Drive-In Movies Near Boston
Summer Outdoor Movie Adventures
🎬 Drive-In Movie Theaters Near Boston
There’s nothing quite like watching a movie under the stars! Drive-in theaters offer a nostalgic, family-friendly way to enjoy the latest blockbusters and classic flicks. While many venues have come and gone, there are still a few great options for a memorable night out—some just a short drive from Boston.
Here’s our updated list of operating, seasonal, and historic drive-in theaters near Boston for the 2025 season.
✅ Currently Operating Drive-In Theaters
Mendon Twin Drive-In – Mendon, MA
📍 About 45 minutes from Boston
This beloved drive-in has been entertaining families since 1954 with double features on two big screens, a retro snack bar, and even a beer garden for the adults. It’s one of the most popular and reliable drive-in movie options in Massachusetts.
🎟 Website: mendondrivein.com
Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre – Wellfleet, MA (Cape Cod)
📍 1.5 hours from Boston (perfect for a summer weekend)
The only remaining drive-in on Cape Cod, this theater is part of a larger complex with mini-golf, flea market, and indoor cinemas. A perfect pairing with a beach day or Cape Cod getaway!
🕓 Season: Reopens mid-May through early fall
🎟 Website: wellfleetcinemas.com
Northfield Drive-In – Hinsdale, NH (near the MA border)
📍 About 1 hour 45 minutes from Boston
A true retro gem, this drive-in has been going strong for over 75 years and continues to offer double features with vintage charm. Great option for families in Central or Western MA.
🎟 Website: northfielddrivein.com
⚠️ Seasonal / Occasional Operation
Dreamland Drive-In – Nantucket, MA
While not on the mainland, Nantucket’s seasonal drive-in run by the Dreamland Film & Cultural Center is a fun summer outing for island-goers. Programming includes family-friendly films, blockbusters, and special events.
🕓 Season: Reopens Summer 2025
🎟 Website: nantucketdreamland.org
❌ Permanently Closed or Inactive
These theaters are no longer operating but remain part of Massachusetts’ drive-in movie history:
- Leicester Triple Drive-In – Closed permanently in 2021
- Tri-Town Drive-In (Lunenburg) – No longer in operation
- Edgemere Drive-In (Shrewsbury) – Closed early 2000s, site abandoned
- Sutton Drive-In – Closed in 1996, screen destroyed in 2022
- West Springfield Drive-In – Closed in 2022, not reopened
🍿 Drive-In Movie Picnic Tip
Make your night even more fun with a drive-in picnic! Pack wraps, sube, popcorn, fruit cups, or mini charcuterie boxes for a cozy tailgate dinner. Don't forget movie candy or cookies! Blankets, lawn chairs, and portable radios are also great add-ons.
📬 Get Weekly Family Event Picks
Love this kind of content? Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get more great ideas for Boston-area family fun—delivered every Thursday!
More Ideas for Summer Fun!
Find Fun Things to Do on our events calendar as Summer Begins in Boston. From a myriad of Boston Beaches, Spray Parks & Pool, Waterparks and more, you'll find lots of ways to stay cool during a Boston Summer.
Enjoy your summer nights with these free evening concerts, and you can mix things up with our list of fun options for free summer movies in the Boston area as well.
Summer is also the season of Boston fireworks displays so be sure to check our handy guide to find a display by date or by town, near you.
In addition to summer concerts and movies, there are many other fun things to do for free in Boston - check out our handy guide to free family fun for more ideas.
~~Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral for over 20 years. She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places to visit in the Greater Boston area.