Movie theaters are closed across New Jersey, but that’s about to change. Enjoy a new blockbuster film social distancing style at these drive-in theaters, opening soon.
The drive-in theater was patented in Camden, New Jersey and the first such theater was opened in nearby Pennsauken in 1933.
Electronics Magazine/Wikipedia
Billed as budget friendly family fun, and paired with a growing interest in automobiles, drive-ins thrived across the United States.
Nicholas Irwin/Flickr
At one point, there were over 40 in the Garden State including the Newark Drive-In Theater, Union Drive-In, Woodbridge Drive-In, Amboys Drive-in Theatre, Motor-Vue Drive-in Theatre, Brunswick Route 1 Drive-In Theater, Morris Plains Drive-In, Dover Drive-In, Absecon Drive-In, and Route 46 Drive-In in Lodi.
James E. Sims/Wikipedia
Out of dozens, one remains. The Delsea Drive-In Theatre in Vineland was built in 1949, closed in 1987, and reopened in 2004. It’s been a hit ever since. It was set to open for the season in March but the opening was delayed by the current pandemic. However…
Delsea Drive-In/Facebook
It’s now set to open on Friday, May 22nd. No word yet on what will be showing but we’re sure that many South Jersey residents are excited. There will be social distancing and other precautions in place.
Delsea Drive-In/Facebook
The Township of Ocean will also be opening a temporary drive-in experience for residents on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Phillip Pessar/Flickr
But North Jersey isn’t being left out - Bergen and Morris Counties will be getting their first drive-in theaters in decades. Theaters will be in Madison and Franklin Lakes and showings are set for late May and early June.
Thomas Hawk/flickr
A pop-up experience, the screen will be inflatable, the sound will come right from your car radio, and your snacks can be delivered by local partner restaurants.
Travis Grathwell/Flickr
To find out more information on the Township of Ocean’s drive-in (not playing new releases but also FREE), visit the township’s Facebook Page. These North Jersey pop-up theaters seem to be a hit as tickets are already sold out. Don’t despair! You can check the Boxcar website for possible showtimes regularly AND you can visit the Warwick Drive-In, already open for the season, just over the border in Orange County. It’s minutes from Mahwah, West Milford, Ringwood, and Vernon, among others. If you’re closer to Milford and Frenchtown, head west and you’ll find Shankweiler’s Drive-In and Becky’s Drive-In a short distance away. While they’re not currently open, many Pennsylvania counties are beginning to open their drive-in theaters and they may be open soon. There may also be pop-up drive-ins in Jackson and Wall Townships…check Back To The Movies for details as they become available.
Electronics Magazine/Wikipedia
Nicholas Irwin/Flickr
James E. Sims/Wikipedia
Delsea Drive-In/Facebook
Phillip Pessar/Flickr
Thomas Hawk/flickr
Travis Grathwell/Flickr
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