A Dozen (Or So) Drive-Ins To Visit This Week

Indoor cinemas are still mostly dark, thanks to pandemic precautions, but that doesn’t mean streaming services are your only option.

Drive-in movies – perfect during this time of year – have popped up as a safe, entertaining way to get out of the house and catch a film. From permanent, seasonal drive-ins frequented by generations of Granite Staters, to pop-up screens appearing in parking lots around the state, there are a number of options. Here are 13 drive-in theater experiences you can visit:

Milford Drive-In Theater 
Milford, NH

This longtime favorite is open seven days a week. Recent features have included “Inside Out” and “The Secret Life of Pets;”and “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” followed by “The Big Lebowski.” As with most things, there are protective measures in place. Patrons are asked to wear masks at the box office, when using the restrooms and when picking up food at the concession, which is available via take-out/pick-up window only; the drive-in is operating at half capacity, and only one car can park between two poles – ensuring 10 feet of space on each side. For a full list of COVID-19 precautions, visit Milford Drive-In Theater.
Now showing
$30 per car.
531 Elm St., Milford, N.H.
(603) 673-4090

Northfield Drive-In
Hinsdale, NH

Celebrating its 72nd year, the Northfield Drive-In stands as just one of 20 drive-in theaters left in New England. The original screen was destroyed by a hurricane in 1951, but the rebuilt screen still stands today at a rather large 80 by 54 feet. The Northfield Drive-In straddles the New Hampshire/Massachusetts border, and holds the distinction of appearing in the film, “The Cider House Rules,” where three scenes were shot on Halloween day, 1998. Northfield screens films every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Gates and snack bar open at 6:30 p.m.
Now showing
$12 for adults – children under 12 are $7. Add a dollar for triple-features.
981 Northfield Road, Hinsdale, N.H.
(603) 239-4054

Weirs Drive-In Theater 
Laconia, NH

Recent films screening at this Lakes Region destination range from a Harry Potter double feature to “The Tax Collector” and “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” Weirs Drive-In transitions to weekends after Labor Day, and then closes for the season in October. Virus precautions include requests that customers wear masks when outside their cars; vehicles park in every-other space; and the snack bar is no longer self-service – staff will serve you.
Now showing
Cars up to four people are $28 and $6 for each additional person. Children under 4 are free.
76 Endicott St. East, Laconia, N.H.
(603) 366-4723

Drive. Dine. Rewind.
Epping and Rochester, NH

The O’Neil Cinemas in Epping and Rochester have converted their parking lots into drive-in theaters. The lots opens at 6:30 p.m. and movies start at dusk, around 8:30 p.m. Patrons can take advantage of concessions – expect hot food, combos, popcorn, drinks and candy, which can be pre-ordered. When you arrive, head to the concession tent or grill tent to pick up your order.
Now showing
$30 per car.
The Ridge is located at 120 Marketplace Boulevard, Rochester.
Brickyard Square is located at 24 Calef Highway, Epping.

BarnZ’s Pop Up Drive-In
Barrington, NH

The lot opens at 7:30 p.m. Arrive, check-in at the reservation tent, and take advantage of the full concessions menu until movie time at 9 p.m. Patrons can sit in front of their vehicle and masks must be worn in the building. Recent showings include “The Bourne Identity” and “Jurassic Park.”
Now showing
586 Calef Highway, No. 1, Barrington, N.H.
(603) 664-5671

Cocheco Arts Festival Drive-In Movie Night
Dover, NH

Friday movie night kicks off at the end of this week, Aug. 14, with a showing of the short film “Rocketship,” by local filmmaker Alfred Catalfo, followed by “Shrek.” Doors open at 6 p.m., and the movie starts at 7:30 p.m.
Each $10 ticket admits one vehicle with up to 8 passengers. Each ticket gets the vehicle two parking spaces; one space for the vehicle, and one space for chairs, blankets, etc., giving you the option to enjoy the show outdoors while staying socially distanced.
Now showing
St. John’s United Methodist Church
28 Cataract Avenue, Dover, N.H.
Tickets

Friday Night Flicks – Drive-In Movie Series 
Exeter, NH

$15 gets your car in front of the screen at Exeter High School along with some light food or snacks. Contact Exeter Parks and Registration to reserve your spot: (603) 773-6151. Don’t miss “Harry & The Hendersons” on August 14.
Now Showing
Exeter High School
1 Blue Hawk Drive, Exeter, N.H.
(603) 773-6151

Drive-In Movie 
Sanbornville, NH

For just $10, you can pull your car into a socially-distanced spot that includes room for lawn chairs. Gates open at 7:30 p.m., and the movie starts at 8:30 p.m. The Pink House will be on-site for ice cream. Limited space is available.
Now showing
Ballpark complex
1488 Wakefield Road, Sanbornville, N.H.

Movie Screen on the Green
Lebanon, NH

Lebanon Parks and Recreation is hosting movies every Friday night at Colburn Park.
Now showing
Colburn Park
51 North Park St., Lebanon, N.H.
(603) 448-5121

Movie Night in the Park 
Merrimack, NH

Merrimack Parks and Recreation closes out its summer on Sept. 5 with the final free movie night of the season and a showing of “Frozen 2.” Movie night, open to residents and non-residents alike, is held at Wasserman Park on the baseball field next to the tennis courts.
Now showing
Wasserman Park
116 Naticook Road, Merrimack, NH.

The Lost Summer Drive-In Movie Series
Portsmouth, NH

The Prescott Park Arts Festival’s “Lost Summer” Drive-in Movie Series is offering the drive-in experience at two locations: on Monday nights at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital at Pease International Tradeport and Friday and Saturday nights at the lot shared by the Blue Mermaid and Tributary Brewing Company, just over the border in Kittery, Maine. Don’t miss “Dazed and Confused” and “Caddyshack”, happening August 14 and 15, respectively.
Now showing
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital at Pease International Tradeport, 73 Corporate Drive, Portsmouth, N.H.
Blue Mermaid and Tributary Brewing Company, 10 Shapleigh Road, Kittery, Maine.
Prescott Park: (603) 486-2848