There may be a pandemic, but you don’t have to give up outdoor movies–or at least not entirely. Clever pop-up series have shifted from crowding parks with viewers on picnic blankets to setting up massive parking-lot screens inspired by classic American drive-in movie theaters. Sure, the logistics will be a little more challenging, but these pop-up drive-in movie series might just be the biggest entertainment events of the season.

American Legion Post 43 in Hollywood is establishing this 30-car drive-in with plans to show films seven days a week. The theater is set up with a state of the art 4K projection system–under the loving care of the Hollywood Legion Theater’s chief projectionist–and there are plans to screen 35mm analog film, beloved by cinephiles, in the future.

October 3, 7:30 p.m. E.T.

October 4, 7:30 p.m. The Muppet Movie

October 5, 7:30 p.m. Jaws

October 6, 7:30 p.m. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

October 7, 7:30 p.m. Jurassic Park

October 8, 7:30 p.m. Saving Private Ryan

October 9, 7:30 p.m. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Los Ark

October 13, 7:30 p.m. Chinatown

Designed as an “immersive” movie-going experience, this drive-in series in Chinatown incorporates film, food, local designers and retailers, music, and charity, all in one. Each feature will be shows along with curated shorts, music videos, and additional programming; NTS Radio will provide DJ sets.

October 16, 8 p.m. TBA

October 17, 8 p.m. TBA

November 13, 8 p.m. TBA

November 14, 8 p.m. TBA

December 11, 8 p.m. TBA

December 12, 8 p.m. TBA

One of L.A.’s favorite pop-up drive-ins—one that predates the pandemic—is back with a new Glendale location atop the old Sears parking garage at 236 N. Central Avenue.

October 1, 7:30 p.m. Tommy

October 1, 10:10 p.m. Pink Floyd: The Wall

October 2, 7:30 p.m. Poltergeist

October 2, 10:10 p.m. The Lost Boys

October 3, 7:30 p.m. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

October 3, 10:10 p.m. Phantasm

October 4, 7:30 p.m. E.T.

October 8, 7:30 p.m. Death Proof

October 8, 10:10 p.m. Maximum Overdrive



The Andaz hotel on the Sunset Strip has partnered for this series with YEA! Impact, a group that organizes entertainment industry professionals to work for social justice causes. In addition to film screenings, some events feature live performances; food and beverage is available to order.

October 2, 8 p.m. Burn!

October 3, 8 p.m. Breathless

October 9, 8 p.m. The Long Goodbye

October 10, 8 p.m. The Man Who Fell to Earth

October 16, 8 p.m. Idiocracy (Drive-In 4 Biden Fundraiser & Auction)

October 23, 8 p.m. The Hills Have Eyes

October 29, 8 p.m. Suspiria

October 30, 8 p.m. American Warewolf in London

October 31, 8 p.m. Young Frankenstein / Braindead AKA Dead Alive (Halloween Double Feature)

The L.A. Arts Society has always staged screenings for fellow cinephiles–they just look a little different this year. Showings are staged at the “backlot” of the indie Gardena Cinema theater; some include in-person appearances by talent.

October 1, 7:30 p.m. Beetlejuice

October 1, 10:30 p.m. The Craft

October 2, 7:30 p.m. Beetlejuice

October 2, 10:30 p.m. The Craft

October 3, 7:30 p.m. Beetlejuice

October 3, 10:30 p.m. From Dusk Till Dawn

October 4, 7:30 p.m. Beetlejuice

October 4, 10:30 p.m. From Dusk Till Dawn

October 5, 7:30 p.m. Beetlejuice

October 22, 7 p.m. 8th Annual Sunscreen Film Festival

October 23, 10 p.m. A Nightmare on Elm Street

October 24, 10 p.m. A Nightmare on Elm Street

October 25, 12:30 a.m. Friday the 13th (Midnight Screening)

October 25, 10 p.m. Friday the 13th

October 29, 7 p.m. Halloween

October 29, 10 p.m. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

October 30, 7 p.m. Halloween

October 30, 10 p.m. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

October 31, 7 p.m. Halloween

October 31, 10 p.m. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

November 1, 7 p.m. Halloween

November 1, 10 p.m. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

For the last few summers, this pop-up series was already offering the drive-in experience, so we’re happy to see they returned this year. The films are typically Valley-centric in content or filming locations. Screenings take place at the Westfield Fashion Square mall in Sherman Oaks.

October 16, 7 p.m. Edward Scissorhands / Pet Sematary

October 17, 7 p.m. Labyrinth / Child’s Play

October 23, 7 p.m. Casper / Poltergeist

October 24, 7 p.m. Hotel Transylvania / Scream

The 15-acre Roadium in Torrance opened in 1948 as a drive-in cinema, but by the ’80s the space was mostly used as a swap meet (specifically, the swap meet where, legend has it, a record seller introduced Eazy-E to Dr. Dre). Now the space is going back to its roots for occasional pop-up movie nights.

October 2, 6 p.m. Shrek 2

October 10, 7 p.m. Ghostbusters

October 29, 6 p.m. A Nightmare on Elm Street

October 30, 6:30 p.m. Nightmare Before Christmas

November 14, 7 p.m. Ratatouille

December 11, The Polar Express

Local art house cinema chain Laemmle has adapted to the current moment by taking screenings to the Roadium drive-in theater in Torrance. Expect quirky new indie films, some accompanied by filmmaker talk-backs.

October 1, 6:30 p.m. 12 Hour Shift

October 8, 6:30 p.m. She Is the Ocean

Located at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, this series is run by the same organizers who are also using the venue for drive-in concerts from Third Eye Blind, Fitz and the Tantrums, and other acts. More showings to be announced.

September 30, 7 p.m. Pretty Woman

October 3, 7 p.m. The Big Lebowski

October 13, 7 p.m. Ghostbusters

October 14, 7 p.m. The Blair Witch Project

October 26, 7 p.m. Scream

October 27, 7 p.m. Hotel Transylvania

October 28, 7 p.m. The Silence of the Lambs

October 29, 7 p.m. Halloween

November 1, 7 p.m. The Biggest Little Farm

Orange County’s non-profit art house cinema is hosting drive-in nights at Anaheim’s Zion Lutheran Church & School. The two July dates scheduled so far have both sold out, but the org recommends subscribing to their newsletter to get announcements about more dates to come. Check out Frida’s “virtual cinema” streaming fundraiser, too.

September 29, 8:30 p.m. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me

September 30, 8:30 p.m. RBG (Free Screening)

October 2, 8:30 p.m. Night of the Living Dead / The Evil Dead

October 3, 8:30 p.m. Night of the Living Dead / The Evil Dead

October 6, 8:30 p.m. Hausu

October 9, 8:30 p.m. Possessor Uncut

October 10, 8:30 p.m. Flash Gordon / Xanadu

October 13, 8:30 p.m. The Fog

October 16, 8:30 p.m. Puppetmaster / Chopping Mall

October 20, 8:30 p.m. Deep Red

October 27, 8:30 p.m. Evil Dead 2

Country music festival Tailgate Fest may not have happened in August as originally planned, but the organizers put their car-partying expertise into a new venture: a series of drive-in movie nights.

October 2, 8:30 p.m. Remember the Titans

October 3, 8:30 p.m. Moana

Get out of the car and sit in a distanced deck chair by the pool at this swanky Santa Monica hotel. Sunset films offer a romantic date night option or fun family outing. Tickets are free with a $25 food and drink minimum; full service from FIG Restaurant is available.

October 3, 7 p.m. Hook

October 9, 7 p.m. How to Train Your Dragon

October 16, 7 p.m. Cheaper by the Dozen

October 24, 7 p.m. Little Rascals

The Regency Theaters chain has opened this Van Nuys drive-in movie theater offering screenings under the stars. A full concession stand is available, orders can be placed in advance online to minimize wait time.

October 1, 7:30 p.m. Demolition Man

October 7, 7 p.m. Halloween

October 7, 9:45 p.m. Halloween 2

October 8, 9 p.m. Screamfest: Initiation and Horror Shorts

October 9, 9 p.m. Screamfest: An Ideal Host and Horror Shorts

October 10, 9 p.m. Screamfest: Anonymous Animals and Horror Shorts

October 11, 7:30 p.m. Screamfest Short Scares: Volume 1

October 12, 9:15 p.m. Screamfest Sweet River and Horror Shorts

October 13, 9 p.m. Screamfest: A Ghost Waits and Horror Shorts

October 14, 7 p.m. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers

October 14, 9:45 p.m. Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers

November 1, 7:30 p.m. Stand By Me

This O.C. screening series brings drive-in movie nights to the parking lots of Brea Mall and the Outlets at San Clemente. Check event website to confirm screening location and other details.

October 1, 7:30 p.m. The Notebook

October 1, 8 p.m. Casper

October 2, 7:30 p.m. Secret Life of Pets 2

October 2, 8 p.m. The Goonies

October 3, 7:30 p.m. The Goonies

October 4, 7:30 p.m. La La Land

October 4, 8 p.m. Beetlejuice

Previous Pop-Ups…

This popular rooftop (non drive-in) screening series is returning for a shortened, socially-distanced season. You’ll sit in designated chairs, spaced out from other groups, and must consent to temperature reading and mask requirements–but otherwise, it’s largely the classic summer tradition you remember.

The biggest annual summer outdoor movie series didn’t let us down, pivoting to a program of in-car entertainment. The schedule is reduced this year, but still includes multiple venues, and there will still be food trucks on site. Street Food Cinema is also a cohost of the Level 8 Drive-In series at the Americana, listed below. (SFC will also rent you the gear for your own drive-in screening or larger-than-life projected wedding ceremony.)

A bummer about all these pop-ups? They sell out fast. This Long Beach pop-up drive-in, which is parking itself atop the Whole Foods parking deck at the 2nd and PCH shopping center, offers stand-by tickets on a first-come, first serve basis. Note that times vary based on sunset.

Presented by Porsche, this series will take place at the Sony Pictures lot in Culver City, with space to accommodate around 75 cars per showing. Attendees will need to agree to COVID-19 safety rules and sign a waiver to participate.

Your favorite walk-in(?) theater chain is heading outside, hosting films at the Vineland Drive-In. Sponsored by FIJI Water, the series focuses mostly on new-release indie flicks. Some showings include appearances by cast and crew.

The annual film festival celebrating LGBTQ+ cinema is back in a hybrid online and in-person form. Binge dozens of movies on their online Outfest Now streaming platform, and turn out for a selection of drive-in screenings at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu.

Enjoy the views from atop the garage of the Americana at these screenings. In addition to the family-friendly flicks, you’ll have access to classic movie concessions including free popcorn, and the option to buy special meal packs from the complex’s restaurants.

Curated by actor Michael B. Jordan (and featuring several of his starring roles) this Amazon-sponsored series of double-features takes place at City of Industry’s full-time drive-in movie theater, the Vineland Drive-In. Refreshments are on Amazon, all purchased from diverse-owned local businesses.

This national series has announced two SoCal locations, San Juan Capistrano and Woodland Hills, which schedule a limited run of films. Check the website for announcements of additional dates.

Love Amazon Prime’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel? Then you’ll want to head to the Grove’s rooftop parking deck for this series, produced by Street Food Cinema and presented by Amazon Prime. Each screening night will feature episodes of the show, snacks, cupcakes, gift bags and more–and it’s all free with online registration (limit: two guests per car).

Sagebrush Cantina is offering micro-drive-in nights outside its Calabasas restaurant. In addition to a $25 pass for the car, you’ll need to spend at least $15 on food and drink from the restaurant during the show.

Not actually a drive-in series (more of a walk-up?) but we’re including here as it’s one of the very few outdoor movie options this summer that aren’t vehicle-based. In an attempt to comply with COVID protocols, a small number of guests will be able to purchase seats for these screenings, and the seats will be placed several feet apart. Additional protocols and guidelines can be found on the website. As in previous years, the series takes place on the roof at WeHo’s E.P. & L.P. and includes food and drink upgrades available for purchase.

RELATED: Movie Theaters Are Still Closed, but These Drive-Ins Are Open for Business

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