Totally Tubular

Strange things are afoot at the Circle K. Or, rather, bodacious happenings are coming to the drive-in.

Throwing back to the ’80s and ’90s for the 2021 iteration of its annual free summer film series, UCSB Arts & Lectures will soon open curtains on “Be Excellent & Party On — Movies Under the Stars in Your Cars.” A slate of comedy and adventure flicks will screen Thursday evenings at 8:30 p.m., July 1 through August 12, at West Wind Drive-In. Gates open at 7 p.m. for food trucks, concessions, entertainment and prize drawings.

“The name says it all, right? Be excellent, and party on!” said Celesta M. Billeci, the Miller McCune Executive Director of Arts & Lectures. “As we head into summer in Santa Barbara, we wanted this year’s film lineup to bring some much-needed laughs and lighthearted adventure, and to create the perfect backdrop for new summertime memories to be made. This selection of favorite films from the ’80s and ’90s has something for everyone.”

Starting July 1 with “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” the nostalgia-packed lineup also includes a double feature of The Goonies and Stand by Me (July 8); Clueless (July 15); The NeverEnding Story (July 22); a Men in Black / Galaxy Quest double feature (July 29); Rush Hour (August 5); and, for the finale, a double feature of Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure and Wayne’s World (August 12).

Booyah.

“We look forward to seeing folks from throughout our community come out together and reconnect around what has been a favorite summer activity for more than ten years now,” Billeci said. “We’ll have food trucks, music and more, so come on out and have some fun! As always, I want to send a huge note of thanks to our premier sponsor Montecito Bank & Trust as well as the UCSB Summer Culture and Community Grant Program for helping to bring this free event to the community.”