Outdoor cinemas and drive-ins a hit with new generation of movie lovers

Outdoor cinemas, drive-ins and big screen events are making a comeback in Melbourne as movie-loving youngsters get a taste of an old pastime. Here’s where you can grab some friends and enjoy an open-air flick this weekend.

Movie-loving youngsters are getting a taste of an old pastime, with outdoor cinemas, drive-ins and big screen events making a comeback.

Movie-loving youngsters are getting a taste of an old pastime, with outdoor cinemas, drive-ins and big screen events making a comeback.

Councils from Melbourne’s CBD, to Dandenong and the Mornington Peninsula have hosted events this summer with Boroondara Arts in Hawthorn East the latest to join in the cinematic experience.

Anderson Park in Hawthorn East will welcome a herd of kids and families this Saturday, including Louis, 7, as they flock to watch animated children’s film UP.

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Mum Annika said it was a great night of entertainment for all ages in the community to enjoy.

“In the summer it’s a beautiful chance to get the family out of the house and it’s always nice to hang out in the community — to let kids play,” she said.

“It’s a family orientated thing but even if you don’t have kids it’s a beautiful story and film — especially if you take a picnic and bottle of wine.”

The event is part of the Boroondara Arts’ Summer in the Park series, which has held a series of outdoor events locally throughout February and into March.

Louis, 7, gets into the spirit for UP at Cinema in the Park in Anderson Park, Hawthorn. Picture: Alex Coppel

The free event has just one rule: “Kick back, relax and enjoy” the old-school novelty.

But the Dromana 3 Drive In, in Dromana, has been keeping the memory alive for decades.

The original drive-in opened in 1962 with a single screen cinema for 500 cars and has showcased the latest flicks ever since.

It now has four screens, including a Deckchair Cinema and authentic 50s style American diners.

Their website claims to be “one of only three drive-ins in Victoria to survive intact and still operating” — a far cry away from the “60 that once existed”.

Open-air cinemas and big-screen events have also taken off, with venues such as the Common Man on South Wharf and even the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) throwing out beanbags in the name of a good movie night.

So if you’re in the mood for a film, pack a picnic, grab some friends and enjoy in a much-loved tradition for all ages.

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