Get Your Drive-In Movie Fix in the Bay Area

I heard a substantial quote this week, that “we started the year in 2020, and we’ll end it in 2030.”

What the author was trying to say was that Covid-19 has forced us into the future. This is particularly apparent to me in the Bay Area, where work from home policies are really shaking things up.

The only way we’re really going back into the past is through the rise of the drive-in movie. I was happy to hear that Westwind was reopening late this spring. Several cities and counties in the Bay Area have taken note of this solution to the need for entertainment and set up drive-ins of their own.

If you’ve read my blog in the past, you know I love movies. I love the throwback factor of a drive-in movie, and not in a Danny Zuko kind of way.

Here’s a list of some ongoing drive-in movie experiences to enjoy this summer.

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5.1 One thing I know for sure: if that floating cinema in San Francisco doesn’t turn out to be just a rumor, I’ll be first in line for tickets. In the meantime, leave me a comment and let me know if there are any local drive-ins I missed.

6 Related posts:

San Mateo

San Mateo started hosting drive-in movies in June at the event center, otherwise known as the home of the San Mateo County Fair. Titles screened include Moana, Independence Day, Napoleon Dynamite and the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Past concessions have included fair food like funnel cakes, cotton candy, corn dogs and deep fried Oreos. Cocktails have also been served. Tickets are $35/car. Learn about upcoming events on their website or Facebook page.

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay’s Beach Break Entertainment launched its kickoff event August 13th with the film Chasing Mavericks, an ultra-appropriate choice. Stay tuned for news of their next event here.

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Even the sunset was happy to have an event in Half Moon Bay. Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen, attended, volunteered and supported us. It was a successful evening and we are so proud to be a part of this amazing community. More to come. Goodnight for now.

A post shared by Beach Break Entertainment (@beach_break_entertainment) on Aug 14, 2020 at 12:14am PDT

Santa Cruz

Drive-in movies will begin at the boardwalk on Fridays and Saturdays starting Friday, August 21st. Subscribe to their Boardwalk newsletter to be the first to find out about the showtimes and movies!

Westwind

I put Westwind into its own category because it operates out of two locations, in Concord and San Jose. Westwind is a private company, but they’ve stood out as one of the “last men standing” in the drive-in movie business. General admission is $8.50 and they’ve been showing double features.

Learn more here.

Burlingame

Burlingame Parks and Rec hosted a very popular screening of the 1991 film Hook in late July. It sold out so fast that I wasn’t able to get a ticket, but here’s hoping they do a repeat soon.

If another film event is scheduled, expect it to be posted here.

One thing I know for sure: if that floating cinema in San Francisco doesn’t turn out to be just a rumor, I’ll be first in line for tickets. In the meantime, leave me a comment and let me know if there are any local drive-ins I missed.