Photo via Union Market

Ah, the drive-in movie experience. A time-honored American tradition long since lost to the increased development of digital projection, gargantuan IMAX screens, and, for better or worse, 3-D technology. Though a dwindling few drive-in theaters remain these days, D.C. has never had the pleasure of housing one (the closest one to the District being The Bengies in Baltimore), until now.

In addition to the many outdoor movie series taking place this summer, Union Market will begin hosting drive-in screenings, showing four D.C.-centric films in July and August on their huge three-story wall. The series, which is created by D.C. Shorts Film Festival founder Jon Gann, will aim to recreate a throwback drive-in experience, complete with pre-show festivities, live music, contests, special giveaways, and members of the D.C. Rollergirls serving as car hops. There will also be a special picnic area for those car-free District denizens to enjoy the festivities.

The lineup of the series’ D.C.-centric films includes Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece political satire Dr. Strangelove, Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb on July 12, Jonathan Lynn’s Distinguished Gentlemen on July 19, the Rob Reiner/Aaron Sorkin Presedential pic The American President on July 26, and Roger Donaldson’s No Way Out on August 2. Noticeably absent: Joel Schumacher’s zany, so-bad-it’s-good D.C. Cab starring Mr. T, and Veep creator Armando Iannucci’s In The Loop, arguably the best D.C.-centered film to come out in years. Maybe next year.

All screenings are free and start at 9 p.m.