Oct. 19, 2018

Halloween is providing a rare opportunity to watch movies in downtown’s State Theatre, which is being restored.

On Oct. 28, the theater is showing the classic TV show “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” along with the full-length films “Hocus Pocus” and “Ghostbusters.”

“Anytime when we are able to open up our doors, everyone gets excited,” said Allison Weiland, development coordinator. Only two other movie events have been held in recent years.

AARP of South Dakota is sponsoring the Halloween event, which is being held in conjunction with trick-or-treating at downtown businesses from 1 to 4 p.m. that day.

Because of that sponsorship, families can watch Charlie Brown for free. Show times are at 1, 2 and 3 p.m.

Tickets can be reserved by clicking here. They’ll also be available at the door.

“Hocus Pocus” starts at 5 p.m., and “Ghostbusters” begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for those shows are $5 and can be purchased in advance on Eventbrite or at the theater that day.

All seating is general admission. The theater will have 250 folding chairs set up on the main floor. During the evening movies, the front section of the balcony also will be open. That’s 123 traditional movie seats, Weiland said, but “some might not be the most comfortable. Some are in better shape than others.”

The concessions stand won’t be opening during the Charlie Brown shows because kids will have their candy from trick-or-treating, Weiland said. At night, moviegoers can buy popcorn, candy, bottled water and possibly soft drinks.