Drive-in movies are the new Netflix and chill, with a lot more rules and not as much privacy. As people try to find ways to get out of the house during a pandemic, drive-in theaters have become a popular option. There are a handful of drive-ins operating in Southern California, in and around Los Angeles. They offer a blend of new releases and nostalgic movies and all the driver-ins have strict guidelines to keep fellow movie-goers and drive-in employees safe and healthy. Follow them and look for the double features for an especially pleasing cinematic experience.
Summer is usually the time for studio blockbusters to be released. This summer was supposed to be no different with “Tenet,” “Mulan,” “Black Widow” and the return of Bill and Ted all set for release. But with movie theaters closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom keeping theaters closed for the considerable future, seeing new movies has been problematic. Disney released a couple of new movies, “Onward” and “Artemis Fowl,” through its streaming service. Other new movies are available through streaming services, but actually going to the movies is something none of us have been able to do for months.
Except for going to drive-ins.
- The rules for most drive-ins are as follows:
- Movie-goers must wear a mask. This isn’t a recommendation or a request. Don’t argue. If you want to go to a drive-in, wear a mask.
- Movie-goers cannot leave their cars unless they are visiting the bathroom or the snack bar.
- Movie-goers must view movies from their vehicles.
- Movie-goers must practice social distancing, maintain 6-feet distance.
- Don’t leave vehicles to purchase tickets.
If you don’t follow the guidelines, you will be asked to leave without a refund at most drive-ins. Follow the rules and there won’t be any problems.
Here are some theaters offering new releases this weekend at reasonable prices, with a ton of rules to follow. Try not to ruin the film fun for everyone.
The Mission Tiki Drive-in Theater in Montclair is offering double features, concessions, and the promise of clean, well-attended bathrooms. Prices are $10 for adults, $1 for children ages 5-9, and the movies are a blend of Bill Murray classics and new summer surprises.
On one screen, “Relic” and “The Lodge” are playing. On another is “Ghostbusters” and “Groundhog Day.” On the third is “My Spy” and “Knives Out.” And on the fourth is “Irresistible” and “Force of Nature.”
“Tenet,” “Mulan” and the new SpongeBob Movie are on deck at the Mission Tiki, and other drive-ins around Southern California.
The Vineland Drive-in in the City of Industry has four screens. Prices are $10 for adults, $4 for kids 5-8. Kids under 5 are free.
The Vineland is showing “The Outpost,” “Followed,” “My Spy” and “Relic.” Vineland has a snack bar, but will not be renting portable radios. To listen to the movie, vehicles need a radio that picks up FM stations.
The Paramount Drive-in Theatres has some other rules and guidelines. One is only admitting 50% capacity for its showings. Another is 9-foot spacing between vehicles.
The theater also asks that each vehicle be occupied by members of the same household and congregating is prohibited.
Bathrooms will also operate with 50% capacity, only eight people allowed in at a time, and they will have attendants to clean and disinfect throughout the showings.
Prices are $10 for adults, $3.50 for kids 5-8.
The movies are “Relic” and “My Spy.”
The Van Buren Drive-in in Riverside has three screens and double features. Prices are $10 for adults and $1 for kids ages 5-9.
“My Spy” and “Knives Out” are on one screen. “Relic” and “The Lodge” are on the second screen. “Ghostbusters” and “Groundhog Day” are on the third screen.
The Rubidoux Drive-in in Riverside has three screens and three double features. Prices are $10 for adults and $1 for kids ages 5-9.
The movies are “Relic and “Force of Nature” on screen one, “My Spy” and “Wonder Woman” on screen two, and “Ghostbusters” and “Groundhog Day” on screen three.
Tailgate Fest Presents Drive-In at the Park is offering double features at sites in Los Angeles County. Prices are $30 per car plus fees.
“Ghostbusters” and “The Lost Boys” are showing at Castaic Lake on July 10. “Finding Nemo” and “ET” are showing July 17 at Castaic.
“The Sandlot” and “A League of Their Own” are showing at the Whittier Narrows in South El Monte on July 24.
The Tribeca Drive-in at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena has a variety of shows on July 12. Prices are $26 per car.
“Spy Kids” and “Invasion!” are showing at 1 p.m. There are stand-up comedy shows also on the schedule.
Street Food Cinema has two showings in July. “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” is showing at the Brandeis Bardin Campus in Simi Valley on July 15. Prices are $20 per car and $8 per person for general admission. Food trucks will be available at the Simi Valley showing.
1 comment
Drive ins are fun!