- Put your car in accessory mode to listen to the movie.
- Start your car once to charge the battery.
Tuning In to a Drive-in Movie
- Most drive-in theaters use FM radio to play the sound.
- Tune your radio to the station for that screen.
Drive-in Movie Preparation Tips
- Arrive an hour early for snacks and seating.
- Dress comfortably in pajamas.
- Bring bug spray.
- Screens cost $50,000+.
- Get a public performance license from the copyright holder.
- Use a laptop and projector outside.
- Borrow equipment if needed.
I threw pillows into their cars and we waited for dark! The kids had fun – I hope it was a fun memory for them.
Drive-ins used to be for movies and fooling around. Now, they are no-smoking areas. Keep engines and lights off.
I set up a kid table with snacks – chips, fruit snacks and drinks! My kids love snacks, so even a simple spread made their night!
Don’t smuggle in food and drink. Drive-ins survive on concession sales. Get snacks there. Snack bars and bathrooms will be busy before, during and after the movie.
Drive-in movies start after dark. Showtimes run late, especially for double features. Prepare to make a night of it. Bring your own snacks in case snack bars are closed.
Check with local theaters doing outdoor movies too. Drive-ins can be cheaper than movie theaters. Promote more PDA since they’re less public. Enjoy privacy of your vehicle.
There are around 300 drive-ins left in America. Take a road trip or set up a DIY drive-in. Car rentals can partner you with the rental and car. Tips for a great DIY drive-in movie experience: Drive-ins used to be for movies and fooling around. Now, they are no-smoking areas. Keep engines and lights off.
Put your car in accessory mode unless you have a bad battery. Find the ideal outdoor spot and get permits and licenses. Arrive early for seating and snacks. Dress comfortably in pajamas. Bring bug spray. Screens cost $50,000+. Get a public performance license from the copyright holder. Use a laptop and projector outside. Borrow equipment if needed.
Don’t smuggle in food and drink. Drive-ins survive on concession sales. Get snacks there. Snack bars and bathrooms will be busy before, during and after the movie.
Turn your car off at drive-ins, especially if it has daytime headlights. Use FM radio for movie sound. You don’t want to drain your battery with the stereo. Drive-ins operate cash only to keep costs down.
Google to find drive-ins in your area. Many new ones opened this year. Check with local theaters doing outdoor movies too. Drive-ins can be cheaper than movie theaters. Promote more PDA since they’re less public. Enjoy privacy of your vehicle. Buy concessions. Go with a group or intimate date.