With almost all forms of entertainment outside the home unavailable. Drive in theaters are trying to make a comeback in Massachusetts after many disappeared over 30 years ago.
The Mendon Drive-In which was one of the few remaining prior to the lockdown had sellout crowds on opening weekend. Showcase Cinemas at Patriot Place in Foxborough has opened a temporary drive-in option. And Kowloon restaurant in Saugus also plans to soon open a drive-in theater to its parking lot.
Mendon Drive-In owner Dave Andelman, who wrote a letter to Gov. Charlie Baker asking to open his drive-in “as soon as it’s legally allowed,” was able to get things up and running right away.
“America is ready to come back. I’m sure,” Andelman wrote on Facebook. “Our staff and customers were awesome, safe and happy and trying hard. We can do this.”
While it is great that families can find something to do for entertainment. The long term sustainability of the drive-in industry is questionable. With limited selections and a price that is up to 5 times higher than what it would cost to rent the movie of your choice on Amazon Prime, it will be hard to get loyal customers, outside of those seeking the nostalgia.
Here is the current information for drive-in theaters that are now open
Mendon Twin Drive-In
Cost: $30 per car with up to six people, $6 per additional person
Movie showtimes (daily through Thursday, June 18): “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” (PG) and “Back to the Future” (PG) double feature starting at 8:45 p.m.; “The Wretched” (R) and “The Invisible Man” (R) double feature starting at 8:45 p.m.
Showcase Pop-Up Drive-In, Foxborough
Cost: $20 per vehicle
Movie showtimes (every Friday at sunset/8:45 p.m. through June 19): “Onward” (PG) June 5; “Toy Story 4” (G) June 12; “Sonic the Hedgehog (PG) June 19.
Wellfleet Drive-In
Cost: $13 GA (ages 12-61), $9 seniors (62+) and kids (ages 4-11), free for ages 3 and under
Movie showtimes (through Thursday, June 18): “ET” (PG) and “Back to the Future” (PG) double feature starting at 8:35 p.m. Friday, June 12 through Sunday, June 14; “Knives Out” (PG-13) and “The Invisible Man” (R) double feature starting at 8:35 p.m. Monday, June 15 through Thursday, June 18
Scarlet Oak Tavern Pop-Up Drive-In, Hingham
Cost: $25 per carload
Movie showtimes (Every Tuesday at 8:30 through June 30): “Ford v Ferrari” (PG-13) June 16; “Ad Astra” (PG-13) June 23; “Jojo Rabbit” (PG-13) June 30