Disclosure: This post may have affiliate links and we may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
Due to the Coronavirus, Drive-In Movies are making a comeback with old and new features.
What’s Old about Drive-In Movies:
If you haven’t been to a drive-in for years, maybe since a kid or teenager, in a lot of ways, drive-ins haven’t changed much, except for there being far fewer.
Before the pandemic, there were about 305 drive-ins left operating in the United States, from a high of about 4000 in the 1950’s. Many still have, or refurbished, their flashy neon, or multi-bulbed vintage signs. There are still snack bars and playgrounds for the kids. There’s also double-features. Generally, unless there’s a severe weather forecast, movies are shown rain or shine. Parking is first come, first served.
The movies that are being shown are classics, rather than new releases, as film studios are holding back new releases, or using streaming services. The hits of past summers, such as Jaws, Grease, E.T. and StarWars films are being shown to sold out audiences again. So, old favorite movies are making a comeback, too, on the big screen.
What’s New about Drive-In Movies:
Due to the Pandemic, people looking for safer outdoor recreation. Suddenly, drive-in movies are hot and thriving, instead of slowly dying off.
Tickets, for the most part, are being sold online. Just lining up like the old days may not get you in, especially with the demand. Check the website before you go. Many post the movie schedule online at the beginning of the week.
No more speakers that you attach to your window. Audio is broadcast through your radio. If you don’t want to have your car on accessory for the duration of the movie, bring a battery operated FM radio. Or, some drive-in’s rent them.
Due to the size of your vehicle, you may be directed to an area to the back of the parking lot. They don’t want a large truck or SUV blocking a Mini Cooper.
A newer custom is to park backwards in your space. This is so, if you have a hatchback, or truck, you can open up the back and pile air mattresses, pillows, and blankets in them and stretch out. Some people bring folding chairs and sit, either in the truck bed, or in front, of their car. Some parents may sit in chairs slightly off to one side as their kids take over the hatchback area. If you plan to sit outside your vehicle, plan to bring an FM radio for the audio. If your hatch is going to be open, or your car on, figure out ahead of time how to turn off your interior and exterior lights. They distract others from enjoying the show.
Refreshments and Refreshment Policies Vary
Drive-ins may allow food, but have some restrictions. Some allow you to bring food, but no coolers. Some charge a fee, say $5, for a food permit, if you are bringing in your own food. This is because they make money from the snack bar, and not the movie and the permit helps them stay in business.
From what our research found, a very few allow alcohol, or have a beer garden. Also, a few allow walk-in’s, either to meet friends, or who bring chairs and sit in a designated area.
Now, drive-ins are more than likely to have a website for ticket sales and F.A.Q’s., especially regarding COVID safety measures.
New Entries to the Drive-In Scene
As businesses faced closures and losses, due to the Pandemic, some have pivoted to opening Pop-Up drive-ins
Some include movie theaters, who have turned to using their parking lots. The Kowloon, a large restaurant in Massachusetts made use of it’s parking lot, adding outside tables and a car hop service.
In the shadow of Gillette Stadium, home of the N.E. Patriots, Showcase Cinemas set up a Pop-Up Drive-In in the parking lot at Patriot Place.
Walmart announced that it was going to have outdoor theaters at some of its “Supercenters.”
Some flea market fields and some community recreation areas also have become temporary outside movie venues. Ironically, many large flea markets are on the site of former drive-ins.
Entertainment companies that rent out event equipment have partnered with companies to lease their screens for other pop-up outdoor theaters.
COVID Safety Measures
To save on face to face interactions, a lot of ticket buying has moved online.
Depending upon the facility, parking spaces are adjusted to maintain social distancing.
Some drive-in’s are handing out masks as you enter.
Moviegoers either have to remain in, or in front of their cars and wear face coverings outside of vehicles.
Plan on taking your trash home with you.
Send only one person per car for refreshments.
20 Tips for Enjoying the Drive-In, and Safely
- Plan ahead. Check out the website for what’s playing, how to get tickets, and restrictions.
- Buy your tickets online ahead of time if possible, to avoid disappointment.
- Arrive early, that is, shortly after the gates open, in order to get a better choice of spot.
- Bring your own refreshments, if allowed, and to reduce interaction with others at the snack bar.
- Bring an FM radio so you don’t have to use your car radio, and have more flexibility about where you sit.
- Bring a sweater, sweatshirt, blankets in case you get chilly or wear light clothes if it’s a hot night. Running your car during the movie is distracting to others and may not be allowed.
- Bring a pillow or two for comfort and even an neck pillow, for added comfort and support.
- Bring folding chairs and perhaps a small folding table if you plan to sit outside of your vehicle.
- Eat and drink lightly before and when you get there to reduce trips to the rest rooms.
- Leave your pets at home.
- If you smoke, check ahead of time to see if smoking or vaping is allowed.
- Bring bug spray or repellent.
- Bring a battery operated fan if it’s going to be a hot night.
- Bring a charger for your phone.
- Bring masks, wet wipes, and sanitizer.
- Bring water or a beverage as you will be there several hours.
- Bring games, books, or some activity to fill the time until the movie starts, which will be at or after dusk.
- Maintain social distancing.
- Respect the boundaries of your allotted parking space.
- If you bring children, make sure they stay in the car or in your parking space.
For Drive-in buffs, or those newly discovering drive-ins, check out the website, driveinmovie.com.
It features news, information, and reviews of drive-in movie theaters across the United States.
Have you been to a drivein lately? What did you think? Please comment.
