​New Drive-In Movie Theaters Popping Up Across Bay Area

BAY AREA, CA — Anyone else catch the "Grease" sing-along on CBS this summer? The 1978 musical classic hasn't, perhaps, aged the best in the 40-plus years since its release, but it invoked a nostalgia for something most Bay Area residents hadn't seen much in the decades before the pandemic struck: a drive-in movie.

Even as San Francisco moved into the "orange" zone for businesses reopening, from hair salons to gyms to (limited) indoor dining, indoor movie theaters were only allowed to reopen earlier this month.

However, the National Association of Theatre Owners of California/Nevada announced that its members agreed to keep their theaters closed until the city of San Francisco loosens its COVID-19 restrictions.

Some indoor movie theaters have already reopened with limited capacity in Napa, Marin, Solano and San Mateo counties. Recently, the Regal Cinemas chain announced it will temporarily close all of its movie theaters across the United States.

But for those still too worried about catching COVID to attend an indoor movie, that's OK. Find a Danny Zuko, or at least someone with a license and car, and mosey on over to one of the new theaters of yesteryear.

SAN FRANCISCO

Pier 70
San Francisco is a city of collaboration. Pier 70 has teamed up with food-entrepreneur incubator La Cocina, as well as a slew of independent theaters including the Roxie, the Vogue and the Balboa to bring the city three weekends of Dinner And A Drive-In.
Where: 20th Street, Illinois St., San Francisco
When: 8 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 24 and 31
How much: $65 includes a ticket for one vehicle and two meal servings
Choice flick: It's sold out, but "Blindspotting" on Oct. 24!

OAKLAND

The New Parkway
It's refreshing to watch a movie in a theater on a sofa. Or on a dining room chair, or even a beanbag. Such is the New Parkway's way, and this flexibility is why it was able to adapt to outdoor screenings. It's hosted some outdoor screenings nearby in Oakland's Uptown District in August and September, and its theaters are available to book for private rentals. But the New Parkway doesn't plan to reopen to the public until a vaccine is available.
Where: 474 24th St., Oakland with outdoor screenings at Heist, 440 25th St., Oakland, 510-338-3228
When: No outdoor new screenings are scheduled, but keep checking the site

MORE EAST BAY

West Wind Drive-In Concord
While hundreds, even thousands, of businesses have closed in the Bay Area due to the pandemic, at least one has been revived. The Concord location of the West Wind Drive-In Movie Theater has reopened to bring back some affordable flicks, including Christopher Nolan's new film, "Tenet" and a double feature of the "Halloween" (2018) and "Ouija" this weekend.
Where: 1611 Solano Way, Concord, 925-825-1951 or 925-687-6445
When: Every day, shows are in the evening, check schedule for showtimes
How much: $8.50 per person general admission, $2 per children ages 5-11, and free for children age 4 and under. On Tuesday Family Fun Nights, tickets are $5.50 per person, $2 per children ages 5-11, and free for children age 4 and under.
Choice flick: "Halloween" (2018)

Alameda County Fairgrounds
Despite canceling the 2020 county fair, the fairgrounds have plenty planned for the rest of the year, including Under the Stars Drive-In Movies with "Hairspray" (2007) screening Friday and "Mission: Impossible" screening Saturday.
Where: 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton, 925-426-7600
When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
How much: $35 for parking
Choice flick: "Hairspray" (2007)

NORTH BAY

Corte Madera
Marin's Lark Theater is bringing movies to a parking lot near you — if you live in the North Bay. Drive up to screenings of classics old and new every weekend evening.
Where: North Parking Lot of The Village at Corte Madera, 1557 Redwood Highway, Corte Madera, 415-924-5111
When: 7 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 9:15 p.m. Saturdays
How much: $15-$35 per vehicle

St. Helena
Like everyone else, Cameo Cinema had to get creative. They partnered with local eatery Gott's Roadside to bring St. Helena a family-friendly outdoor theater.
Where: 933 Main St. (Highway 29), St. Helena, 707-963-9779
When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 1
How much: $35 per car
Choice flicks: "Coco" on Oct. 30

SOUTH BAY

San Jose
West Wind also has a San Jose location, Capitol Drive-In, for those in the South Bay, with an exclusive lineup of double-feature nights featuring some of the most harrowing Halloween films including "The Nun" and "The Rite."
Where: 3630 Hillcap Ave., San Jose, 408-226-2251
When: Daily evening screenings
How much: Same prices apply to this location: $8.50 per person general admission, $2 per children ages 5-11, and free for children age 4 and under. On Tuesday Family Fun Nights, tickets are $5.50 per person, $2 per children ages 5-11, and free for children age 4 and under.
Choice Flix: "Hocus Pocus" and "Goosebumps" double feature!

By Amelia Williams / Bay City News Foundation

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