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.
Tribeca Drive-In
The Rose Bowl
Tribeca returns to the Rose Bowl for another year of drive-in screenings at an iconic locale.
August 1, 2 p.m. Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
August 1, 8:30 p.m. Gravity
August 4, 5 p.m. Princess Diaries
August 4, 8:30 p.m. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
August 5, 5:30 p.m. Rango
August 5, 8:30 p.m. Moonlight
August 6, 6 p.m. Go Big: Sports Shorts
August 6, 8:30 p.m. Blockers
August 7, 8:30 p.m. Good Will Hunting
August 18, 5:30 p.m. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
August 18, 8:30 p.m. Mad Max: Fury Road
August 19, 5 p.m. Grease
August 20, 5:30 p.m. Mars Attacks!
August 20, 8:30 p.m. Saturday Night Fever
August 21, 2 p.m. Moana
August 21, 5 p.m. AI
August 21, 8:30 p.m. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
August 22, 1 p.m. Willow
August 25, 6:30 p.m. Mix Tape: Music Shorts
August 25, 8:30 p.m. Fame
August 26, 5:30 p.m. Little Shop of Horrors
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.
July 24, 7:15 p.m. Pulp Fiction
July 31, 7:15 p.m. The Wizard of Oz
August 7, 6:45 p.m. The Big Lebowski
August 14, 6:45 p.m. Clueless
August 21, 6:45 p.m. Scream 1 & 2 Slumber Party
August 28, 6:45 p.m. Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban
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.
August 7, 7:45 p.m. Happy Feet
August 14, 7:45 p.m. Toy Story
August 21, 7:45 p.m. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
August 28, 7:45 p.m. Aladdin
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.
July 24, 8:30 p.m. RoboCop (at Los Angeles Police Department Van Nuys Station)
August 7, 8:30 p.m. Cars (at Pink Motel, Sun Valley)
September 18, 8:30 p.m. The Founder (at First Original McDonald’s Museum, San Bernardino)
October 1, 8:30 p.m. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (at Anheuser-Busch, Van Nuys)
October 2, 8:30 p.m. Star Trek (2009) (at Anheuser-Busch, Van Nuys)
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.
August 4, 8 p.m. Selena
August 5, 8 p.m. Pretty in Pink
August 6, 8 p.m. Casino Royale
August 7, 8 p.m. Grand Budapest Hotel
August 8, 8 p.m. Top Gun
August 9, 8 p.m. The Devil Wears Prada
August 10, 8 p.m. The Greatest Showman
August 11, 8 p.m. Horrible Bosses
August 12, 8 p.m. Psycho (1960)
August 13, 8 p.m. Tenet
August 14, 8 p.m. Fight Club
August 15, 8 p.m. Mama Mia
August 16, 8 p.m. Pretty Woman
August 17, 8 p.m. Straight Outta Compton
August 18, 8 p.m. 50 First Dates
August 19, 8 p.m. The Usual Suspects
August 20, 8 p.m. Crocodile Dundee
August 21, 8 p.m. Gladiator
August 22, 8 p.m. Almost Famous
August 23, 8 p.m. La La Land
August 24, 8 p.m. Get Out
August 25, 8 p.m. Coco
August 26, 8 p.m. Black Swan
August 27, 8 p.m. Ex Machina
August 28, 8 p.m. Moulin Rouge
August 29, 8 p.m. The Wedding Singer
August 30, 8 p.m. The Notebook
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.
August 1, 8:30 p.m. Breakfast at Tiffany’s
August 2, 8:30 p.m. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
August 3, 8:30 p.m. La La Land
August 4, 8:30 p.m. Set It Off
August 5, 8:30 p.m. Crazy, Stupid Love
August 5, 11 p.m. Step Brothers
August 6, 8:15 p.m. The Royal Tenenbaums
August 6, 11 p.m. Drive
August 7, 8:15 p.m. Lost in Translation
August 7, 10:45 p.m. Above the Rim
August 8, 8:15 p.m. Cats
August 9, 8:15 p.m. The Breakfast Club
August 11, 8:15 p.m. Pretty in Pink
August 12, 8:15 p.m. Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion
August 12, 10:30 p.m. Scream
August 13, 8:15 p.m. 10 Things I Hate About You
August 13, 10:30 p.m. Carrie (1976)
August 14, 8:15 p.m. Jawbreaker
August 14, 10:30 p.m. School Daze
August 15, 8:15 p.m. Superbad
August 16, 8 p.m. The Goonies
August 17, 8 p.m. Pulp Fiction
August 18, 8 p.m. The Wood
August 19, 8 p.m. Josie and the Pussycats
August 19, 10:45 p.m. Alien
August 20, 8 p.m. People’s Choice: Amy Adams
August 20, 11 p.m. Friday
August 21, 7:30 p.m. New Jack City
August 21, 11 p.m. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
August 22, 8 p.m. Raiders of the Lost Ark
August 23, 8 p.m. Bridesmaids
August 24, 8 p.m. Mulholland Drive
August 25, 8 p.m. Vidiots Presents: Point Break
August 26, 8 p.m. 9 to 5
August 26, 10:30 p.m. La La Land
August 27, 8 p.m. Hocus Pocus
August 27, 10:30 p.m. Tales from the Hood
August 28, 8 p.m. Beetlejuice
August 28, 10:15 p.m. The Craft
August 29, 8 p.m. The Shining
August 30, 8 p.m. Romeo + Juliet
August 31, 8 p.m. The Fifth Element
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.
Castaic Lake Park
August 6, 8:15 p.m. The Little Mermaid
August 7, 8:15 p.m. Jaws
August 8, 8:15 p.m. Bridesmaids
August 13, 8:15 p.m. Friday the 13th
August 14, 8:15 p.m. Shrek
August 15, 8:15 p.m. Cape Fear
August 20, 8:15 p.m. Splash
August 21, 8:15 p.m. Mad Max Fury Road
August 22, 8:15 p.m. Moana
August 27, 8:15 p.m. The Ring
August 28, 8:15 p.m. Toy Story 4
August 29, 8:15 p.m. Jaws
Culver City
August 7, 8:15 p.m. The Princess Bride
August 21, 8:15 p.m. Mad Max Fury Road
August 28, 8:15 p.m. Grease
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.
August 5-8, 8:30 p.m. The Warriors
August 12-15, 8:30 p.m. Boulevard Nights
August 19-22, 8:30 p.m. Rush Hour 3
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).
August 8, 8:30 p.m. Black Rain
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.
August 7, 7:30 p.m. Godzilla vs. Kong
August 7, 7 p.m. Black Panther
August 8, 7:15 p.m. Raya and the Last Dragon
August 15, 7:30 p.m. The Croods
August 20, 7 p.m. Pitch Perfect
August 21, 7 p.m. La La Land
August 22, 7 p.m. The Little Mermaid
August 27, 6:45 p.m. An American Werewolf in London
August 28, 6:45 p.m. Fast Times at Ridgemont High
August 28, 9:30 p.m. Dazed and Confused
August 29, 6:45 p.m. The Goonies
Street Food Cinema
Santa Monica
Drive-in screenings take place at multiple venues around the region, offering both drive-in and picnic-style outdoor seating in distanced “pods.” Check listings for details.
July 17, 8:30 p.m. The Lion King (1994) (Westdrift Manhattan Beach, Manhattan Beach)
July 24, 8:30 p.m. The Devil Wears Prada (Veterans Memorial Park, Culver City)
July 24, 8:30 p.m. Pulp Fiction (Will Rogers State Historic Park, Pacific Palisades)
July 31, 8:30 p.m. The Princes and the Frog (Griffith Park, Los Angeles)
July 31, 8:30 p.m. The Goonies (King Gillette Ranch, Malibu)
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.
August 8, 7:30 p.m. Ironman
August 22, 7:30 p.m. Maleficent
August 29, 7:30 p.m. Legally Blond
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
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
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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