A large number of classic drive-in theaters have been renovated and reopened in recent years, revitalizing the industry for new generations of viewers. These theaters throughout the New York State region offer double nightly showings of classic hits, modern blockbusters, and independent films, with many offering classic diner fare and family-friendly activities such as miniature golf courses and children’s playgrounds.
Bay Drive-in
Bay Drive-in is located approximately two miles outside of Alexandria Bay, at the intersection of Route 26 and Bailey Settlement Road. The theater is open between April and November, with limited operational hours before June and after Labor Day. Two screens present fully digital double features of popular blockbuster films, with film audio transmitted over FM radio for in-car viewing. Visitors without car stereo access may also rent construction-grade Dewalt radio transmitters for listening. The 1950s-themed A-Bay Cafe offers an indoor viewing area, and concession stands serve the parking lot area. First nightly films begin at sunset, with visitors advised to arrive at least half an hour early to find a good parking spot.
Rt. 26 & Bailey Settlement Rd, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607, Phone: 315-482-3874, Map
Four Brothers Drive-in Theater
Four Brothers Drive-in Theater is located in Amenia along New York Route 22 and offers film showings seven nights a week throughout the spring, summer, and autumn months. The theater blends retro styling with modern amenities, including car hop delivery service from its classic restaurant via phone, online, or app ordering. Soft serve and hard ice cream is also offered, along with rotating food trucks by local restaurants and chefs. Two family-friendly films are shown nightly, with triple showings offered on select Thursdays. Additional amenities include a children’s playground, a pergola and firepit area, a family swing, and a miniature golf course available for an additional fee.
4957 NY-22, Amenia, NY 12501, Phone: 845-373-8178, Map
Finger Lakes Drive-in, New York
Finger Lakes Drive-in is New York State’s oldest operating drive-in movie theater, offering film showings seasonally in Auburn since 1947. Though the theater still uses a classic speaker system for film showings, FM radio transmission is available for in-car listening. Double film showings of current family and blockbuster films are offered on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, with admission rates available for adults and youth. A snack bar serves standard American fare such as hot dogs, hamburgers, mozzarella sticks, and various types of classic candies. Well-behaved pets are permitted on leashes, and children ages four and under are admitted free with paying adult admission.
1064 Clark Street Road, Aurelius, NY 13021, Phone: 315-370-7780, Map
Hollywood Drive-in
Hollywood Drive-in was opened in 1952 by Troy resident James Fisher and showcased two carbon arc projectors with 2,000-foot reels projecting films for up to 250 cars. Today, the drive-in theater is still operated by the Fisher family and has been fully modernized, offering FM radio transmission sound and parking for up to 400 cars. The theater’s newly-remodeled concession area offers standard American fare such as fresh homemade pizza, cooked-to-order hamburgers, popcorn, and classic candies, and a snack bar serves quick bites such as soft pretzels and nachos. All visitors who purchase popcorn from the theater’s concession area have a chance to win randomly-placed free passes for return visits.
9270 NY-66, Averill Park, NY 12018, Phone: 518-283-4425, Map
Vintage Drive-in
Vintage Drive-in is located in Avon and offers double showings of first-run films nightly throughout the summer season. A concession area sells a large variety of American fare, including grilled cheese sandwiches, mega slice pizza, and a variety of fried appetizers and burgers with unique toppings. Popcorn, ice cream, soda, and classic candy is also sold. Well-behaved pets are allowed at film showings on leashes, as long as they are kept near patrons’ vehicles. The theater is also the host of the East Avon Flea Market, which is open on Sundays throughout the film operating season and showcases local produce, home and artisan goods, and antique vendors.
1520 W Henrietta Rd, Avon, NY 14414, Phone: 585-226-9290
Malta Drive-in
Malta Drive-in was constructed in 1949 and has been in continuous operation for more than half a century. The theater is located in Malta along Route 9, approximately one mile from the Northway, and offers nightly double film showings between late April and September. A concession stand serves a variety of standard American grilled and fried foods, along with milkshakes, smoothies, and snacks such as popcorn, ice cream, and classic candies. Outside food permits are also available for an additional charge for visitors wishing to bring their own food to film showings. On select Saturdays, the theater also hosts the Malta Flea Market, which sells new, vintage, and antique goods.
2785 U.S. 9, Malta, NY 12020, Phone: 518-587-6077, Map
Elmira Drive-in, New York
Elmira Drive-in is operated by Zurich Cinemas and is located along 19 acres on Route 352, featuring one of the largest drive-in theater screens in New York State. In the early 2000s, a second film screen was added to the theater, along with upgraded Dolby Stereo surround sound for the theater’s FM transmitters. Major first-run family and blockbuster releases are shown, with ticket pricing available for adults and youth. A snack bar serves standard American diner fare, classic candies, popcorn, Icees, and Pepsi beverages. Glow merchandise such as glow sticks and bracelets are also sold for use and wear during films, though visitors should be respectful of other nearby patrons.
2431 State Route 352, Elmira, NY 14903, Phone: 607-734-8599, Map
Ozoner 29 Drive-in
Ozoner 29 Drive-in’s name refers to the ozoner category of drive-in movie theaters, which was coined in the 1950s by Variety magazine. The theater shows two sets of double features nightly, showcasing current family and blockbuster releases throughout the summer season. A two-story snack bar offers grilled and fried American food such as hamburgers, pizza bites, Philly cheese steaks, and beer-battered onion rings, along with popcorn, candy, and fried dough sundaes. No outside food, alcohol, or barbecue grills are permitted within the theater’s parking area during film showings. A pavilion at the theater hosts sock hop nights and Elvis-themed events throughout the season.
837 NY-29, Broadalbin, NY 12025, Phone: 518-883-5735, Map
HiWay Drive-in
HiWay Drive-in is located in Coxsackie along State Route 9W, approximately seven miles from the town of Catskill. The theater was originally opened in 1951 by George H.C. Farley and Raphael and Morris Klein. It is open seasonally from April through September and offers double feature films on four screens, showing major first-run family and blockbuster releases. A 600-capacity parking lot is offered, featuring amenities such as FM transmission for in-car sound. A concession stand at the theater offers standard American fare, including grilled and fried snacks, popcorn, soda, and classic candies. Admission rates are available for adults and youth, with children under three admitted free with paying adult admission.
10699 State, Rte 9W, Coxsackie, NY 12051, Phone: 518-731-8672, Map
Glen Drive-in
Glen Drive-in was constructed in 1958 by John Gardner and is located along Route 9 in Glen Falls North. The theater operates seasonally between April and September, offering nightly showings of current release films on two screens. Double showings of major blockbuster and family releases are offered seven nights a week. Its parking lot features a capacity of 800 cars, with FM transmission offered for in-car sound. A refreshment stand offers standard American grilled fare, popcorn, candy, and soda. No outside food or food preparation is permitted on the premises, and alcoholic beverages, laser pointers, and vehicle lighting are prohibited during showings.
983 U.S. 9, Queensbury, NY 12804, Phone: 518-792-0023, Map
Jericho Drive-in, New York
Jericho Drive-in was originally opened in 1957 by Morris Klein and is located in Glenmont along Route 9W. Today, the theater operates seasonally between April and September, offering film showings seven days a week on two screens. Double film features of current blockbuster and family releases are shown, accommodating up to 520 cars per night. A snack bar serves fried and grilled fare such as burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, and mozzarella sticks, along with popcorn, classic candies, and soda. Unique ice cream sundae concoctions are also served at the theater’s TwisT ice cream shop, which offers weekly Doggie Night events for pet owners.
21 Jericho Rd, Glenmont, NY 12077, Phone: 518-767-3398, Map
Greenville Drive-in
Greenville Drive-in 32 has been in operation since 1959 and strives to serve as a community gathering space, offering a variety of special film showings and public events. Classic films form the foundation of the theater’s screenings, which are shown on an 80-by-35-foot high-definition digital projection widescreen. Works by emerging regional filmmakers are also showcased, with many films featuring discussion sessions with filmmakers following showings. A beer garden serves craft offerings from local breweries and offers discussion sessions with brewmasters, and a snack shack serves standard American fare made with locally-sourced ingredients. Public special events include a Qwerty event series featuring local musicians and tandem poets.
10700 NY-32, Greenville, NY 12083, Phone: 518-966-2177, Map
Transit Drive-in
Transit Drive-in is located in Lockport and was opened in 1957 by Irving and Mary Cohen, the proprietors of Hornell’s Stueben Theater, Buffalo’s Allendale Theater, and the Van Buren and Sheridan Drive-in theaters. The theater is still managed by the Cohen family and offers double feature film showings on five screens, highlighting major blockbuster releases. Retro Movie Tuesday events are also offered weekly, showcasing double features of classic family and blockbuster films. Six flavors of homemade ice cream are served at the theater’s concession stand, along with standard grilled and fried American fare, popcorn, candy, and soda. A miniature golf course is also available for an additional fee for pre-screening family entertainment.
6342, 6655 S Transit Rd, Lockport, NY 14094, Phone: 716-625-8535, Map
56 Auto Drive-in, New York
56 Auto Drive-in was opened in 1955 and is the northernmost drive-in cinema in New York State. Today, the theater is the only operating drive-in theater in St. Lawrence County, offering a classic widescreen projection screen that has operated for 61 consecutive seasons. Double features of major blockbuster and family films are offered seasonally between April and September, with nightly showings offered throughout the peak summer season. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and fried dough snacks are sold at the theater’s concession stand, along with slushies and a variety of Pepsi products. Visitors should note that the theater and concession stand are both cash-only.
9783 Route 56, Massena , NY 13662, Phone: 315-764-1250, Map
Fair Oaks Drive-in
Fair Oaks Drive-in was originally constructed as a solo screen drive-in in 1970 and was operated for 11 seasons. Following a dark decade, the theater was purchased by new owners, who added an additional screen and capacity for up to 800 cars. Though the theater was briefly closed again in 2014, it is fully operational today and has been refurbished with modern amenities such as localized FM transmissions for in-car sound. Double showings of major blockbusters are offered throughout the summer season, with rates offered for adults, children, and seniors, and active military members. Well-behaved pets are welcome at the cinema, and children under the age of five are admitted free with paying adult admission.
365 Bloomingburg Road, Middletown, NY 10940, Phone: 845-316-2266, Map
Midway Drive-in
Midway Drive-in is one of New York State’s oldest drive-in cinemas, opened in 1948 by Irving and Ruben Canter. Today, the theater has been voted one of the top five drive-in theaters in America and is a member of the United Drive-in Theater Owners Association. It offers an 80-foot widescreen projection screen and accommodations for up 600 cars at its traditional speaker poles, with additional overflow parking for up to 200 more cars in open areas behind the parking lot. Double film features of major blockbusters and family films are shown between late April and late October, with additional weekends offered depending on weather conditions. A concession stand menu offers classic American fare such as pizza, hamburgers, fried appetizers, and classic candies. Insect repellent, glow sticks, and children’s toys are also sold.
2475 Route 48, Minetto, NY 13115, Phone: 315-593-0699, Map
Hathaway's Drive-in
Hathaway's Drive-in offers a single 70-foot film screen that has been in operation since 1948 and parking capacity for up to 350 cars nightly. Double feature films are shown between mid-April and mid-October, with daily showings offered throughout the peak summer season and weekend showings available throughout the spring and autumn. A concession stand serves classic American fare, including Hebrew National kosher hot dogs, Boca veggie burgers, homemade French fries, and certified non-GMO kosher popcorn. All audio is broadcast via FM transmission for in-car sound. A weekly flea market is hosted at the theater during the summer season, and private theater rentals are available for parties and large groups.
4762 State Route 67, North Hoosic, NY 12133, Phone: 518-659-6098, Map
El Rancho Drive-in
El Rancho Drive-in is owned and operated by the proprietors of Broadalbin’s Ozoner 29 drive-in theater and has been showcasing films on its classic 60-by-90-foot screen since 1952. The theater offers a 400-car lot and FM radio transmission for in-car audio. Double film showings of major blockbusters and family films are offered seasonally. A traditional-style concession stand stands in the center of the theater’s lot, serving classic grilled and fried American fare options such as Philly cheese steaks, pizza bites, and hamburgers, along with popcorn, candy, and fried dough sundaes. An updated ticket booth allows for vehicles of any height to pass through, including high vans and RVs.
6070 NY-5, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428, Phone: 518-883-5735, Map
Silver Lake Twin Drive-in
Silver Lake Twin Drive-in was originally opened in 1949 and temporarily went dark during the mid-20th century before it was purchased in 1966 by its current owners, making it New York State’s first resurrected drive-in theater. Today, two screens show double features between April and October, with accommodations for up to 700 cars nightly. The full-service Charcoal Corral restaurant serves an extensive menu of standard American fare, including pizzas available for takeout, gluten-free food options, and a full ice cream parlor. A classic 18-hole miniature golf course is also offered on site for an additional fee for entertainment prior to film showings. Visitors should note that all facilities at the Silver Lake Twin Drive-in are cash-only.
7037 Chapman Avenue, Perry, NY 14530, Phone: 585-237-3372, Map
Portville Drive-in Theater
Portville Drive-in Theater was opened in 1970 on a 22-acre lot in southwest New York, located close to the Pennsylvania state line. Since its opening, the theater has opened a second screen and has fully upgraded its facilities to state-of-the-art digital sound and projection technologies. Double feature films are shown seasonally between April and September, with limited weekend showings during the spring and autumn periods. A concession stand serves standard American fare such as nachos, pizza, and French fries, along with coffee, Pepsi products, and seasonal freezer pops. Well-behaved pets are permitted, and children ages four and under are admitted free with paying adult admission.
1060 Olean-Portville Rd, Portville, NY 14770, Phone: 716-933-8750, Map
