Drive-In Movie Theaters in the Finger Lakes of New York

Last updated June 29, 2023

Drive-in movie theaters have a certain nostalgic flair. 

Think warm summer nights, kids running around on the grass, getting comfy in your car, and buttered popcorn from the snack bar.

With the pandemic, many of us have rediscovered outdoor movie theaters, which let you stay in your own little space but still be out among people, having fun.

While we’re far from the peak of over 4,000 U.S. drive-in theaters in 1958, as of November 2022, 302 drive-ins existed in the United States.

New York State is in the lead with 49 screens across 28 sites.

Read on to discover their unique features and some tips on how to get the most out of your visit at a car cinema.

Several of those drive-in cinemas are in or near the Finger Lakes – boasting the oldest continually running drive-in and one of the largest screens in the state!

How to get the most out of your visit to a drive-in movie theater

• Arrive early to get a good spot – or any. Check with the theater on how they notify patrons of sold-out shows, e.g. through Facebook.
• Expect to be up late. Movies generally start at dusk, which obviously varies through the season. Check with the theaters for closer approximations.
• Bring activities for when you’re waiting, especially for kids (e.g. books, coloring books, board games, a tablet). If you’re lucky, the drive-in has a playground or other entertainment built in.
• Bring a portable FM radio. Are the batteries full? Consider bringing extras, in case your car radio isn’t working or you want the possibly better sound of the portable. (This radio is a great affordable, portable option.)
• Turn off your cell phone. Cell phones and other devices plugged into the car can interfere with the radio sound.
• Vans and SUVs should expect to park towards the back so they don’t block the view of smaller cars. You may be asked to tie hatches down to the level of the roof.
• Bring bug spray. Mosquitoes, ’nuff said.
• Plan your food. Bring your own food (if allowed) or buy meals and snacks at the concessions stand (and support your drive-in). A picnic is a nice a way to kill time while you wait.
• Prep for comfort. Bring anything else you may need to be comfortable: blankets, pillows, extra clothes, camping chairs (if outside seating is permitted).
• Stay put. Usually there’s no reentry once you leave.
• Know where to buy tickets. Check whether your drive-in theater offers online tickets or drive-up only. 
• Go in any weather. Drive-ins generally operate rain or shine, unless there is serious danger or heavy fog that obscures the screen.

Drive-in movie theaters in the Finger Lakes

Elmira Drive-In

2431 State Route 352
Elmira, NY 14903
(607) 734-8599
elmiradrivein.com

Situated on 19 acres off route 352, the Elmira Drive-In has twin screens, including one of the largest screens in New York State, measuring 50′ x 100′.

The drive-in offers Dolby Surround Sound through its FM transmitters and popcorn, pizza, hot sandwiches/subs, fried foods, fountain drinks, candy, and ice cream at the snack bar.

2023 admission: $10 adults, $5 kids 4-11, kids 3 & under free; tickets available online

Finger Lakes Drive-In

1064 Clark Street Road
Aurelius, NY 13021
(315) 370-7780
fingerlakesdrivein.com

The Finger Lakes Drive-In has a special claim to fame: Opened on July 15, 1947, it is the oldest continually running drive-in theater in New York. (Read more fun facts about the Finger Lakes region and Cayuga County.)

It is located 4 miles west of Auburn on routes 5 & 29 and is open Friday through Sunday nights, rain or shine.

The drive-in provides speakers but encourages the use of FM transmission on 101.9 FM for better sound quality.

The snack bar offers hot dogs, burgers, nachos, fries, fried dough, pizza, sweets, ice cream, fountain drinks, and more.

2023 admission: $10 ($8 movie/$2 food ticket), $4 kids 5-11, kids 4 & under free; can drive up

Get a look at the Finger Lakes Drive-In in this video:

Vintage Drive-In Theatre

1520 W Henrietta Rd
Avon, NY 14414
(585) 226-9290
vintagedrivein.com

The Vintage Drive-In offers four screens of current features.

Your admission fee includes two features with an intermission break between the movies.

For an extra $18 you can make sure you have your preferred view by reserving a parking spot.

While you wait for the film to start, you can listen to one hour of the theater’s very own “drive-in radio show.”

Another way to pass the time is to have fun at the arcade or playing mini golf.

The concession stand offers popcorn, grill items such as hot dogs and burgers, pretzels, funnel cakes, candy, pizza, and drinks. You can also order online and pick food up for takeout.

Pets are allowed on leash.

2023 admission: $11 adults, $7 kids ages 4-10, kids 4 & under free

Silver Lake Twin Drive-In

7037 Chapman Ave
Perry, NY 14530
(585) 237-5270
charcoalcorral.com/silver-lake-twin-drive-in

OK, so the Silver Lake Twin Drive-In isn’t technically in one of the Finger Lakes counties. But close enough, in Wyoming County, just west of Letchworth State Park.

It has some pretty unique offers: This drive-in is part of a whole Western-themed entertainment complex that includes mini golf, an arcade, and multiple restaurants (the Charcoal Corral grill, pizzeria, and ice cream shop). Plus Tuesday night concerts in the summer.

Silver Lake is open 7 nights a week, Memorial Day through Labor Day. It offers FM transmission and 4k laser projection on a giant wide screen. 

There’s also a playground, and leashed dogs are allowed. 

2023 admission:  $10 adults, $6 kids 4-10, kids 3 & under free

Other Drive-Ins

I’ll keep listing Finger Lakes-adjacent drive-in movie theaters as I find them.

• Midway Drive-In Theatre in Fulton (western Oswego County), about half an hour northwest of Syracuse. Website: midwaydrivein.com

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You may also like:

• If you love movies and want to see some in the Ithaca area, check out this post about Ithaca movie theaters.
• For year-round entertainment, check out this list of Ithaca events and festivals.
• During the summer, you may also enjoy county fairs across the Finger Lakes.

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