New York’s drive-in movie scene is all about throwback charm: starlit screens, popcorn in the passenger seat, and double features that stretch into the night. It’s the kind of experience where I can kick back in the car, tune the radio, and escape into a story—vintage style.
I’ve got cozy blankets in the backseat, snacks within reach, and the glow of the big screen lighting up the dusk—all under the stars somewhere in upstate New York. Who knew movie night could feel this retro-cool and refreshing?
Just a couple of hours from the city lands me at the Warwick Drive-In, where three screens mean there’s something for everyone. Up in the Finger Lakes, the Finger Lakes Drive-In near Auburn is the oldest in the state, with that perfect old-school vibe. And if I’m road tripping through the Catskills, the Greenville Drive-In pairs indie flicks with local eats and a firepit lounge—it’s peak cozy-cinema energy.
"Movies, moonlight, and miles of nostalgia? Sounds perfect!"
Unique Drive-in Movie Theaters:
1. Catch a Classic Night Out at Bay Drive-in
Bay Drive-in is located approximately two miles outside of Alexandria Bay, at the intersection of Route 26 and Bailey Settlement Road. The theater is open between April and November, with limited operational hours before June and after Labor Day. Two screens present fully digital double features of popular blockbuster films, with film audio transmitted over FM radio for in-car viewing. Visitors without car stereo access may also rent construction-grade Dewalt radio transmitters for listening. The 1950s-themed A-Bay Cafe offers an indoor viewing area, and concession stands serve the parking lot area. First nightly films begin at sunset, with visitors advised to arrive at least half an hour early to find a good parking spot.
Rt. 26 & Bailey Settlement Rd, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607, Phone: 315-482-3874, Map
2. Experience Movie Magic Under the Stars at Four Brothers Drive-in Theater
Four Brothers Drive-in Theater is located in Amenia along New York Route 22 and offers film showings seven nights a week throughout the spring, summer, and autumn months. The theater blends retro styling with modern amenities, including car hop delivery service from its classic restaurant via phone, online, or app ordering. Soft serve and hard ice cream is also offered, along with rotating food trucks by local restaurants and chefs. Two family-friendly films are shown nightly, with triple showings offered on select Thursdays. Additional amenities include a children’s playground, a pergola and firepit area, a family swing, and a miniature golf course available for an additional fee.
4957 NY-22, Amenia, NY 12501, Phone: 845-373-8178, Map
3. Roll Into Retro Fun at Finger Lakes Drive-in, New York
Finger Lakes Drive-in is New York State’s oldest operating drive-in movie theater, offering film showings seasonally in Auburn since 1947. Though the theater still uses a classic speaker system for film showings, FM radio transmission is available for in-car listening. Double film showings of current family and blockbuster films are offered on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, with admission rates available for adults and youth. A snack bar serves standard American fare such as hot dogs, hamburgers, mozzarella sticks, and various types of classic candies. Well-behaved pets are permitted on leashes, and children ages four and under are admitted free with paying adult admission.
1064 Clark Street Road, Aurelius, NY 13021, Phone: 315-370-7780, Map
4. See the Big Screen Shine at Hollywood Drive-in
Hollywood Drive-in was opened in 1952 by Troy resident James Fisher and showcased two carbon arc projectors with 2,000-foot reels projecting films for up to 250 cars. Today, the drive-in theater is still operated by the Fisher family and has been fully modernized, offering FM radio transmission sound and parking for up to 400 cars. The theater’s newly-remodeled concession area offers standard American fare such as fresh homemade pizza, cooked-to-order hamburgers, popcorn, and classic candies, and a snack bar serves quick bites such as soft pretzels and nachos. All visitors who purchase popcorn from the theater’s concession area have a chance to win randomly-placed free passes for return visits.
9270 NY-66, Averill Park, NY 12018, Phone: 518-283-4425, Map
5. Relive Nostalgic Nights at Vintage Drive-in
Vintage Drive-in is located in Avon and offers double showings of first-run films nightly throughout the summer season. A concession area sells a large variety of American fare, including grilled cheese sandwiches, mega slice pizza, and a variety of fried appetizers and burgers with unique toppings. Popcorn, ice cream, soda, and classic candy is also sold. Well-behaved pets are allowed at film showings on leashes, as long as they are kept near patrons’ vehicles. The theater is also the host of the East Avon Flea Market, which is open on Sundays throughout the film operating season and showcases local produce, home and artisan goods, and antique vendors.
1520 W Henrietta Rd, Avon, NY 14414, Phone: 585-226-9290
Affordable Drive-in Movie Theaters:
6. If You Love Old-School Adventures, Cruise to Malta Drive-in
Malta Drive-in was constructed in 1949 and has been in continuous operation for more than half a century. The theater is located in Malta along Route 9, approximately one mile from the Northway, and offers nightly double film showings between late April and September. A concession stand serves a variety of standard American grilled and fried foods, along with milkshakes, smoothies, and snacks such as popcorn, ice cream, and classic candies. Outside food permits are also available for an additional charge for visitors wishing to bring their own food to film showings. On select Saturdays, the theater also hosts the Malta Flea Market, which sells new, vintage, and antique goods.
2785 U.S. 9, Malta, NY 12020, Phone: 518-587-6077, Map
7. Make Movie Memories at Elmira Drive-in, New York
Elmira Drive-in is operated by Zurich Cinemas and is located along 19 acres on Route 352, featuring one of the largest drive-in theater screens in New York State. In the early 2000s, a second film screen was added to the theater, along with upgraded Dolby Stereo surround sound for the theater’s FM transmitters. Major first-run family and blockbuster releases are shown, with ticket pricing available for adults and youth. A snack bar serves standard American diner fare, classic candies, popcorn, Icees, and Pepsi beverages. Glow merchandise such as glow sticks and bracelets are also sold for use and wear during films, though visitors should be respectful of other nearby patrons.
2431 State Route 352, Elmira, NY 14903, Phone: 607-734-8599, Map
8. Park, Snack, and Relax at Ozoner 29 Drive-in
Ozoner 29 Drive-in’s name refers to the ozoner category of drive-in movie theaters, which was coined in the 1950s by Variety magazine. The theater shows two sets of double features nightly, showcasing current family and blockbuster releases throughout the summer season. A two-story snack bar offers grilled and fried American food such as hamburgers, pizza bites, Philly cheese steaks, and beer-battered onion rings, along with popcorn, candy, and fried dough sundaes. No outside food, alcohol, or barbecue grills are permitted within the theater’s parking area during film showings. A pavilion at the theater hosts sock hop nights and Elvis-themed events throughout the season.
837 NY-29, Broadalbin, NY 12025, Phone: 518-883-5735, Map
9. If You Crave Double Features, Visit HiWay Drive-in
HiWay Drive-in is located in Coxsackie along State Route 9W, approximately seven miles from the town of Catskill. The theater was originally opened in 1951 by George H.C. Farley and Raphael and Morris Klein. It is open seasonally from April through September and offers double feature films on four screens, showing major first-run family and blockbuster releases. A 600-capacity parking lot is offered, featuring amenities such as FM transmission for in-car sound. A concession stand at the theater offers standard American fare, including grilled and fried snacks, popcorn, soda, and classic candies. Admission rates are available for adults and youth, with children under three admitted free with paying adult admission.
10699 State, Rte 9W, Coxsackie, NY 12051, Phone: 518-731-8672, Map
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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Question: What has happened to many classic drive-in theaters in recent years?
Answer: A large number of classic drive-in theaters have been renovated and reopened, revitalizing the industry for new generations. -
Question: What types of films are shown at these drive-in theaters in New York State?
Answer: These theaters show classic hits, modern blockbusters, and independent films. -
Question: What additional amenities do many drive-in theaters offer?
Answer: Many drive-in theaters offer classic diner fare and family-friendly activities, such as miniature golf courses and children’s playgrounds. -
Question: Where are these revitalized drive-in theaters located?
Answer: These theaters are located throughout the New York State region.
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