Author’s Note: With the upcoming holiday weekend upon us, the unofficial start to summer is here. Oh joy! Just don’t watch the news. Ugh! One step forward, ten steps back it seems. Organizers who decided to pull the plug early on 4th of July parades, fireworks, band concerts, etc, made the right call, as unpopular as it was, since people from states with surging COVID-19 cases would surely wind up in Cape crowds this weekend. Of course, there are new cases each day on the Cape, and the rest of New England, too, but at the moment, less than other hot spots. But let’s stay positive.
The holiday weekend is also marked by American flags flying proudly from many homes, buildings and attractions. Fences and rooftops display decorative bunting that screams patriotism of the red, white and blue. The smell of the classic backyard BBQ, the grilled meat, steamy corn and buttery potatoes wafting through the air remains a much anticipated tradition, even if it is BYOF (food). Just don’t forget about another classic, yet new (in some places) tradition that will also get you out of the house this summer…the Drive-In Theater!
The “Drive-In” Comeback
I find myself occasionally yearning for a simpler time, where constant smartphone “dings,” excessive picture-taking and loud phone calls often interfere with a perfectly fine moment. And that’s just from five minutes ago in my living room! The Cape offers that mix of the high-speed “modern era”; eclectic restaurant menus, second and third home mega mansions, 5K road race fund-raisers; as well as that simpler, quieter “classic era”; waterfront cottage communities, weather-worn clam shacks, ice cream sundaes (okay, timeless), and of course, Drive-In movie theaters.
The “Drive-In” is roaring back to relevance – from Connecticut to Cape Cod – as it is meets the criteria of an outdoor and socially distanced activity. Hooray! While the pandemic has not completely flipped the script of streaming movies from the comfort of the couch, to sitting in a car to do the exact same thing, it is a welcome change of pace, with a limited (seasonal) window.
I have a fond memory of sitting in the bed of a pick-up truck strewn with two sets of couch cushions, blankets, with half a dozen friends and a full cooler. The first movie was Alien, second Indian Jones and the Temple of Doom. A hint of crisp fall air would keep the senses sharp on an otherwise warm late summer evening. The stars were shining, not a cloud in the sky. The parking lot was barely half-full. Looking back, what a moment. While that description of a low-key college night may not be the case for your next drive-in movie experience — as hundreds of friends, neighbors and strangers may clamor for those coveted parking spaces — it does serve as a reminder that the simple things in life often can be quite fulfilling, even in a pandemic.
Below is your one-stop shop for “driving-in” this summer on Cape Cod:
Barnstable (Hyannis)
“Movies on Main” – Located at the corner of Main Street and High School Road (across from 473 Main Street), this temporary Drive-In will feature family-friendly movies on an inflatable screen for six consecutive Friday nights beginning on July 3 from 7:15 – 11:00 pm. Admission is $20 per vehicle, with room for between 40-50 vehicles within social distancing guidelines. Attendees are encouraged to order food from downtown restaurants, some of which will deliver to your car! Most importantly, proceeds from the first three weeks will benefit the Cape Cod Resilience Fund, and proceeds from the last three weeks will benefit the Hyannis Film Festival.
Martha’s Vineyard
Vineyard Summer Drive-in – Located at 91 Edgartown Vineyard Haven Road, Oaks Bluff, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival (MVFF) and Martha’s Vineyard YMCA are partnering to bring the island The Vineyard’s Summer Drive-In. The YMCA plans to screen four family-friendly movies each week starting in early July and will run through August. The parking lot behind the Martha’s Vineyard Ice Arena will hold between 40-50 cars. Organizers are seeking sponsors (and reminding potential donors their gift is tax deductible) as the cost to attend is “pay what you can,” understanding the financial hardship the pandemic caused for many people. Organizers do not have plans to continue the drive-in after this year, so be sure to check it out this summer.
Nantucket
The Dreamland Drive-In at Bartlett’s Farm – Located at 7 Nobadeer Farm Road, Nantucket’s Nonprofit Film & Cultural Center (Dreamland) is having its Grand Opening tonight featuring Jaws! The show is already sold out. Check out this strong list of upcoming shows: Jaws, Ghostbusters, Caddyshack, Mama Mia, Twister, Empire Strikes Back, The Goonies, The Shining, Easy Rider, The Birds, and more! Members receive a discount on ticket purchases, otherwise, it is $15 for one person in one vehicle, or $30 for two or more people in a vehicle (not including member discount).
Sandwich
Heritage Theater – Located at 280 Route 130 in Sandwich, the recently painted (white) side of the Heritage Theater building will act as a screen, with a realigned parking lot to face that side of the building. The “new-addition” Drive-In opened on June 26 with a double-feature, the first movie (PG-13 rating) at 8:30 pm; second beginning at 10:30 pm, with plans for showings on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is $15 per person, with $12 pricing for seniors, military and children above three years old.
Truro
Payomet Performing Arts Center “Drive-In” Series – Located at 29 Dewline Road, North Truro, the powers that be are exploring a series of drive-in style outdoor concerts for this summer. While all previously announced performances for their traditional summer series have been postponed until 2021, this “drive-in” series seeks to feature local and regional talent while maintaining social distancing guidelines. Artists will perform a variety of genres geared more to listening than dancing, such as blues, folks, and jazz. The latest information will be posted to the center’s Facebook page, so stay “tuned” (music pun intended).
Wellfleet
Wellfleet Drive-in Theater – Located at 51 Route 6 in Wellfleet, the classic, seasonal Wellfleet Drive-In is one of the most well-known landmarks on the Outer Cape. First opened in 1957, catching a double-feature is a right of passage for residents and visitors alike. Admission is $13.00, with discounts for seniors and children. Current show times are 8:35 pm; and 10:20 pm (PG-13 ratings). Of note, the Provincetown International Film Festival announced a special drive-in event hosted by the Wellfleet Drive-In, as part of their modified 2020 film festival. Dubbed “Provincetown Reimagined,” the special event will run from July 16-19 with two nights of film screenings including Mischa Richter’s documentary “I Am a Town” and Sundance 2020 Dramatic Award nominee “Save Yourselves!” at the Wellfleet Drive-In along with a virtual event of which details are TBA.
Yarmouth
West Yarmouth Drive In – Located at 669 Route 28 in West Yarmouth (across from Captain Parker’s Pub), the site of a former drive-in that screened outdoor movies from 1958 until 1985 will be re-born after the town approved an entertainment license on June 30. The current plan is to build a stage for outdoor performances (concerts, stand-up comedy, etc), flanked by two outdoor movie screens. The blighted 22-acre property has enough space for just shy of 250 vehicles, while maintaining social distancing guidelines. The same family friendly movie would play on both screens and a double-feature would be offered for $30 per vehicle. Concessions would also be available in some capacity, but all payment would be made remotely. If all goes to plan, movies could be screened by mid-July, August and even into the “shoulder season.”
Which Drive-In do you plan to visit this summer?