Hocus Pocus under the stars in Raleigh

Raleigh's outdoor movie season has a bit of a Halloween streak going, and the latest installment of the 'Movies in the Garden' series is the one most people recognize. The Raleigh Little Theatre is bringing Hocus Pocus to the big screen under the stars, and it's the kind of night that's as much about the setup as the movie itself. The 1993 Disney family comedy, rated PG and running about an hour and a half, is the centerpiece, but the evening starts well before the opening credits.

The screenings take place at the Louise 'Scottie' Stephenson Amphitheatre, a 2,000-seat venue tucked into the University Park neighborhood at the corner of Pogue Street and Clark Avenue, just a few blocks from Hillsborough Street. The amphitheatre is part of a City of Raleigh park, and its history runs deep: it was built with part of the same original Work Progress Administration grant that put up the Raleigh Little Theatre. It's named for Louise S. Stephenson, the longtime corporate secretary for Capitol Broadcasting and a dedicated supporter of the arts in Raleigh, who spent years volunteering with the Raleigh Fine Arts Society and the North Carolina Symphony.

Timing is worth planning around. The movie starts at 7:00 PM, but seating and the food trucks open an hour earlier at 6:00, which is when the real pre-show begins. The lineup includes Uncle Dave's Kettle Korn, Pineda's Wood Fired Pizza, YoYo FroYo, and Empire Eats, and you're welcome to bring your own picnic and non-alcoholic drinks. Beer and wine can be bought on site, so you don't have to go without a drink. Over on Hillsborough Street, there's a game area with cornhole, Giant Jenga, and Connect 4 to keep everyone busy while the sun goes down. And if you're the type to commit to the bit, the organizers encourage coming in costume, with a costume parade before the movie kicks off.

A few ground rules are worth knowing before you pack the car. No open flames, no candles — not even citronella or the Black Flame Candles the movie is named for — and no glass bottles. Dogs are welcome as long as they're on a leash. Blankets and lawn or folding chairs are encouraged, since it's general admission seating. Indoor, wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available through the Main Stage lobby entrance, so it's an easy night for families with little ones or anyone who needs a bit more accessibility.

Tickets went on sale at noon on September 1, with an early bird price of $5 that climbed to the regular $10 starting October 1. You can grab yours through the Raleigh Little Theatre, and if you have questions, their box office is the place to ask. It's a low-key, family-friendly way to lean into the season without any fuss, and the setting — a historic amphitheatre in the middle of a city park — is half the draw. Whether you're there for the nostalgia or just a night out with the kids, it's a classic Raleigh autumn evening.