Skip to content
Set Up Your Outdoor Cinema
- Open a drive-in theater.
- Invite friends over.
- Set up a projector to show the movie.
- Get blankets and pillows in case it gets cold.
- Find a movie everyone wants to see.
- Get there early to get a good parking spot.
- Enjoy the movie together.
- Go when it’s nice and cool, ideal for cuddling.
- If someone is annoying, deal with it, and find a new spot.
- Turn your backyard into a movie theater with a projector or outdoor TV.
- Elevate a projector so even little kids can see.
- Decorate cardboard cars for kids.
- Make admission tickets and concession stand money.
- Use an inflatable pool screen.
- Dim and change color with a quasar light.
Enhancing Your Drive-In Experience
- Dress in layers if it’s cool out.
- Support local theaters, but bring your own food to save money.
- Bring bug spray if you’re outside.
- Food! Pack a dinner, grab takeout, or bring snacks like inexpensive movie theater candy and popcorn.
Movie Night at Home
- Browse movies within your own collection or on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and DirectTV.
- Check out online reviews for movie content and quality.
- Get matching family pajamas to make movie night an event.
Filming Tips for Car Scenes
- Choose a safe and relevant road location for your story.
- Consider over-the-shoulder and driving-to-face shots.
- Ensure safety when filming inside a vehicle.
Comfort Tips for a Drive-In Movie
- Wear your most comfortable clothes.
- Bring a blanket and a portable radio if you’re worried about your car battery dying.
- Truck bed camping can be an affordable, convenient option.
Watching Drive-In Movies
- Drive-in movies are viewed from your car, using a radio frequency or external speaker for sound.
- Prepare outdoor chairs and picnic blankets.
- Arrive 30-45 minutes before showtime for a good parking spot.
- Don’t leave lights on during the movie.
- Bring loose clothes and blankets for comfort.
- Tune your car radio to the right station for sound.
- Most drive-ins allow outside food; some require a food permit.
- Drive-ins are the equivalent of "Netflix and chill" but need a car and gas money.
- Let your car idle beforehand and bring a portable radio to avoid battery drain.
- Streaming services allow movie watching at home, contributing to the decline of drive-ins.
