There are a few things that help us survive winter in Northern Ontario: good boots, strong coffee, and finding something—anything—to get us out of the house when the temperature suggests we absolutely should not. Enter one of Thunder Bay’s newest and most delightful winter remedies: movie nights at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.

This past week, my loved ones and I bundled up, brushed the snow off the car (for the third time that day), and ventured out for a showing of the beloved animated classic Monsters, Inc.. And let me tell you—this is the kind of night out that makes you forget winter even exists… at least until you walk back to your car.

The movie night series is a concept the auditorium introduced this past fall, and it has quickly become a hit. Honestly, it’s the perfect low-key evening that still feels like an outing. The kind where you don’t need a fancy outfit, just a good attitude and maybe a pair of warm socks.

The evening goes something like this:

First, you grab dinner from one of Thunder Bay’s fantastic local restaurants (because let’s be honest, cooking on a cold winter night is a heroic act most of us aren’t prepared to perform). Then you head over to the auditorium, where the smell of fresh popcorn greets you like an old friend. Their popcorn and soft drink combo is dangerously good—one of those “we’ll just share one” situations that turns into everyone guarding the bag like a squirrel with its last acorn.

Once inside, you get to pick your seat in the house. Not assigned. Not squeezed between strangers with elbows of steel. Just you, your people, and a perfect view of the screen.And then the magic happens. The lights dim, the chatter settles, and suddenly you’re sitting in a room full of people—some you know, many you don’t—all laughing at the same jokes and enjoying the same story together. There’s something oddly wonderful about that. In a world where we often watch movies curled up alone on the couch with three streaming options and mild decision fatigue, being in a theatre full of people feels… refreshing.

When Monsters, Inc. started rolling, the room filled with laughter from kids, nostalgic chuckles from adults, and the occasional whisper of “I forgot how good this movie is.” And honestly? It is that good. Mike Wazowski is still hilarious, Sulley is still the most lovable monster around, and Boo still manages to melt every heart in the building.

But the real star of the night isn’t just the movie—it’s the feeling. Events like this are what build the culture of a community. They’re the simple moments where people come together, share an experience, and leave feeling just a little bit more connected to the place they call home.

For over 40 years, the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium has been a pillar in our city. From incredible concerts by artists like The Trews, Alan Doyle, and Bryan Adams, to events that bring thousands of people through its doors each year, it has long been a hub for entertainment and connection in Northern Ontario. Adding movie nights to the mix just feels like the cherry on top of an already beloved venue.

And truly, on a cold winter night, what could be better?

You get out of the house.

You gather your people.

You eat popcorn that somehow tastes better than any popcorn you’ve ever made at home.

And you spend a couple hours laughing alongside your neighbours.

It’s simple, it’s cozy, and it’s exactly the kind of thing we need to break up the long stretch of winter.

So next time the snow piles up and you feel the winter blues creeping in, keep your eyes peeled for the next movie night at the auditorium. Grab dinner from your favourite local spot, round up your friends or family, claim your seats, and settle in with a bag of popcorn. Because sometimes the best nights out aren’t the fanciest ones. Sometimes they’re just a room full of people, a great movie, and the simple joy of being together. And trust me—you won’t regret it