A drive-in movie date is an affordable and unique date idea way to spend an evening together. Drive-in movies are often less expensive than traditional movie theaters, so it’s a budget-friendly option for a date. Plus, it’s not something you do every day, so it adds an element of novelty to the evening.
It allows for social distancing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, drive-in movies became a popular date idea while still practicing social distancing. A drive-in movie date allows for flexibility since you have the option to sit in your car, or bring blankets and pillows to watch the movie outside of your car. There’s something special about watching a movie with your partner by your side. It allows for a private movie-watching experience since you’ll have your own space to watch the movie without the distractions of other people at a theater.
How Much Are Drive-In Movies?
The cost of drive-in movies varies on the location and movie being shown. Prices can range from $10-30 per vehicle, with discounts (!!) often available for children, seniors, and military personnel. Some drive-in theaters may also offer amenities such as food and drink for an additional cost.
Tip: Check with your local drive-in theater for their current prices and policies..
Things You’ll Need for a Drive-in Movie
- A Vehicle
- Radio or portable speaker to tune into the movie audio
- Snacks and drinks (e.g., favorite snack,popcorn, candy, soda, water, etc.)
- Blankets or pillows
- Lawn chairs or bean bags for seating outside your vehicle
- Bug spray
- Portable phone charger or power bank
- Cash/credit card for purchasing tickets and concessions
- Umbrella or rain gear
- Warm clothes or jackets (summers can be chilly, too!)
What to Wear at a Drive-in Movie Date
This is the time to get comfy! We recommended to wear comfortable clothing such as joggers, jeans, or sweatpants, a t-shirt or sweater, and sneakers or sandals. You may also want to bring a sweater or jacket in case it gets cold at night. It is also a good idea to wear closed-toe shoes, such as sneakers or boots, as you may need to get out of your car to use the restroom or concessions stand. Don’t forget to bring a blanket or pillows to make your movie experience even more comfortable!
Find a Drive-in Theatre Near You
Search online: Use a search engine like Google or Bing to search for “drive-in movie theaters near me” or “drive-in movie theaters [insert your city or zip code here].” This will bring up a list of drive-in movie theaters in your area.
Check local listings: Many cities have websites/ newsletters listing events and activities happening in the area.
Ask friends and family: If you know someone who has recently been to a drive-in movie theater, ask them!
Look for billboards or signage: Keep an eye out for billboards (or other signage) advertising drive-in movie theaters.
Contact your local chamber of commerce: Can’t find any information online? Contact your local chamber of commerce since they may provide local with a list of drive-in movie theaters in the area.
