Drive-in movie theaters in the Hudson Valley
Photo credit: Helge Bernhardt | The Overlook Drive-In Theater in Poughkeepsie.
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Whether you're trying to escape the heat or just looking to have some mindless fun, summer is the perfect time to see a movie. And if you're looking to take your movie-going experience out of the theater and into the great outdoors, a drive-in theater is the way to go.
June 6 marks the 79th anniversary of the opening of the first drive-in theater, which at the time was known as “Automobile Movie Theater.” While the popularity of drive-ins have declined over the years, the Hudson Valley is home to four of these theaters, offering a quintessential summer experience unique to the area.
At The Hyde Park Drive-In (4114 Albany Post Rd., Hyde Park; 845-229-4738; www.hydeparkdrivein.com), opened in 1949, moviegoers can set up their blankets and lawn chairs on the drive-in’s 12-acre field and catch a double feature almost every night of the season. A typical double feature is the crowd-pleasing “Avengers” and the family-friendly “The Pirates! Band of Misfits.” Also family-friendly: Discounted ticket books ($60 for 10 tickets) that have no expiration date. Dogs on leashes are allowed, too. Tickets are cash only ($8, $5 ages 5-11, under 5 free), but debit and credit cards are accepted at the concession stand. The ticket booth opens one hour before the show.
Owned by the same families that operate The Hyde Park Drive-In (and opened the same year), The Overlook Drive-In (126 Degarmo Rd., Poughkeepsie; 845-452-3445; www.overlookdrivein.com) has the largest screen in the tri-state area (roughly the height of a six-story building). Like its sister theater in Hyde Park, The Overlook mainly screens the latest summer releases that the whole family can enjoy. Fido (on a leash) can join in on the fun, too. Monday nights are “Bargain Nite” at the drive-in, with tickets a steal at only $5. Tickets are cash only ($8, $5 ages 5-11, under 5 free), but debit and credit cards are accepted at the concession stand. The ticket booth opens one hour before the show.
The Warwick Drive-In (5 Warwick Tpke., Warwick; 845-986-4440; www.warwickdrivein.com) offers three different screens for a larger choice of first-run flicks. Six movies are playing each night this week, including "Dark Shadows," "Battleship" and "The Dictator." Home-cooked treats are available along with popcorn and candy at the concession stand. There is free Wi-Fi access available to moviegoers. Tickets ($9, $5 seniors and children 4-11, under 4 free) must be purchased at the theater.
The Fair Oaks Drive-In (365 Bloomingburg Rd., Middletown; 845-361-5774; www.thefairoaksdrivein.com) screens four movies each night on two screens. Moviegoers can catch the latest summer releases including “Snow White and the Huntsmen” and “Men in Black III.” “Bargain Night,” held each Thursday, offers discounted tickets — adult tickets are $5 and kids' tickets are $3. The snack bar offers mozzarella sticks, cheeseburgers and pizza rolls in addition to popcorn, candy, ice cream and soda. Gates open daily through the season at 7 p.m. and movies are screened rain or shine. Tickets are cash only ($8, $5 children 5-11, 4 and under free).
