Orange County, NY is Keeping the Drive-In Movie Tradition Alive

I can't express how much I love going to the drive-in. One of my earliest drive-in experiences was seeing the first Iron Man followed by Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull at the Hyde Park Drive-In. Since then, it has been one of my favorite summer treats. I love tailgating with friends, eating comfort food and playing lawn games like Kan Jam or Corn Hole ahead of a sweet double feature.

Read More: Latest Hyde Park Drive-In Proposal Features Major Updates

Whether they are playing new movies or classics, I am always down. Drive-ins were a saving grace during the pandemic. It was a fun, easy, and safe way for my friends and I get together and enjoy some time together. I'm excited for this year's drive-in season, it's going to be phenomenal. Especially with the amazing selection of drive-ins that the Hudson Valley is blessed with.

Orange County is Keeping the Drive-In Movie Tradition Alive

A night at the drive-in movies is not just a nostalgic memory in Orange County, N.Y. The classic slice of Americana is a beloved experience enjoyed nightly by many when the weather turns mild. Two drive-in locations in Orange County offer opportunities to see movies under the stars – the Warwick Drive-In in Warwick and the Fair Oaks Drive-In in Middletown.

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Only about 350 drive-in theaters remain in the country and fewer than 30 are in New York State. Having two locations to choose from in Orange County – with a total of five screens – is a rare treat. The Warwick Drive-In, with three screens, opened for the season on April 5; the Fair Oaks Drive-in, with two screens, opens in May.

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The experience of watching a movie from the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle conjures fond images of the 1950s and ‘60s, a charm that itself has been captured in many movies. Remember Grease?

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But, classic as they are, drive-in movies have kept with the times when it comes to sound and picture quality. Updated equipment and digital projection systems allow them to present movies with the crisp clarity and sound fidelity worthy of the latest mega-budget blockbusters.

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Both Orange County drive-ins feature concession stands for all the treats a movie fan could want to munch on and sip while swooning to a romance, thrilling to an action flick or splitting a side to a comedy. It all adds up to an experience that can’t be beat, perfect for date nights, family outings or making memories with friends.

About Orange County Tourism & Film

Orange County Tourism & Film, based in Goshen, N.Y., is the county’s tourism and film production headquarters and a participant in the I LOVE NY program. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging, events and film resources can be found at www.OrangeTourism.org. Additionally, a fun, free, 60-page travel guide is available for digital download at orangetourism.org/travel-guide/.