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.
Wednesday, September 2: La La Land (PG-13 | Recommended for ages 13+)
Purchase La La Land Tickets
Thursday, September 3: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (PG-13 | Recommended for ages 12+)
Purchase Ferris Bueller's Day Off Tickets
Friday, September 4: Bad Boys For Life (R | Recommended for ages 16+)
Purchase Bad Boys For Life Tickets
Saturday, September 5: Improv Live Comedy Drive-In (View Details)
Sunday, September 6: Forest Gump (PG-13 | Recommended for ages 13+)
Purchase Forest Gump Tickets
Monday, September 7: Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (G| Recommended for ages 8+)
Purchase Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory 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!
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, September 12, Onward (Rated PG) Tickets available Tuesday, September 1 @ 10 a.m.
- Saturday, September 19, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Rated PG). Tickets available Tuesday, September 8 @ 10 a.m.
Due to limited space available, these events are open to Irvine residents only. Admission is free and advanced registration is required. Click here for tickets
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.
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.
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
