The season for outdoor movie watching is fast approaching, and Bay State drive-in operators are preparing to open for the 2024 season.
There are three drive-ins throughout Mass. — one in Worcester County, another in Barnstable County and another in Dukes County — with the oldest being the Mendon Twin Drive-In at 70 years old.
While there are only a few left, once upon a time, the Bay State was speckled with these outdoor theaters.
According to the New York Film Academy, the first patented drive-in was opened on June 6, 1933 by a man named Richard Hollingshead in New Jersey.
As the story goes, Hollingshead created it “as a solution for people unable to comfortably fit into smaller movie theater seats after creating a mini drive-in for his mother.”
Appealing to families, Hollingshead marketed his drive-in as a family friendly place for adults and children alike were welcome — “regardless of how noisy the children are.”
The drive-ins peaked in popularity between the 1960s and 1970s, as an affordable date night option and for its family- friendly atmosphere.
Though they have since dwindled in popularity, a few have managed to roll with the punches and keep their fields open for business.
The Mendon Twin Drive-in Theater in Mendon, Massachusetts.
Noah R. Bombard
Mendon Twin Drive-In, Mendon
Mendon Twin Drive-In, at 35 Milford Street in Mendon, will kick-off its 70th season this year on Friday, April 12, at 7 p.m.
The Mendon Twin Drive-In, established in 1954, sits on nearly 16 acres of land, and features a snack shack, ice cream bar, and beer garden.
Attendees have the option of purchasing fresh-popped popcorn, slushies, nachos, soft pretzels, fried-dough, a variety of six draft beers and wine.
If you go:
Starting prices are $35 per vehicle seating up to six passengers, with a charge of $6 per additional passenger. According to its official website, guests are recommended to arrive one hour early to secure a parking spot and grab snacks.
The box office opens at 7 p.m. and movies start at 8 p.m.
Guests have the option of ordering tickets in advance, online.
Showtimes for opening day – April 12
Screen 1: radio station 89.1 FM
8 p.m. — Kung Fu Panda 4
9:50 p.m. — Migration
Screen 2: radio station 90.7 FM
8 p.m. — Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire
10:10 p.m. — Wonka
Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre, Cape Cod
The Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre, located at 51 State Highway, Route 6, will kick-off the 2024 season on Friday, May 17.
The Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre is the only drive-in theatre on Cape Cod.
Guests have the option of ordering tickets online in advance, though showtimes and movie calendars for the 2024 season are not published at this time.
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This location features a 100-foot screen for viewing, a snack bar, ice cream bar, and mini-golf.
Movie-goers interested in watching movies before the May 17, tentative opening date have the option of attending the Wellfleet Cinemas — an indoor theater located on the same property.
If you go: Drive-In
General admission for the Drive-In theater is $15 per person, ages 12-61. Seniors, aged 62 and older, are $12 per person, and children ages 4-11 are $10 each. Admission for children aged 3 and younger is free.
For those ordering tickets online, an additional $1.50 charge is applied per person. Prices are subject to change.
This location has one screen and offers double features. For sound, guests must tune into radio station 89.5 FM.
Indoor cinema showtimes, April 9-10
Guests have the option of ordering tickets in advance, here.
Dune: Part Two
3:25 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Ghostbusters Frozen Empire
4:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.
Godzilla X Kong The New Empire
4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
One life
4:05 p.m. and 7:05 p.m.
The Vineyard’s Drive-In at The YMCA, Martha’s Vineyard
The Vineyard’s Drive-In at The YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard has not announced its opening date for the 2024 season, though the opening date is scheduled for late June, according to YMCA Director of Development, Erin Tilton.
She said the Vineyard’s Drive-In will most likely open the weekend of June 21, or June 28. Program scheduling will be determined in late April or early May.
Tickets for this location are for online purchase only, as tickets are not sold at the box office.
Guests must present their tickets upon entrance and are encouraged to arrive 45-30 minutes before movie start times as admission closes 15 minutes before showings.
While guests have the option of tuning in to the movie using their car radios, portable radios are available on site for those interested in using one instead. This location offers double features.
According to is official website, attendees also have the option of packing food and beverage or ordering from The Food Truck parked at the drive-in which offers sandwiches, burgers, salads, drinks and popcorn.
Guests can check out the current menu on Instagram or Facebook. Orders must be placed no later than 30 minutes before the start of the film.
