Drive-in movie theaters used to be a nostalgic throwback, a retro way to catch a film under the big, starry sky. Now they’re necessities: Socially distanced parking spots in front of the silver screen are the new plush recliner seats at luxury theaters. Here are 10 places to head this summer and fall for a night out at the movies.
District of Columbia
Capitol Riverfront Drive-In Movie Series
Where: Akridge Lot, 100 V St. SW
When: Friday nights at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 25 through Oct. 30
Cost: $20 per car
What to know: For six weeks this fall, outdoor movies will be screened in the parking lot next to Buzzard Point’s Audi Field. The Capitol Riverfront BID, which is organizing the event series, promises a “retro drive-in theme.” Upcoming showings include Selma, Abominable, and Knives Out. On Oct. 30, proceeds from a “people’s choice” night will benefit DC Central Kitchen; hop onto Instagram to vote for the Halloween film you’d most like to see.
Flicks and Rose – Movie Nights Experience
Where: The Bullpen at Half Street Fairgrounds, 1201 Half St. SE
When: Sept. 4, 6, 18, and 20, 8 p.m.
Cost: $15 in advance; $20 day-of
What to know: Nearly 100 picnic tables have been spaced out throughout The Bullpen, a festive spot under the shadow of Nationals Stadium. Snag one with some friends, and enjoy drink specials delivered directly to your table. Top Gun, The Goonies, Bridesmaids, and Mean Girls are all on the docket. Expect plenty of hand sanitizer stations, temperature checks upon arrival — and glitzy outfits. Project DC Events, the organizer, is encouraging attendees to match their attire to the movie’s theme; there will be prizes, so go all out.
Park Up DC
Where: RFK Stadium Lot 5, 2400 East Capitol St. NE
When: Thursday-Sunday nights through October, times vary
Cost: Starting at $29 per vehicle
What to know: Double features are encouraged at Park Up DC, a collaboration from Events DC and Broccoli City. On Thursday through Sunday nights, cruise in to watch, for example, The Last Dragon, Moana, or Love and Basketball on a 45-foot LED screen — or both. In the event that all that watching makes you hungry, order a hot dog or popcorn to be delivered directly to your door. Up to 350 cars can be accommodated in the lot — and whether attendees are in for more or less entertainment than during the stadium’s football days is up for debate.
Sunset Cinema at The Wharf
Where: 970 Wharf St., SW
When: Thursday nights at 8 p.m. through Sept. 24
Cost: $10
What to know: Maybe it’s not the kind of show you’re used to heading to at The Wharf, given that The Anthem is still closed. But the Southwest Waterfront continues to deliver entertainment: Groups of two to six people can reserve a cabana at Cantina Bambina, a waterfront bar on Transit Pier. The $10-per-person fee includes popcorn and a Pacifico Beer, and at sunset, movies such as Dirty Dancing and Hidden Figures will stream on the big screen. Note that in addition to the reservation fee, there’s a $20 minimum per person at the cantina.
Maryland
Drive-In Movies at the Vineyard
Where: Running Hare Vineyard, 150 Adelina Rd., Prince Frederick, Md.
When: Dates and times vary.
Cost: $25 per car
What to know: This vineyard in southern Maryland is hosting pop-up movies and concerts throughout the summer. On Sept. 12, for example, Jurassic Park will stream on the big screen — and it’s reasonable to expect a sunset sideshow in the background. Naturally, there will be wine and wine slushies for sale, plus popcorn, chorizo burgers, and pizza. You can also bring your own food — just not alcohol.
Drive-In Movies at Savage Mill
Where: Historic Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry St., Savage, Md.
When: Sept. 4, 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $10 per car
What to know: Swing into Savage Mill on Friday night to catch Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Historic Savage Mill is in Howard County, about a 45-minute drive from the District. When you show up, expect contactless ticketing; first-come, first-served parking; and spots that are 6 feet apart.
Virginia
The Family Drive-In
Where: 5890 Valley Pike, Stephens City, Va.
When: Wednesday-Sunday, times vary
Cost: $9 per adult for double features; $7 for single features (discounts for seniors and kids)
What to know: What’s playing here is almost irrelevant: Part of the draw is the theater itself, which is 64 years old and often lauded as one of the most iconic drive-ins in America. It’s nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, about 90 minutes outside the District. Catch classics like Deadpool and Bill & Ted Face the Music this summer. (Since the venue is operating at 50% capacity, screenings tend to sell out quickly.) There are old-school speaker poles scattered throughout the lot, and you can also tune into the audio via your car’s radio. To help ensure social distancing, all food and drinks must be ordered via an app; there’s an extensive menu with options such as French fries, chicken tenders, snow cones, and corn dogs. Speaking of dogs: Don’t forget to bring the whole family. This is one of the rare drive-ins that allows pets.
Crescendo Studios Drive-In Concert Series
Where: Crescendo Studios parking lot, 8101a Lee Hwy., Falls Church
When: Friday and Saturday nights through Sept. 12, shows begin at 8:15 p.m.
Cost: $20 for a single ticket and parking pass, $70 for the “full car special” (four tickets and a parking pass)
What to know: When you tire of drive-in movies, spice things up with a drive-in concert. While headliners like Ben Tufts and Gordon Sterling play inside Crescendo Studios’ performance space, footage will be blasted onto a 180-inch screen outside. Rock out inside your car, or set up chairs in the parking lot to enjoy the show. Bonus: No sloppy patrons will bump into you, spelling their beer on your shirt as you strain to snag a better glimpse of the stage.
Sipping Under the Stars
Where: Potomac Point Winery, 275 Decatur Rd., Stafford
When: Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. and Sept. 26 at 6 p.m.
Cost: $13
What to know: Bring some lawn chairs, spread out, and make a night of it at this Virginia vineyard. Grab dinner from the on-site bistro or preorder a gourmet picnic, and then catch The Princess Bride or Bad Moms.
Carlyle Saturday Cinema Series
Where: John Carlyle Square Park, 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria
When: Friday Sept. 4 at dusk, followed by Saturday nights through Oct. 10
Cost: Free
What to know: Bring your favorite lawn chairs to this spacious park in the heart of Alexandria, and settle in for Toy Story 4, or maybe Mulan or Finding Dory. If you’re hungry, try the $13 movie bag special: It includes a sandwich, side dish and retro bottled soda.
This post has been updated to include information about Capitol Riverfront Drive-In Movie Series, Flicks and Rose, Sunset Cinema at The Wharf, Sipping Under the Stars, and Carlyle Saturday Cinema Series.
