I’ve been a drive-in lover since I saw Grease, and I thought I’d find my own Danny Zuko, amirite? Anyway, drive-in theaters are A-1 to drive up to rn where you know you’ll be safe and social distancing from everyone else but also spice up your date night or friend night, depending on who you’re living with during quarantine.
These are the ones in the Bay that I know. I could personally attest to Alameda County Fairgrounds because I’m a fair bitch AKA I LOVE the fair, so of course, I was heartbroken that the fair canceled. But, they’re making the most of the fairgrounds! (BLESS)
Alameda County Fairgrounds
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Alameda County Fair (@alamedacountyfair) on Jun 30, 2020 at 6:33pm PDT
Open: Friday + Saturdays
Location: Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton
Option 1: Grab + Go Food Trucks
- FREE! You can drive right up and no need to pay for parking
Option 2: Drive-In Theaters
- You must purchase your tickets ahead of time. Follow their socials. They’ll let you know when tickets go on sale + what movie will be playing.
- You’ll be able to purchase food (if you don’t bring your own) @ the nearby food trucks!
Option 3: Live Concerts
- Believe it’s $100(?) per car, but squeeze as many people you possibly can. (then bring lawn chairs, so you’re not sitting in the same vehicle the entire show)
- They’re only featuring cover bands, and the other night they played a Garth Brooks concert… which was a concert streamed on a big screen across the country. *YAWN. GIVE PEOPLE THEIR $100 BACK.
Other important info:
- The bathrooms are super clean. There’ll be one blocked in-between each stall and sink. A team member will come in once someone steps out to sanitize handles. Don’t forget to give them a thank you!
San Mateo County Fair (Peninsula)
View this post on InstagramA post shared by San Mateo County Fair (@sanmateocofair) on Jun 30, 2020 at 11:31am PDT
Open: Friday + Saturdays
Location: San Mateo County Fairgrounds in San Mateo
I haven’t been to this one, but it looks like they’re working on a similar flow as above. They haven’t announced their July movies, but just like all other drive-ins, they’ll probably show old school classics.
A Night at the Drive-In (by Michael B Jordan x Amazon)
View this post on InstagramA post shared by westwinddrivein (@westwinddiandpm) on Jun 26, 2020 at 3:25pm PDT
Open: 7/1, 7/15, 7/29, 8/12, 8/26
Location: San Jose Drive-In Theaters + Sacramento Drive-In Theaters
‘TIS LIVE! Michael B Jordan teamed up with Amazon to amplify BIPOC voices in the industry. Here’s a direct quote from his press release (so official): “Now more than ever, amplifying Black and Brown stories means engaging culture to speak to hearts and minds about the world we live in. As we use this opportunity to reimagine community and proximity, I am excited that these films will be shared and celebrated all across the country.”
WestWind Drive-In
View this post on InstagramA post shared by westwinddrivein (@westwinddiandpm) on Jun 25, 2020 at 12:54pm PDT
Locations: San Jose, Concord, Sacramento
My #1 all day, every day. Even when this is all over, I highly recommend you head to drive-in theaters for movie releases. You can seriously watch a movie in your car for ~$14 for 2. MUUUUUUUCH cheaper than your one ticket at a sit-in-a-seat theater.
Major Protip: It may seem early AF to go 1 – 2 hours before your showtime, but trust me, it’ll get super packed. Your show might sell out, or you get a crappy spot. Beat the traffic, go early. Eat your food there, drink, do whatever to kill time.
Good thing you kept reading because don’t forget these tips:
- Bring a portable radio if you give a crap about your battery. I know from experience since my battery died twice. Ha.
- No one will ever put this on their event’s website lol but BYOB. That’s the best part. They don’t necessarily check your car, so bring ya wine.
- Blankets. It gets cold AFFFF.
- Hand sanitizer. Idk I trust the soap dispensers there, man.
- Most of the snacks are NOT open, except Alameda County Fairgrounds’ food trucks.
