Drive-In Movies Coming to Northeast Queens (Photo via Flickr CC)
May 28, 2020 By Michael Dorgan
Queens business leaders and an elected official will not let shuttered theaters stop residents from enjoying a night at the movies this summer.
Council Member Paul Vallone has teamed up with real estate firm Cord Meyer Development and the Queens Chamber of Commerce to host a series of socially distanced drive-in movies in north east Queens starting next month.
Bay Terrace Shopping Center, located at 23-98 Bell Blvd., will host the first screening in its parking lot on June 19.
Attendees will be treated to a nighttime showing of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
The movie begins at 8:45 p.m. and will be projected onto a theater-style screen by portable screening company Movies in the Moonlight.
Patrons can watch from the comfort of their cars and the movie’s audio will be transmitted via FM radio.
Cord Meyer and local food providers are developing a special movie night menu that will be delivered to vehicles during the event.
Plans for future screenings are underway but no announcements on venues and times have been announced.
Council Member Vallone said the concept is a throwback to yesteryear and will provide residents with some much-needed entertainment amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Bringing a nostalgic and safe summer experience right into our backyard will empower the local community to come together safely to enjoy longer summer days, all while facilitating important social distancing,” Vallone said.
Tickets are limited to ensure proper social distancing and car spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Attendees can begin lining up their cars at 7 p.m. in front of the Stop & Shop grocery store, Vallone said.
Tickets for the movie screening must be bought in advance and can be purchased on Eventbrite here.
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3 Comments
When will you do it again since this one is full.
Great idea and concept. Good movies in the comfort of your own vehicle. Bring back the good old HAPPY DAYS. Soad popcorn and maybe an appearance from Fonzie…. thanks Peter…..
Any vacant lots, large parking lots etc should be getting put to ise this way as well. I grew up in orange county NY and when we were kids the drive-in was a fun fact of life.