Today, June 6, 2023, is National Drive-in Day, and this year’s celebration is particularly special because today also marks the 90th anniversary of drive-in theaters.
The drive-in theatre was invented by Richard Hollingshead, who opened the first one in Camden, New Jersey on June 6, 1933. The popularity of drive-ins grew, and by the mid 1950s there were more than 4,000 drive-ins in the United States. The magic of the drive-in experience has had a profound and ever-lasting impact on American culture.
On their 90th Anniversary, drive-in theatres are once again thriving. The modern drive-in theatre combines the nostalgic outdoor movie-going experience with modern state of the art projection and sound technology, plus the largest screens in the country. Drive-ins are still a wonderful value, providing a full evening’s worth of entertainment. With about 300 drive-in theatres across the country, chances are good there is one near you.
To commemorate the 90th Anniversary of Drive-ins, drive-in movie critic Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy the Mail Girl have filmed a special 90th Anniversary Drive-in Theatre Public Service Announcement, which you can check out below.
On the appeal and impact of the drive-in theatre experience, Joe Bob said, “Drive-ins have changed a lot since 1933—many of them now show first-run blockbusters to huge summer crowds—but each new generation has discovered something to love about the ultimate American movie-going experience. As Darcy and I always say on our weekly show, the drive-in will never die!”
Additionally, the United Drive-in Theatre Owners Association (UDITOA) presents www.authenticdriveins.com. This new website, created by drive-in theatre owners, will allow movie-goers to find the UDITOA drive-in theatres near them. Listings of drive-in movies and show-times with advance ticket purchasing will also be available on the site, in addition to the latest official drive-in theatre news, drive-in history, and even listings of drive-in theatres for sale.
And finally, the Third Annual World Drive-In Movie Festival & Jamboree will be held October 6-8, 2023 at the West Wind Drive-in, Las Vegas. Often simply called, “Joe Bob’s Jamboree”, the event is a three-day party hosted by Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy the Mail Girl that brings together fans of drive-in movies and the drive-in experience. This year it moves to Las Vegas for a bigger-than-ever slate of films, celebrities, and live performances at the six screen West Wind Las Vegas Drive-in. Tickets are available at www.joebobsjamboree.com.
Authentic Drive-ins will announce special events all throughout 2023 to celebrate their 90th birthday. You can like and follow all of the official Authentic Drive-ins social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest drive-in theatre news. And visit www.authenticdriveins.com to find the UDITOA Authentic Drive-in Theatres near you!
