driveinmovies Archives

LA’s Best Outdoor Movie Venues

Pack a picnic, grab a blanket – outdoor movie season is here! Ever since the first drive-in movie theatre opened in New Jersey in 1933, movies under the stars have been a favorite summer tradition. Today, outdoor movies are more popular than ever, with parks, rooftops, and even a cemetery popping up screens, many just a short distance from Circa. A handful of Southern California’s iconic vintage drive-ins are still open for business, retrofitted for today’s audience with state-of-the art projectors and sound systems. Many venues offer food trucks and concession stands, or you can bring your own moveable feast. Check websites for movie schedules and other details.

Rooftop Cinema Club DTLA outdoor movies near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Rooftop Cinema Club DTLA 888 S Olive St. 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Thanks to a new projector, Rooftop Cinema Club DTLA is now able to screen the newest releases, including some films still in theaters as part of their hand-picked program, Once you book your screening, arrive early to take in the sun setting over downtown LA. Select your seats and treat yourself to classic cinema concessions including fresh popcorn (vegan), candy and soft drinks. For a more substantial fare, they also offer food such as hot dogs, pretzels, and nachos. When the movie starts, you’ll be able to live completely in those movie moments with state-of-the-art wireless headphones and an amazing view of the big screen.

Rooftop Cinema Club Arts District outdoor movies near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Rooftop Cinema Club Arts District ROW DTLA Building 1, 777 S Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Enjoy the ultimate open-air cinema experience in the heart of DTLA’s Arts District. With skyline views from a 5th floor terrace, this is the perfect place for cinema with a cityscape. Doors open 30 minutes before the screening, allowing plenty of time to grab your headphones, select a seat and enjoy the rooftop experience. Treat yourself to cinema snack favorites from the concessions stand, including fresh popcorn (vegan), pretzels, candy and soft drinks. For more substantial fare, Pikunico restaurant is offering a special take-out perk for Rooftop Cinema Club attendees, and Hi-Lo Liquor is bringing the best of the local craft beer scene, regional wines, hard kombuchas and refreshing spritz and mocktail concoctions to the cinema.

The Hollywood Roosevelt outdoor movies near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Tropicana Movie Nights The Hollywood Roosevelt 7000 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

The iconic Hockney hand-painted pool under the neon sign at The Hollywood Roosevelt provides a unique screening experience for their famous Movie Nights. Immerse yourself in this “Dive-in” movie atmosphere when you purchase your spot at the Tropicana Pool, Food and beverage are available to order at the bar to be delivered to your table. Advanced ticket purchase required, with all sales final 8 hours prior to showtime.

Cinespia Hollywood Forever Cemetery outdoor movies near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Cinespia Hollywood Forever Cemetery 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90038

Movie screenings are held outdoors on Fairbanks Lawn, an open grassy field inside Hollywood Forever Cemetery. A DJ will be spinning music as the sun sets, and again after the movie. Bring blankets, pillows or low chairs that have a seat that rests on the ground with a low back. A small tarp underneath your blanket is recommended since the ground can get damp. Restrooms are available on-site. You are welcome to pack your own picnic with food, beer and wine, but no hard liquor is permitted. They will also sell food onsite. Sorry – only ESA and service dogs on leashes are welcome at the screenings.

Street Food Cinema outdoor movies near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Street Food Cinema Various Locations

Street Food Cinema, LA’s largest outdoor cinema and music series, is back for its 12th outdoor season. More than just a movie screening, the series showcases local food trucks and live bands, and includes interactive audience games, concessions, themed photo ops, local vendors, and special guest appearances. Most locations also feature a full bar and offer a dog-friendly atmosphere!

Melrose Rooftop Theatre outdoor movies near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Melrose Rooftop Theatre 603 N La Cienega Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069

Melrose Rooftop Theatre (MRT) is a unique outdoor cinema experience in the heart of West Hollywood’s fashion and design precinct. The theatre is located on the rooftop of E.P. & L.P. with entry at 603 N La Cienega Blvd. MRT rotates through an extensive movie catalog consisting of cult classics and new releases alike. The cinema utilizes wireless technology with each guest receiving individual headsets and a personal beanbag chair to maximize the complete cinematic experience. They also offer a variety of ticketing options that allow you to turn movie night into a full evening experience, such as Dinner & A Movie and Movie Night for Two.

Rubidoux Drive-In outdoor movies near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Rubidoux Drive-In 3770 Opal St. Riverside, CA 92509

The Rubidoux, with its original 1948 screen tower still standing tall, is one of the last classic drive-in theaters remaining in Southern California. Though it retains much of its original character, time has transformed this gem into a thoroughly modern outdoor theater. The incorporation of FM transmitters and Technalight digital projection ensures the best possible picture and sound available. The box office and snack bar have gotten a new treatment as well, and are now reminiscent of the theatre’s original postwar Route 66 heritage.

Van Buren Drive-In Theatre Photo credit Inland Empire dot com outdoor movies near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Van Buren Drive-In Theater 3035 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA 92503

Built on the site of a former orange ranch and named for its location on Van Buren Blvd. in the historic Arlington district of Riverside, the Van Buren Drive-in Theater opened in 1964 with a single screen. Today, the theater has been completely renovated, featuring the latest drive-in theater technology including FM transmitters, Technalight, and a state-of-the-art projection system. The most striking element of this restoration is the art mural displayed on the original screen tower depicting a vista of 1930s era Riverside, reminiscent of vintage orange crate labels so prized by collectors today.

Vineland Drive-in / Photo credit Cinema Treasures outdoor movies near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Vineland Drive-in 443 Vineland Ave. City of Industry, CA 91746

A real Southern California icon, the Vineland Drive-In opened in 1955 with James Mason in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and in 1981, it expanded to become a 4-screen theatre with a car capacity of 1,700. In order to listen to your movie, an FM radio is needed. (Car radio or portable radio). A full concession stand is available with all your favorite movie snacks including pizza, hot dogs, nachos, burgers, and popcorn.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1 Street Food Cinema

Photo #2: Rooftop Cinema Club DTLA

Photo #3: Rooftop Cinema Club Arts District

Photo #4: The Hollywood Roosevelt

Photo #5: Cinespia

Photo #6: Street Food Cinema

Photo #7: Melrose Rooftop Theatre

Photo #8: Rubidoux Drive-In

Photo #9: Van Buren Drive-In Theatre / Inland Empire dot com

Photo #10: Vineland Drive-in / Cinema Treasures

Outdoor Movies: Your Essential Summer Guide

Nothing says summer quite like an outdoor movie. Ever since the first drive-in movie theatre opened in New Jersey in 1933, movies under the stars have been a summer rite of passage. And thanks to our car culture, Southern California is host to some of the most iconic drive-ins movie theaters in the country, with design themes ranging from Route 66 to Tiki kitsch and 50s cool.

Cinespia Hollywood Forever outdoor movies near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Today, outdoor movies are bigger than ever, with parks, rooftops, and even a cemetery popping up state-of-the art screens and sound systems, many just short distance from Circa. Bring a blanket and feast from food trucks and concession stands, or pack your own picnic. Check websites for schedules and other details.

Rooftop Cinema Club DTLA 4th floor at Level 888 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Thanks to a new projector at Rooftop Cinema Club DTLA, they are now able to screen the newest releases at this venue, including some films still in theaters. Once you book your screening, arrive early to take in the views and play table games with the city as your backdrop. Select your seats, grab a drink and snack on classic cinema concessions. When the movie starts, you’ll be able to live completely in those movie moments with state-of-the-art wireless headphones and an amazing view of the big screen.

Rooftop Cinema Club Arts District ROW DTLA 777 S Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Enjoy the ultimate open-air cinema experience in the heart of DTLA’s Arts District. With skyline views from a 5th floor terrace at ROW DTLA, this is the perfect place for cinema with a cityscape. Doors open 30 minutes before the screening, allowing plenty of time to grab your headphones, select a seat and enjoy the Rooftop experience. Classic cinema concessions are available at the venue with contactless order and pick-up. As you know, a Rooftop isn’t really a Rooftop without a cool, refreshing breeze! That being said, you are highly encouraged to BYOB – Bring Your Own Blanket. You’ll thank us later.

Cinespia Hollywood Forever Cemetery 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90038

Movie screenings are held outdoors on Fairbanks Lawn, an open grassy field inside Hollywood Forever Cemetery, under the stars. A DJ will be spinning music as the sun sets, and again after the movie. Bring blankets, pillows or low chairs that have a seat that rests on the ground with a low back. A small tarp underneath your blanket is recommended. Restrooms are available on-site. Outside beer and wine are permitted. Sorry – only ESA and service dogs on leashes are welcome at the screenings.

Streetfood Cinema Various Locations

Launched in 2012, Street Food Cinema screens at various locations around LA, including LA State Historic Park in DTLA. More than just an outdoor movie, it’s an experience bringing together the best in pop culture films, gourmet street food and progressive new music. Street Food Cinema reinvents the traditional movie going experience – al fresco style. Every element is carefully curated to develop a unique atmosphere that will make you want to come back again and again.

Movie Nights at Tropicana Pool Hollywood Roosevelt 7000 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

The iconic Hockney hand-painted pool under the neon sign at the Hollywood Roosevelt provides a unique screening experience. You become immersed in this “Dive-in” movie atmosphere when you purchase your spot at the Tropicana Pool, famed for their iconic Movie Nights. Food and beverage are available to order at the bar to be delivered to your table. Advanced ticket purchase required, with all sales final 8 hours prior to showtime.

Mission Tiki Drive-In Theatre outdoor movies near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Mission Tiki Drive-In Theatre 10798 Ramona Ave.Montclair, CA 91763

For those of you who like your movies with a side of kitsch, Mission Tiki Drive-In in Montclair is just the ticket. The audio for the movies is broadcast through an FM transmitter (radio), so make sure you have a good sound system in your vehicle. Not to worry, if you don’t have an FM transmitter in your car you can bring a battery-operated stereo with speakers to hear the movies. They have a snack bar full of goodies like popcorn, candy and carne asada nachos, but you are also welcome to bring your own snacks.

Rubidoux Drive-In 3770 Opal St. Riverside, CA 92509

The Rubidoux, with its original 1948 screen tower still standing tall, is the last of the classic drive-in theatres remaining in Southern California. Though it retains much of its original character, time has transformed this gem into a thoroughly modern outdoor theatre. The incorporation of FM transmitters and Technalight digital projection ensures the best possible picture and sound available. The box office and snack bar have gotten a new treatment as well, and are now reminiscent of the theatre’s original postwar Route 66 heritage.

Van Buren Drive-In Theatre outdoor movies near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Van Buren Drive-In Theatre 3035 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA 92503

Built on the site of a former orange ranch and named for its location on Van Buren Blvd. in the historic Arlington district of Riverside, the Van Buren Drive-in Theatre opened in 1964 with a single screen. Today, the theatre has been completely renovated, featuring the latest drive-in theatre technology including FM transmitters, Technalight, and a state-of-the-art projection system. The most striking element of this restoration is the art mural displayed on the original screen tower depicting a vista of 1930s era Riverside, reminiscent of vintage orange crate labels so prized by collectors today.

Vineland Drive-in outdoor movies near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Vineland Drive-in 443 Vineland Ave. City of Industry, CA 91746

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Rooftop Cinema Club

Photo #2: Cinespia

Photo #3: Rooftop Cinema Club

Photo #4: Rooftop Cinema Club

Photo #5: Cinespia

Photo #6: Streetfood Cinema

Photo #7: The Hollywood Roosevelt

Photo #8: Mission Tiki Drive-In Theatre

Photo #9: Rubidoux Drive-In

Photo #10: Van Buren Drive-In Theatre / Inland Empire dot com

Photo #11: Vineland Drive-in / Cinema Treasures

Say Hello to Summer: Outdoor Movies are Back

June 20 is the Summer Solstice, marking the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. What could be more fun than celebrating the season at an outdoor movie! Ever since the first patented drive-in movie theatre opened in New Jersey in 1933, movies under the stars have been a summer rite of passage. Today, outdoor movies are bigger than ever, with parks, rooftops, and even airports popping up state-of-the art screens and sound systems, many just short distance from Circa. Southern California is also host to some of the most iconic drive-in theaters in the US, with design themes ranging from Route 66 to Tiki kitsch and 50s cool. Feast from food trucks and concession stands, or pack your own picnic. Say hello to summer, outdoor movies are back.

Street Food Cinema Los Angeles State Historic Park 1245 N Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Launched in 2012, Street Food Cinema is more than just an outdoor movie, it’s an experience bringing together the best in pop culture films, gourmet street food and progressive new music. Street Food Cinema reinvents the traditional movie going experience – al fresco style. Every element is carefully curated to develop a unique atmosphere that will make you want to come back again and again.

Poolside Dinner & A Movie JW Marriott outdoor movies near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Poolside Dinner & A Movie JW Marriott L.A. LIVE 900 W Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Enjoy movies under the stars on the Rooftop Pool Deck at the JW Marriott. Tickets include a two-course meal (one appetizer and one entree selection), plus unlimited popcorn and complimentary soft drinks. Full bar is available, but not included in the ticket price.

Cinespia outdoor movies near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Cinespia Hollywood Forever Cemetery 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90038

Cinespia brings movie magic to life with screenings of classic films to an audience from around the world, including some of Hollywood’s most famous faces. With over 30 events per year, Cinespia hosts dazzling screenings under the stars at iconic venues including The Hollywood Forever Cemetery and The Greek Theatre. The 2021 season, presented by Amazon Studios, marks the 20th anniversary of the first and longest running outdoor screening series in Los Angeles.

The Bloc outdoor movies near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Drive in Movies at The Bloc 700 S Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Coming soon! Calling all movie lovers – The Bloc invites you to experience a night at the movies from the comfort of your car every Thursday night in the month of August. The Bloc is a vibrant, open-air urban center in the heart of downtown Los Angeles encompassing a full city block along LA’s iconic 7th Street corridor, The Bloc connects the financial, fashion, jewelry, and theater districts – and the 7th Street Metro Center Station, where four DTLA lines converge. More details to come HERE

Sounds of Summer WUTI outdoor movies near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Sounds of Summer Exposition Park South Lawn 500 Exposition Park Dr. Los Angeles, CA. 90037

Sounds of Summer is a screening series curated by WUTI (Women Under the Influence) in partnership with Crush Palace for everyone that has been craving shared musical experiences over the past year. WUTI is very excited to be partnering with Dublab to curate the Talking Heads inspired sounds at the Stop Making Sense screening extravaganza on June 25.

Rooftop Cinema Club outdoor movies near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Rooftop Cinema Club Santa Monica Airport 3233 Donald Douglas Loop S. Santa Monica, CA 90405

Enjoy movies under the stars at the Santa Monica Airport. Movies will be projected onto a 52-foot screen, and audio will be broadcast through the FM transmitter radio in your car. Each parking spot will now come with a designated tailgating area, giving you the option to watch the film from within or outside of your vehicle. You are welcome to bring your own food and drink, but they also offer local food trucks every Thursday through Sunday and a selection of classic cinema concessions nightly.

Mission Tiki outdoor movies near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Mission Tiki Drive-In Theatre 10798 Ramona Ave. Montclair, CA 91763

For those of you who like your movies with a side of kitsch, Mission Tiki Drive-In in Montclair is just the ticket. The box office opens 1.5 hours before showtime on Friday and Saturday nights and 1 hour before on Sunday through Thursday. Come early to get the best parking spots. Admission is $10 for adults. Check their website for weekly schedule.

Rubidoux outdoor movies near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Rubidoux Drive-In 3770 Opal St, Riverside, CA 92509

The Rubidoux, with its original 1948 screen tower still standing tall, is the last of the classic drive-in theaters remaining in Southern California. Though it retains much of its original character, time has transformed this gem into a thoroughly modern outdoor theatre. The incorporation of FM transmitters and Technalight digital projection ensures the best possible picture and sound available. The box office and snack bar have gotten a new treatment as well, and are now reminiscent of the theatre’s original postwar Route 66 heritage.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Street Food Cinema

Photo #2: Street Food Cinema

Photo #3: JW Marriott

Photo #4: Cinespia

Photo #5: The Bloc

Photo #6: WUTI

Photo #7: Rooftop Cinema Club

Photo #8: Mission Tiki

Photo #9: Rubidoux Drive-In

Let’s Get Movin’– Drive-In Movies are Back

Nothing says summer quite like a drive-in movie. This iconic American pastime started in 1933, when the first patented drive-in movie theatre opened in New Jersey. By the 1950s and 60s, there were over 4,000 drive-ins throughout the U.S. Today, Southern California is host to some of the most iconic drive-in movie theatres around, with design themes ranging from Route 66 to Tiki kitsch and 50s cool. Other venues, like the Rose Bowl and major swap meets, are outfitting their parking lots with giant outdoor screens and modern sound systems, complete with food trucks and concession stands. You can even pack your own picnic to enjoy in the comfort of your car! So let’s get movin’ – drive-in movies are back.

Tribeca Drive-In Rose Bowl 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103

The Tribeca Drive-In is bringing the big screen to America’s backyard this summer to help get communities back together safely through a shared cinematic experience. You’ll see iconic movies like Jaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Dark Knight, Apollo 13, and more, for this month-long drive-in film series that runs from July 2-26. There will also be special screenings for healthcare and frontline workers and concessions from local businesses. Tribeca Drive-In movies are presented by Jane Rosenthal and Robert DeNiro’s Tribeca Film, producer of the Tribeca Film Festival.

Street Food Cinema various locations

Ready to watch a movie in the great outdoors while staying safe and cozy in your car? Street Food Cinema, LA’s largest outdoor movie series, is jumping on the drive-in movie craze, presenting cool flicks and tasty food trucks. The summer schedule features film faves like Edward Scissorhands, Black Panther, The Princess Bride, and Moulin Rouge, to name a few. Venues include Brandeis Bardin Campus in Simi Valley and Ontario International Airport. Most food trucks have vegetarian options.

Mission Tiki Drive-In Theatre 10798 Ramona Ave. Montclair, CA 91763

For those of you who like your movies with a side of kitsch, Mission Tiki Drive-In in Montclair is just the ticket. The Box Office opens 1.5 hours before showtime on Friday and Saturday nights and 1 hour before on Sunday through Thursday. Come early to get the best parking spots. Admission is $10 for adults and $1 for children (5 through 9 years). Check their website for weekly schedule.

Rubidoux Drive-In 3770 Opal St. Riverside, CA 92509

The Paramount Drive-In Theatres 7770 Rosecrans Ave. Paramount, CA 90723

The Paramount Swap Meet is reviving a favorite American pastime – the drive-in movie. Paramount Drive-In Theatres offers a double feature on two 75 foot screens, digital projection with FM radio sound, and full snack bar. Paramount’s aim is to help preserve a wonderful American tradition, and with the implementation of some new technology, attract younger audiences. Admission is $9 per adult. All motor vehicles are welcome, including trucks and RVs.

Van Buren Drive-In Theatre 3035 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92503

This historic circa-1964 drive-in theater is showing double features seven nights a week! The $10 adult ticket allows you admission for two movies playing on the same screen, which means you’ll get to see two movies for half the price. The audio is broadcast through an FM transmitter (radio), so make sure you have a good sound system in your vehicle. If you don’t have an FM transmitter in your car, you can bring a battery-operated stereo with speakers to hear the movies. The Snack Bar has full concessions and you can visit Snack Bar Express to order from your car.

Roadium Drive-In 2500 W Redondo Beach Blvd, Torrance, CA 90504

The fun continues all summer long. The Roadium Drive-In is excited to provide the community with safe, socially distant entertainment with their “Summer Fridays at the Drive-In” series, showing classic movies with many on-site activities as well. The recently remodeled snack bar is open for hot food and concessions. Orders can be placed in person in a socially distant fashion. Phone and online orders are also available.

Pacific Theatres Vineland Drive-In 443 Vineland Ave, City of Industry, CA 91746

Pacific Theatres Vineland Drive-In is now open nightly so that you can enjoy movies from the comfort and safety of your cars. A real Southern California icon, Pacific Theatres opened the Vineland Drive-In in 1955 with James Mason in “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” and in 1981 it expanded to become a 4-screen theatre. Gates open at 6:30 pm on Fri. & Sat. and at 7:00 pm Sun. – Thurs. Car FM radio or portable FM radio required to listen to the movie.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Rubidoux Drive-In/S. Gomez

Photo #2: Tribeca Drive-In Rose Bowl

Photo #3: Street Food Cinema

Photo #4: Mission Tiki Drive-In Theatre

Photo #5: Rubidoux Drive-In

Photo #6: The Paramount Drive-In Theatres

Photo #7: Van Buren Drive-In Theatre

Photo #8: Roadium Drive-In

Photo #9: Pacific Theatres Vineland Drive-In/Sal Gomez Photography