Clever pop-up series entertained us through the pandemic by setting up massive parking-lot screens inspired by classic American drive-in movie theaters. In 2021, more traditional outdoor movie series are joining them, with picnic and even poolside formats.
Please check with event organizers for cancelations or schedule updates.
Cinespia
Hollywood & Griffith Park
The ultimate authority in outdoor movies is back with outdoor screenings at Hollywood Forever plus some drive-in screenings at the Greek.
October 2, 8 p.m. Nightmare on Elm Street
October 9, 8 p.m. Labyrinth
October 16, 8 p.m. Blade
October 23, 8 p.m. The Shining
San Fernando Valley Halloween Drive-In
This pop-up drive-in at the Lake Balboa returns for another year of spooky double features. Sure, Halloween is a little ways off, but tickets are on sale now.
October 8, 7 p.m. Return to Oz/The Craft
October 9, 7 p.m. Frankenweenie/Sleepy Hollow
October 15, 7 p.m. Teen Wolf/The Lost Boys
October 16, 7 p.m. The Nightmare Before Christmas/Gremlins
Melrose Rooftop Theater
West Hollywood
A rooftop attached to the E.P. & L.P. space is hosting cult fave films with killer views of the Hollywood Hills.
October 4, 8 p.m. Hocus Pocus
October 5, 8 p.m. Silence of the Lambs
October 6, 8 p.m. I Know What You Did Last Summer
October 8, 8 p.m. Child’s Play
October 9, 8 p.m. Jaws
October 10, 8 p.m. The Fifth Element
October 11, 8 p.m. Scream
October 12, 8 p.m. Twilight
October 13, 8 p.m. Cruella
October 14, 8 p.m. American Psycho
October 15, 8 p.m. Seven
October 16, 8 p.m. Jurassic Park
October 17, 8 p.m. Nightmare on Elm Street
October 18, 8 p.m. Beetlejuice
October 19, 8 p.m. Practical Magic
October 20, 8 p.m. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
October 21, 8 p.m. Scary Movie
October 22, 8 p.m. Poltergeist
October 23, 8 p.m. Gremlins
October 24, 8 p.m. Jumanji
October 25, 8 p.m. Aliens
October 26, 8 p.m. Psycho
October 27, 8 p.m. Halloweentown
October 28, 8 p.m. Hocus Pocus
October 29, 8 p.m. Candyman
October 30, 8 p.m. It (2017)
October 31, 8 p.m. Hocus Pocus (dress-up event)
Rooftop Cinema Club DTLA
Downtown
Rooftop movies return to LEVEL on Olive Street for summer 2021. Watch movies in comfy chairs with noise-canceling headphones, and come early to enjoy cocktails, games, and more.
October 4, 8 p.m. Breakfast at Tiffany’s
October 5, 8 p.m. Top Gun
October 6, 8 p.m. Cruella
October 7, 8 p.m. A Quiet Place Part II
October 7, 10:15 p.m. A Nightmare on Elm Street
October 8, 8 p.m. Superbad
October 8, 9:45 p.m. Friday
October 9, 7:30 p.m. 10 Things I Hate About You
October 9, 9:45 p.m. Carrie
October 10, 7:30 p.m. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
October 11, 8 p.m. The Great Gatsby
October 12, 8 p.m. Cruella
October 13, 8 p.m. Lala Land
October 14, 8 p.m. A Quiet Place Part II
October 14, 10:15 p.m. Child’s Play (1988)
October 15, 10:30 p.m. Get Out
October 16, 7:30 p.m. Bram Stoker’s Dracula
October 16, 10:15 p.m. Jawbreaker
October 17, 7:30 p.m. The Witches of Eastwick
October 18, 8 p.m. Labyrinth
October 19, 8 p.m. Jaws
October 20, 8 p.m. Mandy
October 21, 8 p.m. Vidiots Presents: The Return of the Living Dead
October 21, 10:15 p.m. Poltergeist (1982)
October 22, 8 p.m. Nightmare Before Christmas
October 22, 10 p.m. Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight
October 23, 7:30 p.m. Rocky Horror Picture Show
October 23, 9:45 p.m. The Exorcist
October 24, 7:30 p.m. Psycho (1962)
October 25, 8 p.m. The Lost Boys
October 26, 8 p.m. The Craft
October 27, 8 p.m. Beetlejuice
October 28, 7:30 p.m. People’s Choice: Stephen King
October 28, 10:30 p.m. Tales from the Hood
October 29, 8 p.m. Hocus Pocus
October 29, 10 p.m. Friday the 13th (1980)
October 30, 7:30 p.m. Halloweentown
October 30, 9:45 p.m. Halloween (1978)
October 31, 7:30 p.m. Scream
The Drive-Up at Santa Monica Airport
Santa Monica
The folks who bring you Rooftop Cinema Club are also hosting this “drive-up” experience with two seating options: drive-in (watch from your own vehicle) or drive-up (drive in, park, and take your seats in the outdoor lawn box).
October 4, 5 p.m. Sing
October 4, 8 p.m. Cruella
October 5, 5 p.m. Frozen
October 5, 7:45 p.m. Grease: Sing-Along
October 6, 4:45 p.m. The Addams Family
October 6, 8:30 p.m. Friday the 13th (1980)
October 7, 5 p.m. Shrek
October 7, 7:30 p.m. Hocus Pocus
October 7, 10:15 p.m. The Craft
October 8, 5 p.m. Ratatouille
October 8, 8 p.m. A Quiet Place
October 8, 10:30 p.m. A Quiet Place Part II
October 9, 1:30 p.m. Monsters Inc.
October 9, 4:45 p.m. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
October 9, 8 p.m. Mean Girls
October 9, 10:30 p.m. The Exorcist
October 10, 1:30 p.m. Aladdin
October 10, 4 p.m. The Goonies
October 11, 5 p.m. Raya and the Last Dragon
October 11, 8 p.m. Cruella
October 12, 5 p.m. Soul
October 12, 7:30 p.m. The Sandlot
October 13, 4:30 p.m. Up
October 13, 7:45 p.m. The Great Gatsby
October 14, 5 p.m. Tangled
October 14, 7:45 p.m. Top Gun
October 14, 10:30 p.m. Rocky Horror Picture Show
October 15, 5 p.m. Paranorman
October 15, 7:30 p.m. 10 Things I Hate About You
October 15, 10:30 p.m. Pulp Fiction
October 16, 2:15 p.m. The Nightmare Before Christmas
October 16, 4:45 p.m. The Princess Bride
October 16, 7:45 p.m. Hocus Pocus
October 16, 10:30 p.m. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
October 17, 2:15 p.m. Coco
October 17, 5 p.m. Labyrinth
October 17, 7:45 p.m. Jaws
October 18, 5 p.m. The Corpse Bride
October 18, 7:30 p.m. Lala Land
October 19, 5 p.m. Goosebumps
October 19, 7:45 p.m. A Quiet Place Part II
October 20, 8 p.m. Peacock’s Once Of Us Is Lying
October 21, 5 p.m. Back to the Future
October 21, 7:45 p.m. Zombieland
October 21, 10:15 p.m. The Lost Boys
October 22, 5 p.m. Edward Scissorhands
October 22, 7:45 p.m. Hocus Pocus
October 22, 10:30 p.m. Carrie
October 22, 1:30 p.m. Shrek
October 23, 5 p.m. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
October 23, 7:30 p.m. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
October 23, 11:15 p.m. Get Out
October 25, 5 p.m. Hocus Pocus
October 25, 7:30 p.m. Jurassic Park
October 26, 5 p.m. Night at the Museum
October 26, 7:45 p.m. Practical Magic
October 22, 10:30 p.m. Carrie
October 27, 4:30 p.m. Coco
October 27, 7:45 p.m. Hocus Pocus
October 28, 5 p.m. Halloweentown
October 28, 10:15 p.m. Scream
October 29, 5:15 p.m. Nightmare Before Christmas
October 29, 7:30 p.m. Beetlejuice
October 29, 10 p.m. Friday the 13th (1980)
October 30, 2:15 p.m. Monsters Inc.
October 30, 4:45 p.m. The Goonies
October 30, 7:45 p.m. Hocus Pocus
October 30, 10:15 p.m. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
October 31, 2:15 p.m. Coraline
October 31, 5 p.m. The Addams Family
October 31, 8 p.m. Halloween (1978)
Electric Dusk Drive-In
Glendale
One of L.A.’s favorite pop-up drive-ins—one that predates the pandemic—is back with a Glendale location atop the old Sears parking garage at 236 N. Central Avenue and a new location at Santa Monica’s Bergamot Station.
October 8 It
October 9 Child’s Play
October 9 A Nightmare on Elm Street
October 10 Casper
October 15 Goosebumps
October 15 Pet Sematary (2019)
October 16 Hocus Pocus
October 16 Poltergeist (1982)
October 22 Friday the 13th (1980)
October 22 Friday the 13th Part 3 3D
October 23 Scream
October 23 Carrie
October 24 Beetlejuice
October 29 The Shining
October 30 Creature from the Black Lagoon 3D
October 30 Young Frankenstein
October 31 Hocus Pocus
October 31 Halloween (1978)
Street Food Cinema
Drive-in screenings take place at multiple venues around the region, offering both drive-in and picnic-style outdoor seating. Check listings for details.
October 9 Jurassic Park (L.A. State Historic Park)
October 16 The Nightmare Before Christmas (The Autry Museum)
October 23 Hocus Pocus (Verdugo Park)
October 23 Rocky Horror Picture Show (Poinsettia Park)
October 30 The Craft (Griffith Park)
October 30 Beetlejuice (L.A. State Historic Park)
PERMANENT DRIVE-IN THEATERS
Looking for an old-school drive-in experience at one of the region’s remaining full-time drive-in movie theaters? Try the following.
Mission Tiki Drive-In Theater, Montclair
Paramount Drive-In Theater, Paramount
Van Buren Drive-In Theater, Riverside
Vineland Drive-In, City of Industry
Rubidoux Swap Meet and Drive-In, Riverside
West Wind Digital Drive-In, Santa Barbara
PREVIOUS POP-UPS
Poolside Dinner & a Movie at JW Marriott
So, you’re fully vaccinated and desperate to get out of the car? This series might be just the thing. Screenings are seated outdoors, on the roof pool deck of the JW Marriott at L.A. Live. Tickets include a two-course meal plus popcorn, full bar service is available.
My Valley Pass Movies on Location
Various locations
The folks who bring you San Fernando Valley Summer Drive-In Nights are introducing a cool new concept: screening movies at actual filming locations, or at settings that go hand-in-hand with the specially curated films. The series also includes comfortable seating with state-of-the-art projection and sound in an upscale setting.
Fairmont Poolside Cinema
Santa Monica
Get out of the car and sit in a distanced deck chair by the pool at this swanky Santa Monica hotel. Sunset films offer a romantic date night option or fun family outing. Tickets are free with a $25 food and drink minimum; full service from FIG Restaurant is available.
Hollywood Legion Post 43 Drive-In
Hollywood
American Legion Post 43 in Hollywood is establishing this 30-car drive-in and its indoor theater is now open several days a week for repertory screenings (schedule here).
Gardena Cinema
Gardena
Vintage single-screen Gardena Cinema has been entertaining audiences since 1946, and operated by the same family for the past 45 of those years. They’ve pivoted to drive-in screenings by converting their parking lot into a viewing area.
Drive-In at the Park
Culver City & Castaic Lake Park
After a hiatus, Drive-In at the Park is back. The series now takes place at venues in Culver City and Santa Clarita. Like to have a tailgate picnic or watch the movie from the back of your vehicle? Have at it.
Tribeca Drive-In
The Rose Bowl
Tribeca returns to the Rose Bowl for another year of drive-in screenings at an iconic locale.
Empire Lakes Drive-In
La Cañada Flintridge
This new series at the La Cañada Thursday Club comes from Empire Lakes Productions, a new company founded during the pandemic to create social distance-friendly events and experiences.
Drive-In Theatre at the Hollywood Roosevelt
Hollywood
Enjoy throwback film screenings at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, a possibly-haunted, definitely-glam Old Hollywood hotspot. The series offers both general and VIP tickets; refreshments will be available from a converted Airstream trailer bar.
Arena Cinelounge Drive-In
Hollywood
Arthouse theater Arena Cinelounge is doing drive-in nights that focus on new and independent films, many of them not shown on any other big screens in town. Concessions including Arena’s popular flavored popcorn and pizzas from 800 Degrees are available for delivery to your car.
The Drive-In at Exposition Park
Exposition Park
This movie series presented by WUTI, All Worthy People, and Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad Productions, features films that highlight the stories of women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ voices. Some events feature in-person introductions and live DJ sets.
Rooftop Movies at the Montalbán
This popular rooftop (non drive-in) screening series is returning for a shortened, socially-distanced season. You’ll sit in designated chairs, spaced out from other groups, and must consent to temperature reading and mask requirements–but otherwise, it’s largely the classic summer tradition you remember.
PCH Movies & Moonlight
A bummer about all these pop-ups? They sell out fast. This Long Beach pop-up drive-in, which is parking itself atop the Whole Foods parking deck at the 2nd and PCH shopping center, offers stand-by tickets on a first-come, first serve basis. Note that times vary based on sunset.
Sony Pictures Drive-In Experience
Presented by Porsche, this series will take place at the Sony Pictures lot in Culver City, with space to accommodate around 75 cars per showing. Attendees will need to agree to COVID-19 safety rules and sign a waiver to participate.
Amazon Presents A Night at the Drive-In
Curated by actor Michael B. Jordan (and featuring several of his starring roles) this Amazon-sponsored series of double-features takes place at City of Industry’s full-time drive-in movie theater, the Vineland Drive-In. Refreshments are on Amazon, all purchased from diverse-owned local businesses.
Cinema Pop-Ups
This national series has announced two SoCal locations, San Juan Capistrano and Woodland Hills, which schedule a limited run of films. Check the website for announcements of additional dates.
‘A Marvelous Night at the Drive-In’ Presented by Amazon Prime
Love Amazon Prime’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel? Then you’ll want to head to the Grove’s rooftop parking deck for this series, produced by Street Food Cinema and presented by Amazon Prime. Each screening night will feature episodes of the show, snacks, cupcakes, gift bags and more–and it’s all free with online registration (limit: two guests per car).
Sagebrush Cantina Movie Night
Sagebrush Cantina is offering micro-drive-in nights outside its Calabasas restaurant. In addition to a $25 pass for the car, you’ll need to spend at least $15 on food and drink from the restaurant during the show.
Malibu Film Society
Gather near the Malibu Country Mart at the site of Malibu’s annual Chili Cook Off for these community events on a three-story-tall screen. Online reservations are required; tickets are offered on a “donations requested” basis.
Carson Drive-In Flix
Held at Dignity Sports Arena in Carson, home of the L.A. Galaxy, this new series benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs. When you buy a ticket for your own car ($50) you can also opt to donate one to a family in need. The set-up already accommodates 200 cars, but organizers say they may be able to expand capacity soon.
L.A. Zoo Drive-In Movie Nights
The L.A. Zoo is using its ample parking lot for a family-friendly drive-in series. They’ve grouped their sections into three themes: “Hair-Raising Halloween,” “The Brilliant Betty White,” and, naturally, “Animal Adventures.” Films are accompanied by pre-show entertainment featuring videos of zoo animals and other fun add-ons. For Halloween screenings, participants are encouraged to come in costume or decorate their car for the occasion.
San Fernando Valley Drive-In Nights
For the last few summers, this pop-up series was already offering the drive-in experience, so we’re happy to see they returned this year. The films are typically Valley-centric in content or filming locations. Screenings take place at the Westfield Fashion Square mall in Sherman Oaks.
Laemmle Theaters at the Roadium
Local art house cinema chain Laemmle has adapted to the current moment by taking screenings to the Roadium drive-in theater in Torrance. Expect quirky new indie films, some accompanied by filmmaker talk-backs.
Lexus Culinary Cinema
This special dinner-and-a-movie event series pairs beloved indie-leaning movies with meals crafted by top chefs. Your ticket includes admission to the film, screened on the event deck at L.A. Live, along with a three-course (plus beverage) meal for each person, overseen by Lexus Culinary Masters.
Regency Theaters: The Plant Drive-In
The Regency Theaters chain has opened this Van Nuys drive-in movie theater offering screenings under the stars. A full concession stand is available, orders can be placed in advance online to minimize wait time.
Come See: Drive-In
Woodland Hills
The Village at Westfield Topanga shopping center hosts this holiday-themed screening series, so you can combine a movie and some gift shopping for a festive outing.
Level 8 Drive-In
Enjoy the views from atop the garage of the Grove at these screenings. Tickets include a dinner package, with classic dishes and holiday-themed treats.
Ventura Movies In Your Car
Ventura
Located at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, this series is run by the same organizers who are also using the venue for drive-in concerts from Third Eye Blind, Fitz and the Tantrums, and other acts. More showings to be announced.
American Cinematheque & Beyond Fest Road Trip
Montclair
American Cinematheque, normally based in Hollywood, and Beyond Fest have teamed up to curate occasional nights at the Mission Tiki Drive-In Theater located in Montclair. It might be a bit of a hike, but Cinematheque devotees probably won’t mind.
L.A. Arts Society Drive-In Cinema
Gardena
The L.A. Arts Society has always staged screenings for fellow cinephiles–they just look a little different this year. Showings are staged at the “backlot” of the indie Gardena Cinema theater; some include in-person appearances by talent.
Marina Drive-In
Marina del Rey
Pack some snacks and head out to Marina del Rey for this waterside screening series, presented by the L.A. County Department of Beaches & Harbors and staged in the parking lot of the public boat launch.
Family Style & Blondie Beach Drive-Thru Theater
Inglewood
This event outside SoFi Stadium features two film screenings, plus opportunities to order food from local restaurants including Hotville Chicken and Jon & Vinny’s, as well as shop limited-edition merch.
WE Drive-Ins
Santa Monica
L.A.’s newest drive-in series takes over the parking lot outside a historic Sears building in Santa Monica for showings of new releases. Your ticket includes an “experience pack” with popcorn, drinks, and assigned parking; optional meals can be ordered in advance for in-car dining. Cinephiles will enjoy the high-lumen projectors that rival those used in the best indoor theaters.
Starlite Drive-In Movies
Brea, Westminster, & San Clemente
This O.C. screening series brings drive-in movie nights to the parking lots of three local shopping malls. Check event website to confirm screening location and other details.
Outfest L.A. Drive-In Movie Screenings
The annual film festival celebrating LGBTQ+ cinema is back in a hybrid online and in-person form. Binge dozens of movies on their online Outfest Now streaming platform, and turn out for a selection of drive-in screenings.
The Sunset Strip Presents Late Night Drive-In at the Andaz West Hollywood
West Hollywood
The Andaz hotel on the Sunset Strip has partnered for this series with YEA! Impact, a group that organizes entertainment industry professionals to work for social justice causes. In addition to film screenings, some events feature live performances; food and beverage is available to order.
The Frida Cinema Drive-Ins
Anaheim
Orange County’s non-profit art house cinema is hosting drive-in nights. Check out Frida’s “virtual cinema” streaming fundraiser, too.
Drive-In Movie Nights at Pizzeria Da Michele
Hollywood
You can now enjoy dinner and a movie at Pizzeria Da Michele. Roll your car into one of their free film screenings and order food to be car-hopped right to you while you watch. Nightly after sunset, two films each night. Call 323-366-2408 for programming details.
Rooftop Cinema Club Drive-In
Santa Monica
Rooftop Cinema Club has come back with more drive-in showings at the Santa Monica Airport. Expect themed film series and rollerskating servers bringing concessions to your car.
Drive-In at the Roadium
Torrance
The 15-acre Roadium in Torrance opened in 1948 as a drive-in cinema, but by the ’80s the space was mostly used as a swap meet (specifically, the swap meet where, legend has it, a record seller introduced Eazy-E to Dr. Dre). Now the space is going back to its roots for occasional pop-up movie nights.
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