11 Outdoor Movies and Drive-ins in the NYC Area

The absence of traditional movie theaters brought back an old trend: drive ins and outdoor movies in NYC.

By Shana Liebman, Melissa Wickes April 13, 2021

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The Gateway, Bellport

215 South Country Rd.
631-286-1133
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COVID Safety Guidelines: Masks required. Social distancing enforced. One person at a time is allowed in each restroom.
This drive-in movie series is projected on one of the largest screens on Long Island. The movie audio is available through FM radio.
Cost: $40 per car.
Upcoming films include:

• Saturday, April 17, 8 p.m.: Zootopia
• Sunday, April 18, 8 p.m.: Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope
• Friday, April 23, 8 p.m.: Iron Man
• Saturday, April 24, 8 p.m.: Beetlejuice
• Sunday, April 25 8 p.m.: Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
• Friday, April 30, 8 p.m.: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
• Saturday, May 1, 8 p.m.: Dirty Dancing
• Sunday, May 2, 8 p.m.: Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
• Friday, May 7, 8 p.m.: Who Framed Roger Rabbit
• Saturday, May 8, 8 p.m.: Ghostbusters
• Sunday, May 9, 8 p.m.: Gravity
• Friday, May 14, 8 p.m.: E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
• Saturday, May 15, 8 p.m.: Moana
• Sunday, May 16, 8 p.m.: Hidden Figures
• Friday, May 21, 8:30 p.m.: Jaws
• Saturday, May 22, 8:30 p.m.: The Goonies
• Sunday, May 23, 8:30 p.m.: Independence Day

RELATED: Chelsea Market Opens with Outdoor Dining and Shopping

Outdoor Movies in New Jersey 

The Delsea Drive, Delsea

2202 South Delsea Dr., Vineland
856-696-0011
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COVID Safety Guidelines: Tickets must be purchased online. Guests must wear masks when outside their vehicles. Social distancing is enforced. Restroom occupancy is limited.
This popular drive-in was once the only one in New Jersey. They have plans to reopen at some point in 2021.
Cost: $11 plus tax and fee; Children 3 years and younger are free.
Check the website for updates to the movie schedule.

Demarest Farms, Demarest

244 Wierimus Rd.
201-666-0472
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COVID Safety Guidelines: Online tickets only. Farm staff may direct drivers on where to park. Masks required for staff and guests when outside of their vehicles. Social distancing enforced.
This market in Bergen County has announced its 2021 movie night lineup, showing movies May through August. Concessions will be sold from a stand. Arrive by 8 p.m. for all movies, which begin around dusk.
Cost: $25 per car.
Upcoming films include:

• Sunday, May 16: Babe
• Friday, May 28: Trolls World Tournament
• Saturday, May 29: Monster Hunter
• Sunday, May 30: Onward
• Sunday, June 6: The Lion King
• Monday, June 14: The Croods: A New Age
• Saturday, June 19: The Little Mermaid
• Sunday, June 20: The Goonies
• Friday, June 25: Dolittle
• Saturday, June 26: The Outsiders
• Sunday, June 27: The Land Before Time
• Friday, July 2: The Secret Life of Pets
• Saturday, July 3: Grease
• Sunday, July 4: An American Tail
• Friday, July 9: High School Musical
• Saturday, July 10: Forrest Gump
• Sunday, July 11: Tom and Jerry The Movie
• Friday, July 16: Monsters, Inc.
• Saturday, July 17: The Notebook
• Sunday, July 18: Playing With Fire
• Friday, July 23: Apollo 13
• Saturday, July 24: Gremlins
• Sunday, July 25: When Harry Met Sally
• Friday, July 30: The Breakfast Club
• Saturday, July 31: Incredibles 2
• Sunday, Aug. 1: Finding Nemo
• Friday, Aug. 6: Sixteen Candles
• Saturday, Aug. 7: Aquaman
• Sunday, Aug. 8: Happy Feet
• Friday, Aug. 13: Guardians of the Galaxy
• Saturday, Aug. 14: Disney Zombies 2
• Sunday, Aug. 15: Wonder
• Friday, Aug. 20: Batman
• Saturday, Aug. 21: Homeward Bound
• Sunday, Aug. 22: Jurassic Park
• Friday, Aug. 27: Luxor
• Saturday, Aug. 28: Greenland
• Sunday, Aug. 29: Up

Boxcar Movie Theater, Various locations

14 Fairmount Ave.
908-485-7275
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This outdoor movie theater also just opened with screens in Madison, Boonton Township, and Bernardsville and several other New Jersey locations. The company is partnering with local restaurants to provide car-side delivery of dinner specials and snacks. The 2021 movie schedule hasn’t been accounted yet, but you can sign up on the site to receive notifications of upcoming screenings.

Outdoor Movies in Upstate New York

Warwick Drive-In, Warwick

5 Warwick Turnpike
845-986-4440
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COVID Safety Guidelines: Staff and guests must wear masks outside their vehicles. Social distancing is enforced.
This upstate staple now has several screens—along with some new restrictions. Masks are required when out of the car and the snack bar only sells pre-packaged food. The New York Times wrote about its packed opening night when despite the rainstorm, attendees were thrilled to be out of their homes and saw hope for a return to normalcy.
Cost: Call for updated ticket pricing and latest movie schedule.

Tips for the Best Outdoor Movie NYC Experience

• Bring blankets and pillows to make the car comfortable.
• Bring your own snacks and drinks to avoid long lines or contact with others. 
• Go early—these events will be crowded, and you want a good parking spot with a prime view. 
• Bring something for the kids to do (books, games, drawing supplies or a screen) while you wait for the film.
• Bring small flashlights, especially for kids, for finding the restroom after dark. 
• Know how to turn your lights off both inside and outside the car (especially if you plan to have a door or hatch open during the film.) 

Main image courtesy Skyline Drive-In NYC