*2021 UPDATE – the SUMMER DRIVE-IN SERIES RETURNS
We went to the Jericho Drive-In all throughout the summer when I was a child, growing up in Upstate New York. I have a fondness of this family-friendly activity that runs deep. Imagine my joy when I heard a drive-in was coming to Martha’s Vineyard, not just once but for the Summer! It is an immediate add to our We Love MV summer series – We Love MV: Drive-In Movies Come To Martha’s Vineyard.
WE LOVE MV: Drive-In Movies Come To Martha’s Vineyard With YMCA + TMVFF Joining Together
During the spring when Martha’s Vineyard was dealing with the reality that many summer traditions were going to be canceled because of Covid-19, The Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival and the YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard both began working on the concept of drive-in movies where people could practice social distancing, and still get out of the house and have a little fun.
Inspired by an idea from her daughter, YMCA CEO Jill Robie-Axtell, thought that a summer drive-in was a wonderful idea and could be doable on the Vineyard. She reached out to TMVFF the next day, and it turns out they were working on this idea too. The TMVFF is always working on clever ways to bring the movies to the Island.
Welcome Summer Drive-In Martha’s Vineyard – what a collaboration between two fantastic Island non-profits!
WE LOVE MV: Drive-In Movies Come To Martha’s Vineyard – Drive Into The Summer Magic
This summer for four nights a week, Wednesday through Saturday, the parking lot of the Martha’s Vineyard Ice Arena becomes a cinema oasis. Having a hard time envisioning this? Let me paint the picture for you.
“Gates” open at 7:30 p.m., the movie begins at 8:30 p.m. You drive up to the “box office,” tickets are purchased online, click here, and then you are directed to your spot. Some people back in, if you have a truck or an SUV with a space in back to lounge (this can be fun), and some people just pull straight in.
Cars are spaced in every other spot to help with social distancing and viewing ability. The screen is on the back wall of the ice arena, and you can even use the bathrooms inside the arena. Festive white lights line the area and sides, adding to the magic.
Currently there are no concessions, but the YMCA and TMVFF are working with the board of health to bring them to the drive-in. I used to love getting popcorn and candy at different times throughout the movies! In the meantime, you can bring your own food, just remember “carry in, carry home.”
WE LOVE MV: Drive-In Movies Come To Martha’s Vineyard – The Experience
Some people were drive-in pros. They had their trucks ready with all the luxuries, some people lay air pads on the hoods of their cars to watch the show, it was fun to see the different setups. Don’t be surprised to see an outdoor loveseat accommodating a family in their truck. However, you do have to stay with your car during the movie — so no moving your lawn chair to the front.
I could have been better prepared for the experience with my car setup. Next time I will be, but I did come with popcorn, gummies, Reeses Pieces, and other various treats. So, my children were thrilled.
We went to see the Wizard of Oz on the first week the drive-in opened. My children have never seen this movie, and it was incredible sharing one of my favorites with them at the drive-in. They loved standing out of the sunroof of my car, staring at the screen wide-eyed with wonder one minute, and then the stars the next minute. I sat grinning like a Cheshire cat in my driver’s seat, proud mom moment.
Too many sweets were eaten, they stayed up way too late, but this is a memory to last a lifetime. We will be back and hope this becomes an Island tradition. A special thanks to these two amazing Island non-profits who brought the drive-in to Martha’s Vineyard.
WE LOVE MV: Drive-In Movies Come To Martha’s Vineyard – Movies + More
Fridays are family night, while Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday tend to have movies for more mature audiences, click here for the schedule.
Ready for the pricing? Tickets are PAY WHAT YOU CAN. You get one spot and have to provide the number of people in your vehicle. Want front row?You can opt for “Preferred Parking: If you are feeling very generous, and are excited to be supporting collaborating Island nonprofit organizations, we have a few parking spots at the front available at $250 each. Ticket sales benefit the Island Food Pantry, Vineyard House, the YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard, and the MVFF”!
The Summer Drive-In series is only one new experience this Summer on the Vineyard. Whatever you do, we hope that you have a wonderful time. Summer is in full swing! It promises to be a summer of new experiences, finding new favorites — enjoying the Vineyard unscripted. Reimagined. We Love MV is our ongoing series capturing the new spirit of summer.
We hope you are staying safe during these times. Please don’t forget to “Like” Point B Realty on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Linked In, Pinterest, Youtube and Instagram.
Also, thank you to all those who voted for us for Point B Realty for Best Real Estate Company 2020 and for the Martha’s Vineyard Teddy Bear Suite Best Charity Event Runner-Up 2020, click here to learn more.