14 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, Barbara Russo July 8, 2021

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Movies by Moonlight

Town of Oyster Bay
516-797-7925
Cost: Free; limited to residents only

The Town of Oyster Bay is bringing back its Movies by Moonlight summer movie series, held at various parks throughout the town. The series is limited to residents on a first-come, first served basis. Vehicles will be admitted starting at 7pm, and movies will begin at dusk.

• July 14: Dolittle at Tappen Beach, Glenwood Landing
• July 21: Tom & Jerry at Ellsworth Allen Park, Farmingdale
• July 28: The Goonies at Theodore Roosevelt Beach, Oyster Bay 
• Aug. 4: Raya & The Last Dragon at Ellsworth Allen Park, Farmingdale

KiDS NEED MoRE DRiVE-iN MoViE NiGHT Series

Costello's Ace Hardware & Garden Center of Copiague, 705 Montauk Highway, Copiague
Cost: By donation; tickets for raffles are also available

Once a month, the hardware store hosts a drive-in movie as a fundraiser for KiDS NEED More, benefitting kids with life-threatening illness. Upcoming screenings include:

• July 31: The Karate Kid
• Aug. 28: The WIzard of Oz

Club 454’s Movies Under the Stars

Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville
Cost: $20 per car; pay via Venmo (@troop454) or on-site

This fundraiser is hosted by Boy Scout Troop 454. All movies will start at sunset, and the lot opens at 6:30pm. Upcoming movies include:
July 17: The Goonies

• Aug. 28: Spiderman Homecoming
• Sept. 18: Jumanji and Godzilla vs. Kong (double feature)
• Oct. 30: Beetlejuice and Friday the 13th (double feature)

Outdoor Movies in New Jersey 

The Delsea Drive-In

2202 S. Delsea Drive, Vineland
856-696-0011
Facebook • Instagram
Cost: $11, plus tax and fee; free for children ages 3 and younger

This popular drive-in was once the only one in New Jersey. Movies here are always a double feature, sometimes a triple feature! The drive-in is currently open on weekends, and updated movie features can be found on its Facebook page.

Demarest Farms

244 Wierimus Road, Demarest
201-666-0472
Facebook • Instagram
Cost: $25 per car

This market in Bergen County has announced its 2021 movie night lineup, showing movies through August. Concessions will be sold from a stand. Arrive by 8pm for all movies, which begin around dusk. Upcoming films include:

• July 9: High School Musical
• July 10: Forrest Gump
• July 11: Tom and Jerry The Movie
• July 16: Monsters, Inc.
• July 17: The Notebook
• July 18: Playing With Fire
• July 23: Apollo 13
• July 24: Gremlins
• July 25: When Harry Met Sally
• July 30: The Breakfast Club
• July 31: Incredibles 2
• Aug. 1: Finding Nemo
• Aug. 6: Sixteen Candles
• Aug. 7: Aquaman
• Aug. 8: Happy Feet
• Aug. 13: Guardians of the Galaxy
• Aug. 14: Zombies 2
• Aug. 15: Wonder
• Aug. 20: Batman
• Aug. 21: Homeward Bound
• Aug. 22: Jurassic Park
• Aug. 27: Luxor
• Aug. 28: Greenland
• Aug. 29: Up

 

 

 

 

 

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Boxcar Drive-In Movies

Various locations 
908-485-7275
Facebook • Instagram

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 announced yet, but you can sign up on the site to receive notifications of upcoming screenings.

Outdoor Movies in Upstate New York

Warwick Drive-In

5 Warwick Turnpike, Warwick
845-986-4440
Facebook
Cost: $12; $8 children ages 4-11

This upstate staple now has several screens—and typically screens movies as double features. 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. Warwick Drive-In is currently screening Peter Rabbit 2, In the Heights, Cruella, and A Quiet Place Part 2; coming soon are Boss Baby Family Business, Black Widow, and F9 The Fast Saga. See website for showtimes.

The Four Brothers Drive-In

4957 NY-22, Amenia
845-373-8178
Facebook • Instagram
Cost: $15 per car and driver general admission; $16 for double feature; $12 adults; $8 Children ages 5-10; $9 seniors. For preferred parking, add $15 per vehicle.

Four Brothers Pizza has its own drive-in theater, which now shows new releases, throwback classics, and a few indie films every day of the week. “We bring people together in a responsible way where they can enjoy themselves in dim times,” says the owner John Stephanapolous. COVID-19 restrictions will be observed, but movie-goers will be able to order the restaurant’s pizza and Greek specials from their cars. Check the website for an updated schedule of movies.

 

 

 

 

 

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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