help under the Stars

On a warm summer evening just off Route 44 in northeastern Connecticut, the Mansfield Drive-In turns a wide, grassy parcel behind 228 Stafford Rd, Mansfield Center, CT 06250 into a communal living room. This double-feature screening pairs a crowd-pleasing studio sequel—The Devil Wears Prada 2—with the tense survival comedy Send Help, and both films are included with a single admission. The experience is simple and tactile: tune your FM radio to the theater frequency, park with headlights off, and trade your living room couch for a hood, tailgate, or blanket under the stars. What makes this drive-in special is its old-school format updated for modern comfort. The projector and large outdoor screen sit against a dark sky, while a compact concessions stand handles fresh popcorn and cold drinks; restrooms and a small playground are available on the property for families. Practical rules—vehicles over 5 ft must park at the yellow poles; headlights and parking lights must remain off—keep sight lines and sound clear. On Carload Wednesdays a single ticket admits an entire car, which makes the venue a rare, budget-friendly option for small groups. The site’s setting in Mansfield gives the screening an approachable New England feel: maples along the lot’s edge and open sky create a low-key backdrop; evenings are punctuated by cricket song rather than city noise. Drive-ins are a mid-20th-century American tradition that still functions as an outdoor, socially distanced entertainment option—especially valuable when gatherings feel better with a little space between cars. Practical details matter here: box office check-in expects either printed or phone tickets, and concessions accept cash and card. The team asks visitors to use their FM radio for audio—bring an adapter if your vehicle lacks an FM receiver. Arrive early if you want front-row sight lines, and know that some nights draw families while others attract date-night crowds. Whether you’re after a nostalgic film date, a family-friendly outing with playground time before sundown, or a unique way to see a new release in Mansfield, this drive-in delivers. Its combination of double features, clear rules, and simple amenities makes it a standout local option for low-cost, low-fuss outdoor cinema. Check ticketing online or at the gate, follow posted parking guidelines, and settle in for a pair of movies beneath one wide Connecticut sky. Note that all sales final; once you purchase admission the venue does not issue refunds, so plan around weather and schedule. Buy tickets online or at the gate; the box office at 228 Stafford Rd, Mansfield Center, CT 06250 will always check you in. Warm-spring and summer evenings are busiest; early-fall nights offer cooler air and excellent stargazing. Pack layers, bring bug spray, and leave generators at home to preserve the quiet.