Hot Ticket: Drive-In Movies Are Sizzling This Summer
Drive-in movies are the hot ticket this summer. Long Beach is catching the drive-in craze with outdoor movie screenings near The Crest. The PCH Movies & Moonlight series and Port of Long Beach Twilight Cinema are offering free admission. And thanks to our car culture, all around Southern California you’ll find iconic drive-ins with design themes ranging from Route 66 to Tiki kitsch and 50s cool. Venues like The Roadium Open Air Market in Torrance and Ontario International Airport are outfitting their parking lots with giant outdoor screens and modern sound systems, complete with food trucks and concession stands. You can even pack your own picnic to enjoy in the comfort of your car.
Port of Long Beach Twilight Cinema
Join the Port for Twilight Cinema – socially distanced drive-in movies at the Granada Beach and Long Beach Convention Center parking lots. Spaces are limited on a first come, first served basis. Admission is free but reservations are required. Movies begin at dusk and the parking lot will open at 6:30 p.m. Food trucks are cashless and restroom facilities will be available. You may also bring your own food and beverages. No alcohol, please.
Join 2ND & PCH for a complimentary in-vehicle movie experience with Marina views every Friday at sunset from July 24 to September 25. A different movie will be shown each week on the top deck of the 2ND & PCH Whole Foods Market parking garage. Please note that FM radio is required for audio. Station to be provided upon arrival. You can pick up your favorite bites from Noble Bird Rotisserie, Urban Plates, Shake Shack, Ola Mexican Kitchen, Hungry Angelina, Otosan Sushi or Whole Foods Market.
Mission Tiki Drive-In Theatre 10798 Ramona Ave. Montclair, CA 91763
For those of you who like your movies with a side of kitsch, Mission Tiki Drive-In in Montclair is just the ticket. Mission Tiki is screening the summer’s hottest new releases including Tenet and Mulan, along with favorite flicks like Inception, Stand By Me, and Grown Ups. The Box Office opens 1.5 hours before showtime on Friday and Saturday nights and 1 hour before on Sunday through Thursday. Come early to get the best parking spots. Admission is $10 for adults and $1 for children (5 through 9 years). Check their website for weekly schedule.
Rubidoux Drive-In 3770 Opal St. Riverside, CA 92509
The Rubidoux, with its original 1948 screen tower still standing tall, is the last of the classic drive-in theatres remaining in Southern California. Though it retains much of its original character, time has transformed this gem into a thoroughly modern outdoor theatre. The incorporation of FM transmitters and Technalight digital projection ensures the best possible picture and sound available. The box office and snack bar have gotten a new treatment as well, and are now reminiscent of the theatre’s original postwar Route 66 heritage.
The Paramount Drive-In Theatres 7770 Rosecrans Ave. Paramount, CA 90723
The Paramount Swap Meet is reviving a favorite American pastime – the drive-in movie. Paramount Drive-In Theatres offers a double feature on two 75 foot screens, digital projection with FM radio sound, and full snack bar. Paramount’s aim is to help preserve a wonderful American tradition, and with the implementation of some new technology, attract younger audiences. Admission is $9 per adult. All motor vehicles are welcome, including trucks and RVs.
Van Buren Drive-In Theatre 3035 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA 92503
This historic circa-1964 drive-in theater is showing double features seven nights a week! The $10 adult ticket allows you admission for two movies playing on the same screen, which means you’ll get to see two movies for half the price. The audio is broadcast through an FM transmitter (radio), so make sure you have a good sound system in your vehicle. If you don’t have an FM transmitter in your car, you can bring a battery-operated stereo with speakers to hear the movies. The Snack Bar has full concessions and you can visit Snack Bar Express to order from your car.
The Roadium Drive-In 2500 W Redondo Beach Blvd. Torrance, CA 90504
The fun continues all summer long. The Roadium Drive-In is excited to provide the community with safe, socially distant entertainment. The recently remodeled snack bar is open for hot food and concessions. Orders can be placed in person in a socially distant fashion; phone and online orders will also be available. Check website for schedule and details.
Pacific Theatres Vineland Drive-In 443 Vineland Ave. City of Industry, CA 91746
Pacific Theatres Vineland Drive-In is now open nightly so that you can enjoy movies from the comfort and safety of your car. A real Southern California icon, Pacific Theatres opened the Vineland Drive-In in 1955 with James Mason in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and in 1981 it expanded to become a 4-screen theatre. Gates open at 6:30 pm on Fri. & Sat. and at 7:00 pm Sun. – Thurs. Car FM radio or portable FM radio required to listen to the movie.
Photo credits:
Photo #1: PCH Movies & Moonlight
Photo #2: Port of Long Beach Twilight Cinema
Photo #3: PCH Movies & Moonlight
Photo #4: Mission Tiki Drive-In Theatre
Photo #5: Rubidoux Drive-In
Photo #6: The Paramount Drive-In Theatres
Photo #7: Van Buren Drive-In Theatre
Photo #8: Roadium Drive-In
Photo #9: Pacific Theatres Vineland Drive-In/Sal Gomez Photography