Drive-in Movie Day
Drive-in Movie Day is observed next on Friday, June 6th, 2025 (293 days from today).
![Drive-in](/wwholidays/1024/drive-in-movie-day_1875.png)
Drive-In Movie Day is an interesting chance to commemorate the first opening of drive-in theater.
Drive-in Movie Day falls on June 6th, which is the anniversary of the first drive-in opening in the United States. While many people prefer to watch movies at home or on phone, a lot of people still enjoy the tradition of Drive-in Movie on the big screen.
History of Drive-in Movie Day
Drive-in Movie Day is known as the anniversary of the first drive-in cinema. On June 6th, 1933, Richard Hollingshead opened this drive-in theatre, Park-in Theaters, in Pennsauken Township, near Camden, New Jersey. A year ago, he experimented in his driveway by placing a 1928 Kodak projector on the hood of his car, pinning a sheet of paper to a tree and placing a radio behind a screen. He thinks about how to resist the rain and how to control cars so that people can have a look. When his theater opened, he charged 25 cents for a car and 25 cents per person, but made sure no group paid more than a dollar. Four hundred cars can be put in a theater with the 40 x 50 feet screen. The first film was shown including Wife Beware with the starring of Adolphe Menjou.
In 1946, there were still only 300 drive-thru stores in the United States, but in 1949 Hollingshead's patent was overturned, which helped fuel the proliferation of drive-in stores across the country. From the late 1950s to the mid-1960s, drive-ins were at their peak. By 1957, about 6,000 were in service in the United States. Many of these show B-rated movies, but some show movies that are showing in cinemas. At present, there are less than 500 drive-in theaters left in the United States. It is possible because of some factors such as rising property prices in suburban areas, more movie theaters, and the rise of video rentals and streaming. Moreover, most new movies have to be shown digitally, and many small theaters are not able to afford the thousands of dollars to make this conversion.
Why Drive-in Movie Day?
Watching movies is probably the most sought-after entertainment worldwide. While you can watch a movie in the comfort of your home or at a movie theater near you, it is an experience to watch a movie while you drive in. It's a much-loved tradition where they can drive to the nearest park and watch a movie on the big screen, enjoy the fresh air and munch on some of their favorite snacks.
There's no better way to enjoy the classics on a bigger screen than with lots of people and nature around you. You can even enjoy movies with your pet and have an outdoor picnic. Furthermore, the drive-in is perfect for people with claustrophobia or those who need assistance moving around. You can watch movies by any means when the driver arrives. Some old classic movies are not available on online platforms or on DVD, but you can watch them in theaters with this drive. This is the reason we need celebrate the presence of Drive-in Movie on this special day.
Interesting facts about National Drive-In Movie Day
- You may have heard of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You will see many stars on this path to fame. A single star will cost you almost $30,000 to get to this path of fame in Hollywood.
- It is said that Hollywood is almost a century old, around for almost 90 years.
- The first short film in Hollywood was "In Old California".
- The Roosevelt Hotel hosted its first academy awards ceremony in 1929.
- An image search on Google created inspired by Jennifer Lopez's iconic dress she wore in 2000 at the Grammy's.
- The first partial drive-in theater was established in New Mexico in 1915.
- In 1921, the state of Texas opened its first downtown drive-in store there.
- It was 1941 when a personalized audio experience was guaranteed with volume controls on car speakers.
- The popularity of video rentals and later the streaming that made drive-in movies go away.
How to celebrate National Drive-In Movie Day
- Visit the drive-in theater
If there's a drive-in movie theater near you, plan to go there to watch a movie night with family or friends. Prepare some fun snacks to take to the driveway. You can make ice cream salads, fries, tacos, or even your favorite sandwiches. Make sure not to pack anything that could damage or get soggy in the car.
- Host a movie night
There's no better feeling than having a cozy movie night in the comfort of your own home. You can set up a screen in your backyard with a nice seating arrangement so your guests can relax and unwind. It can get pretty cold outside, especially at night, so be sure to have a small amount of blankets ready to keep your guests comfortable.
- Support independent filmmakers
Amateur filmmakers often make films to create awareness of a certain cause or express their art through their films. Indie films are often released online or during film festivals. Posting supportive comments, ratings or reviews for their movies can boost their morale and motivate them to keep going.
Why we love Drive-In Movie Day
- It's a great way to enjoy the classics in a nostalgic setting
Old movies are even more enjoyable to watch on the big screen. You'll get plenty of fresh air when you drive in and the best part is that you can enjoy it with the whole family, including your pets!
- The whole family can visit an indoor drive-in theater
People with breathing problems or need mobility assistance will not feel comfortable at watching movies at home. Therefore, a drive-in movie theater is a good alternative to conventional cinemas. You can watch your favorite movies in the comfort of your car or whatever vehicle you use to get to work every day.
- You can enjoy old Hollywood movies
Many Hollywood classics are not available on DVD or video streaming platforms. Luckily, there are plenty of vintage-themed drive-in shops in the country that run old classics. Some films are in color and some are in black and white. Therefore, those who enjoy watching Hollywood classics might consider going to a drive in Drive-In Movie Day.
Observed
Drive-in Movie Day has been observed annually on June 6th.Dates
Tuesday, June 6th, 2023
Thursday, June 6th, 2024
Friday, June 6th, 2025
Saturday, June 6th, 2026
Sunday, June 6th, 2027