Who knew that 2020 would turn into the year of the drive-in?
Though no one would have thought we’d take a tip from the ’50s, drive-in events provide the perfect socially distant setting for enjoying entertainment safely without taking away from the most fun experiences!
People are getting creative with how to host events like concerts and comedy shows in drive-in venues, plus of course it’s the perfect way to take a movie–right under the stars.
And even in NYC, drive-ins are at the ready! So here are the best events taking place this summer…you’ll just need a car!
1. Movies in Your Car in Jamaica, Queens
Movies In Your Car features your favorite throw-back films and is energetically recreating the drive-in movie experience in an updated, contemporary setting. Perfect for date night, family time, or a night out with friends. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the movie shown on giant, inflatable HD screens under the stars!
- Thursday, July 30 at 8pm: Girls Trip
- Thursday, July 30 at 11pm: Training Day
- Friday, July 31 at 8pm: Minions!
- Friday, July 31 at 11pm: Belly
- Saturday, August 1 at 8pm: Sonic the Hedgehog
- Saturday, August 1 at 11pm: Harlem Nights
- Sunday, August 2 at 8pm: Trolls
- Sunday, August 2 at 11pm: Transformers
2. Concerts From Cars: An Outdoor Social-Distancing Concert
Now this is how to do LIVE music in the age at social distancing. Concerts from Cars (CFC) is a band that plays pop-up concerts in NYC—everything from original compositions to jazz to improvisation. The Concerts From Cars musicians stay at least six feet apart and require that the audience follows social distance guidelines as well. All of the band members wear masks during the performance, and so do their horns!
Where: A secret location in NYC that will be revealed…
When: Sunday, August 9
Grab tickets asap here.
3. Tribeca Drive-In Series: Orchard Beach, The Bronx
Tribeca Enterprises, which organizes and hosts the Tribeca Film Festival in NYC every year, has announced the dates and locations of their brand new “Tribeca Drive-In” experience, a drive-in entertainment series that will take place throughout July in cities all across the U.S. And they’re coming to Orchard Beach in NYC (located at Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx)! They will show over 30 iconic movies coast to coast, every single weekend in July. And they’ll also have special screenings for healthcare and frontline workers and concessions from local businesses to support the local community. Screenings in NYC start July 9.
Where: Orchard Beach, Pelham Bay Park, The Bronx
When: Weekends in July, get tickets here.
4. Skyline Drive-In NYC: Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Skyline Drive-In recently opened in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, at 1 Oak Street to be precise. The prime spot, with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, is also a popular photo and filming location (so you know it’s gorgeous!). They’re also hoping to add walk-in seating and bicycles soon so you don’t even need a car to enjoy.
They plan on having NYC food trucks at their showings, so you can grab a bite while catching a flick. You can always bring your own food as well.
Where: 1 Oak Street, Brooklyn
When: Most night at 9pm, see full schedule here.
5. Bel Aire Diner Drive-In: Astoria, Queens
The Bel Aire Diner in Astoria, Queens, which originally opened in 1965, started hosting movie nights in their large (or large for NYC standards) shared parking lot this spring at 31-91 21st St. They showed “Grease,” and even had themed food like “The Ones That I Want Mozzarella Sticks” and “Greek-ed Lightning” Greek food platters. Besides movies, they also do comedy shows and film festivals!
Where: 31 91 21st St, Queens
When: Most weekends, stay up to date on their Instagram here.