Memorial Day Weekend is viewed by many as the first big weekend of the summer moviegoing season. For some, the warm weather months are seen as prime season to watch movies under the stars, at a drive-in theatre. New York Times photographer Janie Osborne created this photo essay of operations at two iconic drive-ins, the Parma Motor-Vu in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and the American Dream in Powell, Wyoming. Enjoy the scene out West, with Memorial Day blockbusters and a view of the Rockies.
While the number of drive-ins has declined greatly from the heyday of outdoor moviegoing in the 1950’s and 1960’s, approximately 300 still operate across the U.S., serving up family entertainment in their local communities. Visit the United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association (UDITOA) or Drive-Ins Near Me websites to find one of these Americana beauties near you.