We all enjoy a good blockbuster. But we hate to waste our all-too-few summer nights cooped up in a cavernous megaplex — we've got approximately seven months of Boston winter to stay indoors. That's why we're glad there are so many open-air film options on the picnic table this summer. From old-fashioned drive-ins to Sunday-night screenings in the park, we've got you covered. Or uncovered, as the case may be.
DRIVE-INS
LEICESTER DRIVE-IN | 1675 Main St, Leicester, MA | 508.892.4400 | $20 per car | Box office opens at 6 pm
Movies shown seven nights a week mid-June through the last Sunday in August. Concession stand offers popcorn, hot dogs, grilled cheeseburgers, nachos, and other artery-clogging delectables.
MENDON TWIN DRIVE-IN | 35 Milford St, Mendon, MA | 508.473.4958 | $20 per car; $30 per van | Box office opens at 7 pm
Movies shown seven nights a week, starting May 27 through late August. Snack bar offers clam chowder, lobster rolls, popcorn, Mexican food, hot dogs, ice cream, hamburgers, mozzarella sticks, and much more. Cash only.
NORTHFIELD DRIVE-IN THEATRE | 81 Northfield Rd, Hinsdale, NH | 603.239.4054 | $9 per person | Box office opens at 6 pm
Situated right on the border of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, this drive-in is now in its 63rd year. Movies shown Friday through Sunday, all summer long. Snack bar offers popcorn, hamburgers, fried dough, pizza, and corn dogs. Cash only.
RUSTIC TRI-VIEW DRIVE-IN | Rte 146, North Smithfield, RI | 401.769.7601 | $20 per car | Movies typically start at 7:15 pm
Just 10 minutes from downtown Providence, the Rustic offers three screens showing at least two movies every night, all summer long. Snack bar offers popcorn, hamburgers, ice cream, etc.
WELLFLEET DRIVE-IN | Rt. 6, Wellfleet, MA | 508.349.7176 | $8 per person; $5 seniors | Box office opens at 7 pm
Screens first-run double features every night in the summer. Snack bar offers popcorn, hot dogs, ice cream, hamburgers, you name it. Cash only.
OPEN-AIR FILM SERIES
BROOKLINE SUMMER IN THE PARKS OUTDOOR FILM SERIES | Devotion School Field, 345 Harvard St, Brookline | Free
The theme of this year's series is "Pirates" — finally, a chance to bring your cutlass out for a night on the town. Films slated thus far include The Goonies, Hook, and Pirates of Penzance. Movies begin at dusk. Check online for dates and films.
SIXTH ANNUAL CHINATOWN FILMS AT THE GATE | 10 Hudson St, Boston | 617.482.2380 | Free
For the sixth year running, a vacant lot near Chinatown Gate is transformed into a free, outdoor theater screening classic kung-fu and Chinese-language films under the stars. August 25–28; movies start at dusk.
FREE FRIDAY FLICKS AT THE ESPLANADE | Hatch Shell, One David G. Mugar Way, Boston | Free
Free films on the Esplanade at the Hatch, every Friday from mid-June through late-August. Movies start at dusk. Check online for film schedule.
SUMMER IN THE CITY: MOVIES BY MOONLIGHT | Boston Harbor Hotel, Rowes Wharf, Boston | Free for guests; call for prices
The Boston Harbor Hotel's annual "Summer in the City" series features both vintage and modern classics every Friday night, June 17 through Sept 2. The films slated thus far include An Affair to Remember, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Field of Dreams, and more. Movies begin at dusk. Check online for dates and films.
