The summer season is a great time to travel around New York and Pennsylvania to catch a movie from the comfort of your car at a drive-in theater.
There are several locations near the Binghamton area to take the family or do a solo movie night, enjoying all the necessary movie essentials like popcorn, a cool beverage or pretzels.
While drive-in theaters were the go-to spot in the 50s and 60s, according to the New York Film Academy, the popular activity went from having 4,000 locations nationwide to roughly 300 operating. Out of the hundreds across the United States, there are 23 drive-in theaters in New York.
Visit the driveinlist.com to see all the drive-in locations.
Here are five to try this summer that are worth the drive.
Unadilla Drive-In
Address: 1706 state Route 7, Unadilla.
The Unadilla Drive-In has been a family-operated business since 1956, providing entertainment, rain or shine. Gates open at 7 p.m. on show days; movies typically start around 9 p.m.
If you have a car with a weak battery or no working radio, Unadilla Drive-In has you covered with FM radios for viewers and free jumpstart services on site.
Bring blankets, friends, kids and your furry friends out to enjoy a film under the stars.
“Minions & Monsters” and “Supergirl” will be showing from July 10-11.
How much are tickets?
Cash and card are acceptable forms of payment.
Visit unadilladrivein.com to learn more about upcoming showings and check out the concession stand menu.
Elmira Drive-In
Address: 2431 state Route 352, Elmira.
Right along Route 352, there sits 19 acres of land known as the Elmira Drive-In with two big screens for viewing and Dolby Stereo surround sound.
Staff will be able to assist moviegoers with battery issues, if needed. Tune into 89.9 and 95.9 FM to listen.
Upcoming showings include “Disclosure Day,” and “Minions & Monsters.”
Every Tuesday with the purchase of a movie ticket, visitors also get a small popcorn for $1.
How much are tickets?
Ticket prices and showtimes are subject to change.
Visit elmiradrivein.com to learn more about upcoming showings and check out the concession stand menu.
Circle Drive-In
Address: 1911 Scranton Carbondale Highway, Dickson City, Pennsylvania.
Located just a few miles from Scranton, Pennsylvania, the Circle Drive-In is a two-screen theater that allows outside food. The Circle Drive-In is open from April through October. Guests tune to 89.3 FM for screen 2 and 97.5 FM for screen 1 to listen.
Upcoming shows at the Circle Drive-In include “Moana,” “Spider-Man Brand New Day,” “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”
Movie titles and showings are shared on Tuesdays. Visit circledrive-in.com to learn more about upcoming showings and times.
How much are tickets?
On Sundays, the Circle Drive-In grounds include the largest outdoor flea market and farmers market in the Pocono Region. From 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., come out and browse fresh produce, collectibles and jewelry. Park your car for $1 and enjoy walking through all the vendors from March to November. Pets are not allowed unless they are service animals.
Follow Circle Flea Fair on Facebook to stay updated.
Moonlite Drive-In
Address: 1190 Shoemaker Ave., West Wyoming, Pennsylvania.
The Moonlite Drive-In originally opened in 1951, closed in 1988 and was reintroduced in 2019 with a 100-foot screen and grounds that can fit about 400 cars. Concession stand classics like walking tacos, soft pretzels, popcorn, nachos, and finger foods like fries and popcorn chicken are available.
Upcoming shows include “Disclosure Day” and “Minions & Monsters.” Visit moonlite.godaddysites.com to stay up to date on the latest showings.
How much are tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person with cash or online.
Dublin’s Outdoor Theatre
Address: 948 Conklin Road, Binghamton.
Tickets are $5 per person, and movie showings are typically held on Fridays.
Members from Dublin’s Outdoor Theatre are asking customers to vote on their Facebook page for what movie they would like to see on July 14. The movies with the highest votes will be added to the showings list.
Visit their Facebook page to find the latest movie showings, times, prices and other family activities.
Kalyn Grant reports on public service issues for the Press & Sun-Bulletin, focusing on schools and community impact. Have a story to share? Follow her on Instagram @KalynCarmen and on Facebook under Kalyn Kearney. Get in touch at KCGrant@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: 5 drive-in theaters worth the trip near Binghamton this summer
Reporting by Kalyn Grant, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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By Kalyn Grant, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin | USA TODAY Network
