Where’s The Best Drive-In Theater in the Hudson Valley?

While drive-in movie theaters are all but extinct in many areas across the country, the Hudson Valley is lucky enough to still have several to choose from.

On June 6, 1933 the very first drive in movie theater opened up in Camden, NJ. After World War II the popularity of drive-ins started to take off with over 5,000 off them popping up all over the country during the mid 1950's. According to History.com, the rising price of real estate in the 1980s coupled with the home video market put a dent in the industry. Today, there are less than 500 drive-in theaters remaining. Luckily for us, several of them are still located right here in the Hudson Valley.

Hi-Way Drive-In Movie Theater
This four-screen drive-in plays new, first run movies. It's located on Route 92 in Coxsackie near Catskill. According to Driveinmovie.com it can accommodate 600 cars, making it the second largest drive-in in New York.

Fair Oaks Drive In
This Orange County theater has seen its share of problems through the years, but is currently planning on reopening this summer. The two-screen theater has been going through extensive repairs and remodeling and is slated for a Fourth of July grand opening.

Greenville Drive-In
Located on Route 32 in Greenville, this theater has also seen it's share of ups and downs, but is currently open on weekends.

Amenia Drive In
One of the newest drive-in theaters, the Amenia was opened in 2013 by the owners of Four Brothers Pizza. This theater may be the smallest in New York state, but is getting rave reviews for its special promotions and food, which can be delivered right to your car. The theater is located on Route 22 in Amenia.

Hyde Park Drive In Theater
The Hyde Park Drive-In has operated continuously since 1949 and is currently under the care of the National Park Service. It's located on Route 9, across from the FDR estate and is open every night through the summer.

Overlook Drive In Theater
The sister theater to Hyde Park, the Overlook is located between Route 44 and 55 on Degarmo Road in Poughkeepsie. Like Hyde Park, it's open all summer playing first run double-features.

Warwick Drive In
The Orange County theater has been owned and operated by the same family since 1977. The three-screen theater has the distinction of being the very first to open each season, usually right after St. Patrick's Day. It's located on Warwick Turnpike, off of 94 in Warwick.