There's something special about grabbing some friends, or taking the kids to see a movie outside during the summer months. Watching an outdoor movie is a great way to feel the nostalgia of your childhood, and there are plenty of places in, around, or a short drive from Syracuse, NY to do just that! From movie nights at the Empower Federal Credit Union Ampitheater at Lakeview, to old-fashioned drive-ins, these are great, and affordable spots to sit back and relax on a warm Syracuse summer night. It's time to grab your popcorn and drinks, let's check out these outdoor summer movie spots.
In or Around Syracuse
Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview
The NYS OPWDD, presented by Drakos Pediatric Urgent Care and Bill Rapp of Syracuse, Moonlight Movie Series has returned for 2024, offering family-friendly flick options along the panoramic backdrop of Onondaga Lake. Most Monday's in July, visitors can watch two movies back-to-back for free. There will be popcorn, food & snack vendors, candy, singing, dancing and more inside the pavilion and on the lawn. Parking is free in the orange lot; coolers, chairs and blankets are allowed. Gates open at 5:30 pm, first movie starts at 6:00 pm.
Monday, July 15th, Live Action Disney Night – "Aladdin" + "Beauty and the Beast"
Monday, July 22nd, Halloween in July – "Coco" + "Halloweentown"
Monday, July 29th, Night at the Zoo – "Zootopia" + "Ace Ventura Pet Detective"
Enjoy current box-office films with a classic drive-in movie experience at New York State’s oldest operating drive-in theater. Movie-goers can watch from the inside or outside of their vehicles and can choose to listen from the drive-in speakers or tune into the FM radio transmission. Offering an entire snack bar with hot dogs, hamburgers, onion rings and of course popcorn there are plenty of options to munch on between showings.
Next Showing: Open Friday – Sunday nights, rain or shine during the summer as well as additional special event nights. View the upcoming shows here.
Sit back and relax under the stars while viewing box-office hits with everyone's favorite nostalgic drive-in twist. Movie-goers can watch from their car seats or outside of the vehicle, while tuning into their FM radio dial or drive-in sound system. Movie-goers can visit their on-site snack bar for a wide variety of delicious food and drink.
Next Showing: Open Friday – Sunday nights, and double features on Wednesdays and Thursdays. View their current showtimes here.
In addition to outdoor movies, summer in Syracuse is for taking in all the outdoor activities you can! From exploring our parks to dozens of festivals and outdoor dining around Syracuse to outdoor concerts and movies, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep you out and about this summer.
Just a Short Drive From Syracuse
Located in Alexandria Bay, NY, this drive-in has been open since 1968! Only an hour and a half from Syracuse, take a day trip to sight see and finish the night off with a movie!
Next Showing: Open Friday – Sunday nights, rain or shine during the summer as well as additional special event nights. View the upcoming shows here.
Headed west? Make a pit stop in Perry, NY to see a show at Silver Lake Drive-In! Established in 1966, this theater is perched right on the shores of the western-most finger lake.
Next Showing: Open Friday – Sunday nights, rain or shine during the summer as well as additional special event nights. View the upcoming shows here.
Just an hour and 45-minute drive from Syracuse, this drive-in right near historic baseball town, Cooperstown!
Next Showing: Open Friday – Sunday nights, rain or shine during the summer as well as additional special event nights. View the upcoming shows here.
In the capital region, the credits at this 1957 drive-in are still rolling! Stop here on any of your eastward trips this summer.
Next Showing: Open Friday – Sunday nights, rain or shine during the summer as well as additional special event nights. View the upcoming shows here.
Planning a summer trip to NYC? Stop at this Hudson Valley region spot that boasts the largest screen in the tri-state area!
Next Showing: Open Friday – Sunday nights, rain or shine during the summer as well as additional special event nights. View the upcoming shows here.
