After months of being in quarantine Michiganders are looking for ways to enjoy the summer in fun and entertaining ways. With movie theaters remaining closed and moviegoers struggling to get their cinema fix, thankfully, there is an alternative way for movie aficionados to see their favorite movies on the big screen. This alternative is summer Drive-In Movie Theaters which are reopening across the state.
During the 1950s Drive-In Movie Theaters were all the rage. Just in the state of Michigan, hundreds could be found all over the state during that time. Although most are gone now, there are several in Metro Detroit (Summer Drive-in at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Ford Drive-In in Dearborn and Canterbury Village in Lake Orion) that are just a short drive away for that evening getaway.
For those who are unfamiliar with Drive-In Theaters, they’re pretty much the cinema equivalent of a Sonic or an A&W; though what’s different right now than in past years is that there are still COVID-19 precautions that these businesses have to take, such as operating at 50 percent capacity with spaced and staggered parking. There are rules on restroom use as well, from having to wear a mask while using one and keeping the number of people inside at one time at a certain limit.

The Summer Drive-In at USA Hockey Arena

14900 Beck Road
Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: 734-453-6400 or Movie Hotline: 734-927-3284
The Summer Drive-In at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth presents three movies from three screens every day of every week, with one film being shown per night, per screen. Gates open at 7:30p.m. and all movies start at dusk. Adult tickets are $10, Children 4-12 are $8, and kids under 4 are free to attend. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. No ticket sales will be offered on-site.
Concessions and carryout are available at CJ’s Brewing Company, with the option to order online at toasttab.com/cj-s-brewing-company/v3
or by calling (734) 453-4455 with your order. For full menu option go to cdn3.sportngin.com/attachments/document/0cec-2170816/CJ_s_Carryout_and_Concessions_New.pdf.
Guests are expected to comply with social distancing measures as well as the safety measures put in place by USA Hockey Arena. Detailed information on the USA Hockey Arenas’ Pandemic Policies^TM and movie schedules can be found at usahockeyarena.com/drivein.

Ford Drive-In

10400 Ford Road
Dearborn, MI 48126
Phone: 313-846-6910
forddrivein.com
Take a ride back in time at the Ford Drive-In which offers a real classic experience. The theater opened its doors in 1950 and was known as one of the largest Drive-In Theaters in the nation. It offers five screens for viewing and is open year-round.
At the Ford Drive-In, “double-features” are the name of the game, as you buy one ticket for two movies on the same day. Box office opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, open at 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Showtimes are scheduled at specific times, so it’s better to find out on the Ford Drive-In website, forddrivein.com, where their Pandemic Policies^TM may also be found. Ticket pricing is general admission adult tickets are $11.75, Kids (under 12) are $4.75 and Kids (under 5) are free. No advance ticket sales. All major credit cards accepted.
The Concession stand is open but with limited menu items for purchasing. For a listing of menu items go to forddrivein.com/page/14670/MENU.

Drive-In at Canterbury Village

2359 Joslyn Ct.
Orion Charter Township, MI 48360
Phone: (248) 391-5700
If a trip back to the ’50s just isn’t good enough for you, then make your way down to the Drive-in at Canterbury Village, located in – you guessed it – Canterbury Village, a place renowned for its’ historical preservation, with buildings dating back to the late 1800s.
Prices are $20-30 based on how many people are coming per car; so far movies are only scheduled for Friday, June 12, Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, though it is subject to change. Detailed information on guidelines and showtimes can be found at oaklandcountymoms.com/canterbury-village-drive-in-movies-98579/ and tickets can be purchased at bigtickets.com/events/canterbury-village/canterbury-drive-in-movies-14/?referral=bt-buy-tix.
Feature image courtesy of MetroParent
The Summer Drive-In images courtesy of Summer Drive-In facebook page
Drive-In at Canterbury Village courtesy of WXYZ Detroit