Yes, there are still drive-in theaters near Rochester, and they’re perfect for date nights with your partner, family, or to enjoy all by yourself! The Vintage Drive-In in Avon is the closest, but there are five others within a 90 minute drive that we’ve linked at the bottom of this article.
The Vintage opens for weekend-only showings around the first Friday in April, then every night after Memorial Day. Movies are published to the website and Facebook page every Monday afternoon for the upcoming Friday.
Planning a trip to the drive-in
A warm summer evening is perfect for having the whole family (including pets!) sit outside on your lawn chairs in pajamas, listening to the movie through the car speakers. But I’ve been to there in the rain and cold where you have to leave the car running and it’s still a great experience!
If you’ve never been theater before, check out their FAQs for helpful tips.
The best way to make this a fun event is to get there early, or as soon as they start letting cars in, usually about 7pm on the weekend, 8pm weeknights.
You’ll be directed to your screen, and park according to vehicle size; cars in front, trucks and vans in back. There is room for 2 cars between the poles.
Once you’re settled, head up to the restaurant, which has everything you’d expect: pizza, hot dogs, burgers, pop corn, nachos, candy, soda, coffee, etc.
You can bring in your own food, but theaters make their money in concession sales so they’re happy to charge you a fee to do so.
Play a round of miniature golf or arcade games before your movie begins.
Bring a flashlight to navigate the uneven rocky-road in the dark once your movie begins. You’ll most likely make that trip a few times to use the restroom and grab more refreshments.
Double-features are the standard for drive-in theaters. You pay for the predetermined pair of movies, and are unable to bounce to another screen when the first movie ends. Imagine how annoying that would be to the folks who are already parked and enjoying their film.
It’s not mandatory to stay for the 2nd film, though, and you can head home after the 1st feature if you’d like.
More information about Vintage Drive-In
Cost: Visit website for current fees
Located in Avon, roughly 25 minutes / 20 miles from Rochester (get directions)
More information: vintagedrivein.com and facebook.com/vintagedrivein
More Drive-In Theaters around Rochester
The Vintage is the closest to Rochester, but not the only one. Check out each website below for the specifics. They vary in admission price, days open, food policies and amenities.
All of these theaters offer a great entertainment experience, with the newest releases on multiple screens.
Finger Lakes Drive-In (Auburn – 60 min.) – New York’s oldest continually running drive-in!
Sunset Drive-In (Middleport – 60 min.)
Charcoal Corral & Silver Lake Twin-Drive In (Perry – 60 min.)
Midway Drive-In Theatre (Oswego – 90 min.)
Transit Drive-In Theatre (Lockport – 90 min.)
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What are your favorite drive-in movie memories?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!