21 Outdoor Movies and Drive-ins in the NYC Area

Updated July 23: Outdoor movies have long been a summer passion for New Yorkers, with crowds annually flocking to places like Bryant Park and Brooklyn’s Rooftop Films. This year, however, with indoor theaters closed since March due to Coronavirus restrictions, New Yorkers are more eager than ever for outdoor (socially distanced, of course) theater. Now that Cuomo is allowing drive-ins, the options for outdoor movies are multiplying all over NYC, Long Island, New Jersey, and upstate New York: Restaurants are transforming their parking lots and drive-in relics are adding extra screens. It’s setting up to be the summer of outdoor film because, well, who doesn’t need a break from their couch? 

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.) 

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Safe Summer Fun as New York Reopens

• Outdoor Movies in New York City
• Outdoor Movies on Long Island
• Outdoor Movies in New Jersey
• Outdoor Movies in Westchester
• Outdoor Movies in Upstate New York

Outdoor Movies in New York City

Uptown Drive-In Experience at Yankee Stadium, The Bronx

From the folks who brought us the Bronx Night Market and the Bronx Beer Fest comes a drive-in festival with live performances, movies, and (mostly Bronx-located) food vendors which will open in parking lots around Yankee Stadium this summer. The “socially distancing playground” will feature both family-friendly brunch and date-nights. Sign up for more information and to get on a waitlist here. 

The Bel Aire Diner, Astoria, Queens

This beloved 55-year-old Astoria diner has transformed itself (and its parking lot) into a drive-in—and tickets are selling like crazy. Forty cars at a time are permitted and customers can order online their grilled cheese and other diner staples—which are then delivered to their cars. In addition to movies, it will also be hosting trivia nights and comedy shows. Tickets are sold on the website and you can keep up with event updates on its Instagram. 

Bay Terrace Shopping Center, Bay Terrace, Queens

Bay Terrace Shopping Center is kicking off a series of drive-in movies on June 19, presented with Cord Meyer Development, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, and Movies in the Moonlight. The first screening was Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Visit the website for updates on upcoming screenings.

Skyline Drive-In, Greenpoint, Brooklyn

This outdoor theater is a drive-in movie experience with a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline. Visit the Skyline Drive-In website and pick the movie you want to see and you can listen to the movie's sound through your car's stereo or via Skyline Drive-In's rentable radio. You can bring your own chair or rent one if you don't have a car. 

Movies in Your Car, Jamaica, Queens

This Black-owned, re-imaged drive-in theater is brought to you by Bounce Playground and opens on Thursday, July 30 at York College Performing Arts Center. Movies will be shown on giant inflatable, hi-def screens and sound will be played through your car radio. There will be two showings per night, highlighting Black American films like Belly.

• Thursday, July 30: Girl's Trip at 8pm
• Thursday, July 30: Training Day at 11pm
• Friday, July 31: Minions at 8pm
• Friday, July 31: Belly at 11pm
• Saturday, Aug. 1: Sonic the Hedgehog at 8pm
• Saturday, Aug. 1: Harlem Nights at 11pm
• Sunday, Aug. 2: Trolls at 8pm
• Sunday, Aug. 2: Transformers at 11pm

Outdoor Movies on Long Island

Commonpoint Queens, Great Neck

With the help of its sponsor Flushing Bank, Commonpoint Queens' next Summer Drive-In Movie Night will be on Aug. 16 at Leonard's Palazzo in Great Neck. Each car will be $35 per screening ($60 for both) and tickets must be purchased in advanced and all proceeds will go towards the Commonpoint Queens Food Pantry to help provide fresh groceries and hot meals for seniors and community members in need. 

• The Sandlot: 8:30pm, doors open at 7:30pm.
• Grease: 11pm, doors open at 10:15pm.

Spots for both screenings are first-come-first served. Hot food that will be served includes hamburgers ($5), hot dogs ($4), hot pretzels ($3), caramel stuffed churros ($4), fresh popcorn ($3), cotton candy ($3) and drinks for sale by Leonard's Palazzo.

Coach Meeting House, Oyster Bay

This drive-in theater launched on May 16 with a sold-out showing of The Goonies. Viewers can order food from the restaurant’s full menu to be delivered to their cars. Visit the website for updates on upcoming screenings.

Thyme, Roslyn Village