The Drive-In Theater craze of the 1950's and 60's died down when big multiplexes took center stage. Today, the Covid-19 pandemic has temporarily closed indoor theaters. Now the old throwback Drive-Ins are making a summer comeback.
Social Distancing has moved entertainment outdoors and makeshift Drive-In theaters are popping up all over Orange County. It’s pretty simple really, just purchase your ticket in advance online, pack a cooler with your snacks, and find a parking space. The simple concept of watching a movie in your own car now provides a safe place for a family night out; and gives a welcome break from endless Netflix binges. Your car becomes your own screening room!
Drive In Movies - Irvine Spectrum
The Irvine Spectrum Entertainment Center will host a weekend of movies on the Regal Cinema Parking Lot Deck. The cost is $50 per car but includes a $20 gift certificate to use at Spectrum Center restaurants before the show. The Cheesecake Factory is even offering delivery to your car!
The Venue opens at 6 p.m.. Live Music provided by Hanna Eyre and The Ashleys from The Voice at 6:45 p.m. and the movies begin at 8 p.m.
Thursday, July 30: Knives Out (PG-13 | Recommended for ages 13+**)
Purchase Knives Out Tickets
Friday, July 31: Avengers: Endgame (PG-13 | Recommended for ages 12+**)
Purchase Avengers: Endgame Tickets
Saturday, August 1: The Goonies (PG | Recommended for ages 11+**)
Purchase The Goonies Tickets
Wednesday, August 5: The Hunger Games (PG | Recommended for ages 13+)
Purchase The Hunger Games Drive-In Tickets
Thursday, August 6: Mean Girls (PG | Recommended for ages 14+)
Purchase Mean Girls Drive-In Tickets
Friday, August 7: Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (PG | Recommended for ages 9+)
Purchase Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Drive-In Tickets
Saturday, August 8: Jurassic Park (PG | Recommended for ages 12+)
∼SOLD OUT∼
Sunday, August 9: Jurassic Park (PG | Recommended for ages 12+)
Purchase Jurassic Park Drive-In Tickets
Tickets must be purchased in advance. For more event information click here.
More weekend entertainment dates to be announced.
» Click here to be notified when new dates are available!
The Frida Cinema - Anaheim 
The Frida Cinema of Santa Ana is hosting a Pop-Up Drive-In all summer at Zion Lutheran School in Anaheim. The movie soundtrack will be played through your car's FM Radio. Tickets are $25 per car and may be purchased online. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and showtime is 8:30 p.m..
Friday, July 24 Yellow Submarine
Saturday, July 25. Yellow Submarine
Friday, July 31. Knives Out
Saturday, August 8. Monty Python and The Holy Grail
Sunday, August 9. Monty Python and The Holy Grail
Wednesday, August 12. Time Bandits
For more information and to Purchase Tickets Click Here
OC Great Park Drive-In - Irvine
Irvine residents can enjoy free movies under the stars this summer at the OC Great Park's Drive-In Series. Family friendly movies will be presented on the big screen. Bring your own picnic or purchase treats from gourmet food trucks. The Drive-In will be set up in parking lot 2 at the Great Park. Arrive at 6:45 p.m. when gates open to get a spot; the movie begins after sunset (approximately 8:15 p.m.) Guests will be able to listen through amplified sound or tune in through their car radios via a special FM station.
Saturday, August 8th. The Secret Life of Pets
Saturday, August 22. Sonic The Hedgehog
Due to limited space available, these events are open to Irvine residents only. Admission is free and advanced registration is required. Tickets will be available at yourirvine.org(link is external) beginning July 1.
Muckenthaler Drive-In - Fullerton
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center will be hosting Drive-In style events throughout the summer.
Admission is $30 per car and tickets must be purchased in advance. Attendees are required to wear a mask when leaving their cars to walk to and from the restroom, or anytime they exit their vehicle for any reason.
Gates Open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 23. Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar Drive-In Concert
Thursday, August 13. Dance Camera West Drive-In Film Festival
Thursday, August 20. Caro Pierotto Drive-In Concert
Thursday, September 3 The Darden Sisters Drive-In Concert
Newport Dunes - Host Your Own Drive-In
Newport Dunes Resort in Newport Beach is adding a new twist to the outdoor movie experience; a private Drive-In of your own! Now you can host your own private drive-in movie at Newport Dunes large parking lot. All your guests can congregate together in their vehicles and enjoy car-side concessions and fun foods. To book your one-of-a-kind, personal Drive-In party, contact Newport Dunes.
Fashion Island - Newport Beach
Fashion Island hosts the Summer Drive-In Movie Series, presented by THE LOT
Admission:
Thursday, August 13, Opening Night: $75 (per car). Experience includes a $20 gift card from THE LOT, a Fashion Island tote bag, and a limited-edition movie poster autographed by Dana Brown.*
Friday - Sunday: admission is $60 per car. Experience includes a $20 THE LOT gift card.*
Venue opens at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.
~Opening Night! Newport Beach Film Festival Spotlight & World Premiere~
Thursday, August 13: A Life of Endless Summers: The Bruce Brown Story (PG-13 | Recommended for ages 13+**)
Friday, August 14: Transformers: The Last Knight (PG-13 | Recommended for ages 12+**)
Saturday, August 15: The Goonies (PG | Recommended for ages 11+**)
Check back weekly for additional movie dates.
