Two things that go together: Route 66 and drive-in theaters. The Santa Monica Pier seems to have accidentally noticed this. They’re holding a pop-up drive-in on Thursday, Jan. 15 in the upper-deck parking area of the pier, according to the Santa Monica Daily News and MSN. Although it’s the sort-of-official end point (with signs) of Route 66, and even though 2026 is its very official centennial year, the pier mentioned nothing about that for this event.

Folks who want to attend will need to sign up through Eventbrite, and the cost is free. Cars can start getting into place around 3:30 pm for the showing of “Grease.” The movie starts at 6:30, and cars won’t be allowed to leave until after 8. I hope someone points out the centennial to the organizers. Someone needs to set up a booth to sell copies of Drive-Ins of Route 66 there.