Our Top 5 Drive-In Movie Theaters To Visit This Summer
Going to a drive-in movie is a nostalgic summer experience and, thankfully, one of the few summer activities that's truly socially distancing friendly. Massachusetts has determined that drive-in theatres are permitted to open under Phase 1 of the Reopening Plan. Here are a few noteworthy drive-ins in New England that are still opening for the 2020 summer season:
Beach vacationers can enjoy first-run double features every night in the summer at the only drive-in Theatre on Cape Cod. The Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre is usually open from late May through mid-September, boasting a huge 100′ x 44′ screen, state-of-the-art digital projection, and a playground for the kids.
Advance tickets will be required for all shows and the snack bar. Tickets usually become available for purchase 2 to 3 days before the show.
With the two biggest movie screens in the state and nearly 16 acres of land, Mendon Twin Drive-In offers “family-friendly entertainment at an affordable price.” Located in Eastern Mass, their facilities feature a snack bar, an ice cream window, and recently added Pop's Beer Garden, a 5000 square foot patio that offers 6 draft beers, wines by the glass, fire pits, plenty of seating, and a view of Screen One. They play two first-run movies every weekend night with the latest digital projection and Dolby Digital sound broadcast over the radio in your car.
Due to COVID-19, tickets for double features will be sold online only—but, if tickets sell out, you can still buy a ticket for the second movie at the box office! You can still order food at Ernie’s Ice Cream or Judi’s Snack Bar—and they've created a new app with online ordering and no-contact pickup. Pop’s Beer Garden is also scheduled to open on June 8 with new social distancing measures in place. View this week's movie line-up.
Pleasant Valley Drive-In is located on the outskirts of Litchfield County in Barkhamsted, CT. They show a double feature on one screen, broadcasting the soundtrack over the radio. They’re open every weekend beginning in early spring through the fall, including early October if there’s warm weather, and movies run in rain or shine.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, parking has been reduced but movie-goers are allowed to sit outside directly in front of their cars. The concession stand and restroom will maintain strict 6-foot social-distancing, with one person allowed inside at a time. While they only accept cash payment, admission is free for children 5 and under and pets are welcome! They also offer a $20 Car Load Night every Thursday. View upcoming showtimes.
Wellfleet
Beach vacationers can enjoy first-run double features every night in the summer at the only drive-in Theatre on Cape Cod. The Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre is usually open from late May through mid-September, boasting a huge 100′ x 44′ screen, state-of-the-art digital projection, and a playground for the kids.
Advance tickets will be required for all shows and the snack bar. Tickets usually become available for purchase 2 to 3 days before the show.
Mendon Twin
With the two biggest movie screens in the state and nearly 16 acres of land, Mendon Twin Drive-In offers “family-friendly entertainment at an affordable price.” Located in Eastern Mass, their facilities feature a snack bar, an ice cream window, and recently added Pop's Beer Garden, a 5000 square foot patio that offers 6 draft beers, wines by the glass, fire pits, plenty of seating, and a view of Screen One. They play two first-run movies every weekend night with the latest digital projection and Dolby Digital sound broadcast over the radio in your car.
Due to COVID-19, tickets for double features will be sold online only—but, if tickets sell out, you can still buy a ticket for the second movie at the box office! You can still order food at Ernie’s Ice Cream or Judi’s Snack Bar—and they've created a new app with online ordering and no-contact pickup. Pop’s Beer Garden is also scheduled to open on June 8 with new social distancing measures in place. View this week's movie line-up.
Northfield
Northfield Drive-In is celebrating their 71st year showing drive-in movies under the stars. They show a double feature, with first-run movies, every weekend night. The Northfield Drive-In is believed to be the only drive-in theatre straddling two states (New Hampshire and Massachusetts). Though technically the address is in Southern New Hampshire, it’s only a short drive from both Greenfield, MA and Brattleboro, VT. Renovations are currently underway as Northfield prepares to open on June 19 with precautionary measures for COVID-19 in place. Check out their website or follow their Facebook page for updates.Milford
The Milford Drive-In is one of the few drive-ins open every night of the week, through the summer season. Their facilities include two large screens, state of the art projection equipment, and a concessions stand. As one of the only remaining drive-in theaters in southern New Hampshire, patrons often drive from great distances just to enjoy the nostalgia, fun times, great food, and first-run movies under the stars. Due to COVID-19, the drive-in will be operating at half capacity—and recommends buying advance tickets online to guarantee your spot. Face coverings are required when exiting your vehicle, concessions will be takeout-only, and the playground will be closed. View the upcoming showtimes.Pleasant Valley
Pleasant Valley Drive-In is located on the outskirts of Litchfield County in Barkhamsted, CT. They show a double feature on one screen, broadcasting the soundtrack over the radio. They’re open every weekend beginning in early spring through the fall, including early October if there’s warm weather, and movies run in rain or shine.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, parking has been reduced but movie-goers are allowed to sit outside directly in front of their cars. The concession stand and restroom will maintain strict 6-foot social-distancing, with one person allowed inside at a time. While they only accept cash payment, admission is free for children 5 and under and pets are welcome! They also offer a $20 Car Load Night every Thursday. View upcoming showtimes.
Before you go:
Going to the drive-in is a fairly simple affair — just get in the car and go! — but there are a few things you should check before you go:- Make sure that your battery is working properly, as your car radio will be on for several hours if the sound is broadcast over the radio.
- Most drive-ins require that your lights be totally off. If you have a car with automatic lights, check your owner’s manual to see how they can be disabled. In many cars, setting the emergency brake will do the trick but this isn't always the case.
- Consider your car size. If you have a larger vehicle, look for places that can accommodate them. Many drive-ins are designed so you can watch the movie from inside the car, and larger cars are parked in the back to allow for better viewing. Some even have spaces where you sit in the back with the hatch raised.
- Take care of any exhaust problems. You’re going to be in a tight lot, and your vehicle will be running with a lot of other cars, so exhaust issues could create an unpleasant experience for yourself and others.
- Be sure to bring along a mask.
- Most drive-ins require that tickets be purchased online, in advance so plan ahead. Make note of drive-ins that don't offer tickets and only accept cash payment.