National Drive In Movie Day

National Drive-In Movie Day

National Drive-In Movie Day is an annual celebration that honors the nostalgic charm of drive-in theaters. It commemorates the opening of the first-ever drive-in theater by Richard M. Hollingshead Jr. on June 6, 1933, in Camden, New Jersey. This day celebrates the unique experience of watching movies under the stars from the comfort of your car.

Quick Facts

When is it?: June 6
Tagged as: Fun, Nostalgia, Movies
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalDriveInMovieDay
When was it founded?: 1933 (the year the first drive-in opened)
Who founded it?: Richard M. Hollingshead Jr.

History

The concept of drive-in theaters was born out of a desire to make movie-watching more accessible and comfortable for families. Richard Hollingshead Jr., inspired by his mother’s difficulty sitting in traditional theater seats, experimented with outdoor movie setups in his driveway. He eventually patented the idea and opened the first drive-in theater, which could accommodate 400 cars. The first film shown was Wife Beware, a British comedy.

Drive-ins became a cultural phenomenon by the 1950s, with over 4,000 theaters across the U.S., offering a family-friendly and romantic way to enjoy movies. However, their popularity declined with the rise of indoor cinemas, television, and streaming services.

Timeline

1933: The first patented drive-in theater opens in New Jersey.
1940s: Innovations like in-car speakers enhance the experience.
1950s-1960s: Drive-ins peak in popularity with thousands across the U.S.
1970s-1990s: Decline begins due to rising land costs and competition from other entertainment options.
2020s: A resurgence during the pandemic as a socially distanced entertainment option.

Dates by Next Year

Year	Month and Date	Day
2024	June 6	Thursday
2025	June 6	Friday
2026	June 6	Saturday
2027	June 6	Sunday
2028	June 6	Tuesday
2029	June 6	Wednesday

Observed

National Drive-In Movie Day is celebrated by visiting a local drive-in theater or setting up your own outdoor movie night at home. Families and friends can enjoy classic films or modern blockbusters while reliving this iconic tradition.

Fun Facts About Drive-In Theaters

The largest drive-in theater could hold up to 2,500 cars.
The slogan for the first drive-in was “The whole family is welcome, regardless of how noisy the children are.”
Some modern drive-ins use FM radio for sound instead of traditional speakers.

Quiz

Who founded the first drive-in theater?
(Answer: Richard M. Hollingshead Jr.)
What was the first movie shown at a drive-in?
(Answer: Wife Beware)
In which state was the first drive-in theater located?
(Answer: New Jersey)

FAQs

Are there still drive-ins today? Yes, though fewer than before, many are still operational across the U.S.
Why did drive-ins decline? Factors include rising land costs, competition from indoor cinemas, and advancements in home entertainment.
How can I celebrate if there’s no drive-in nearby? Set up an outdoor movie night in your backyard!

Importance of National Drive-In Movie Day

This day celebrates a unique aspect of American culture and nostalgia for simpler times spent with family and friends under the stars. It promotes awareness of remaining drive-ins and encourages support for these historic venues.