National Drive-In Movie Day
June 6, Friday
Drive-in theaters became popular in the mid-20th century, especially in the 1950s and 1960s, when family outings to open-air cinemas were a common leisure activity. Their popularity peaked in the post-war years, when cars became more accessible and the romance of “dashboard cinema” held special appeal.
History:
The first drive-in theater was opened by Richard Hollingshead, who initially tested the idea in his own backyard. He used a projector, a stretched screen, and car-mounted speakers. The screening of the first film (“Wives Beware”) marked the beginning of a new form of entertainment.
Interesting facts:
– In 1958, there were over 4,000 drive-in theaters in the U.S.
– Sound was initially broadcast through speakers hung on car windows, later through radio.
– During the COVID-19 pandemic, drive-ins saw a temporary revival as a safe way to watch films together.
How it is celebrated:
– People visit an operating drive-in theater (some still exist in certain U.S. states).
– They organize their own outdoor movie screenings using projectors.
– They watch classic films from the 1950s and 1960s to immerse themselves in the past.
– They share photos, memories, or themed posts on social media.
Conclusion: National Drive-In Movie Day is a nostalgic reminder of times when an evening in a car under the open sky with popcorn and a favorite movie was especially romantic. This holiday celebrates not only cultural heritage but also the power of cinema to bring people together.