Drive-in Theatres + Outdoor Movies Are Hot This Summer -- Here's Where to Watch in the DMV

If you're tired of watching Netflix and Hulu from your couch and are looking for a change of scenery, you're in luck!

​Summertime and movies go hand-in-hand , but with indoor theatres remaining closed, drive-ins and outdoor movies are the perfect way to catch classic flicks and films like you've never seen them before. Drive-ins are having a bit of a renaissance these days as people rediscover them thanks to social distance precautions. Besides, there's nothing like watching classic movies under the stars! 

So grab a blanket or gas up the car and check out our list of places to experience this classic American pasttime throughout the DMV.

Before you head out ,keep in mind that every outdoor and drive-in theatre has its own rules and COVID guidelines.  Some allow pets and others do not. Some require advance tickets to reduce personal contact and others do not. So review the specific rules for the movie watching spot you intend to visit before you go.

Capital One Center

The McLean Metro Lot near Tyson’s will turned into a movie pop-up for about four weeks this summer, with food trucks providing concessions. While the movies are free, moviegoers are asked to make donations to Second Story, a non-profit assisting people with emergency support. Moviegoers can text "MOVIE" to 50155 to make a donation. Titles include Men in Black (July 18), Jurassic Park (July 24), Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (July 31) and Footloose (August 2).

​Goochland Drive-In

Located near Richmond, family-run Goochland Drive-In features double-feature nights with two-first run films per night and a menu of classic American food & treats (including our famous “Gooch Dog”) for a night family-friendly fun. For the time being, all tickets must be purchased online and no outside food or drinks are allowed. Schedules updated every Monday afternoon on our website and Facebook Page.

Family Drive-In Theatre

Opened more than 60-years ago, the classic drive-in is about 85 miles from downtown DC, not far from Winchester in Stephens. Voted  One of the 10 Best Drive-Ins in America, it has two screens and offers single and double-feature screenings. They even have triple and dusk to dawn shows as well. All tickets must be bought in advance and you can bring in outside food for $10 extra per car.

Films at the Stone:

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is one of DC’s most recognizable landmarks, and The Memorial Foundation is proud to present family-friendly, free-to-attend movie screenings this summer. Screenings begin at sunset or 8:30 p.m. Titles include Jumanji Next Level (July 16) and Harriet (August 20).

Park Up DC X Events DC

Events DC has partneredBroccoli City, the creators behind one of America’s largest independent music festivals, has partnered with Events DC to launch Park Up DC, a pop-up drive-in movie summer series. The drive-in will be located at RFK Stadium Campus beginning on Friday, July 17 until the end of October. There will be movies for all ages and they recommend that you cozy in for a double feature. Get your tickets now on the Park Up DC website before they sell out.

Union Market

Union Market hosts a series of film screenings ​on the first Friday of each month from the spring through the fall. Drive-in parking costs $20 (reserve beforehand here). At this time, there are no walk-ups, bike-ups or picnickers are allowed. This year's films include Space Jam (July 17) and The Lion King (July 24).

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