In 1933, Richard Hollingshead developed the concept of park-in theaters (drive-ins). Since then, Americans, by and large, have opted to reserve their seats at IMAX theaters, 3D cinemas, and even on the couch in their own homes to watch Netflix.

But as author Harley King once said, “All things old become new again.” People across the country have again found a love for the open air cinema experience. And that’s quite understandable, as the outdoor movie watching experience in the summer is unparalleled.

If you haven’t quite caught onto the trend, keep reading as we lay out seven reasons as to why you’ll fall in love with outdoor movie theaters this summer.  

7. You Can Bring Whatever Food and Beverages You Like

If you have a larger family, or just don’t like paying the increased markup on refreshments at movie theaters, then having the freedom to bring whatever snacks you like to outdoor theaters should be a top reason to love outdoor movie theaters. You won’t have to worry about purchasing $8.00 buckets of popcorn, $4.00 cups of coke, or $4.00 boxes of candy.

Instead, you can just bring some snacks from your very own pantry at no additional cost to you. And if you wanted to have a movie and picnic, there’s nothing stopping you. You can pack up a picnic basket for you and your family with your favorite sandwiches and chips, and have a great time.

6. You Get to Be in the Great Outdoors

Summer only lasts for three months of the year, so why not take advantage of the beautiful weather. One of the best features of the open air cinema concept is the actual open air. You get to be one with nature and have the beauty of summer as a backdrop to whatever the film may be.

Also, on the right evening in the summer, the temperature feels amazing to watch a flick in. How many times have you been to an indoor movie theater and almost froze because of the air condition? When you’re outside, you feel the summer warmth mixed with the cool summer breeze.

5. You Can Become One with Your Community

If you’ve never taken the opportunity to take part in any community activities, the open air cinema provides you with the perfect chance. You can go view a movie with some of the neighbors you don’t usually make a point of hanging out with.

Or, you can meet some people in your community you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting previously. And sometimes networking pays off in the best of ways in the long run. You could gain a friend or a person to help enhance your career.

There is more info here on the potential of the great impact of open air cinemas in communities. 

4. You Can Go with the Whole Family

Another benefit of the outdoor theater concept is no one is limited from coming; which means, you have the opportunity to bring the whole family.

If you want to bring your children, there isn’t anyone stopping you. And if you want to bring any of the four-legged members of your family, you can do that as well. Again, since it’s outside, your dogs and cats are welcomed.

3. You Can Save Money on Tickets

Now in many cases, open air cinemas may not cost you anything or will cost you next to nothing. And let’s be honest, that’s a welcomed price to pay considering brick and mortar theaters can get pretty pricey.

If you aren’t a senior citizen, a child, or a movie theater employee, you could pay quite a bit of money in movie tickets; especially, if you have a bigger family unit. While it’s summer, take advantage of the valued entertainment. Your pockets will thank you.

2. You Can Do More than Watch the Movie

In “traditional” movie theaters as we’ve come to know them, you go into them ready to do nothing but watch a film and maybe eat snacks in the dark. There is no opportunity to play cards, toss around the Frisbee, or play a board game. That’s different from open air cinemas.

Outdoor theaters afford moviegoers with the chance to do other things besides just sit there and watch a film in silence. If individuals think they can master the art of multitasking, and can play games while following a plot, then that’s a fun option. Watching a movie outside is about an experience, not just a movie.

1. You Can Bond at an Open Air Cinema

Whether you’re looking for something to do to bond with your family, or perhaps looking for a cheap way to bond with a love interest, open air cinemas offer a great opportunity to hang with those you love and like. Again, outdoor movies are not just about the films. It’s about an experience.

So if you do happen to be trying to impress someone you’re fond of romantically, create the romantic experience of a date. Bring out that blanket, picnic basket, and maybe a little wine (depending on laws and regulations of the space). Just one piece of advice, make sure you don’t set your picnic up next to the family with the more than rambunctious children.

What Are You Waiting For?

By now, you should be convinced of the pure magic of the open air cinema. Between the price, natural ambiance, and the overall experience, a trip to the outdoor movie theater is the perfect source of entertainment this summer for you.  

Make sure you put the outing on your calendar today.