Going outside is still a pretty dicey proposition in a lot of ways, as evidenced by (looks at COVID-19 stats still going northwards like a haywire game of Cliff Hangers on The Price is Right). But there are ways to go out without actually going out, and if you've got a car and you're fine with some road-tripping, there are more than a few opportunities to enjoy some drive-in-style entertainments on the weekends. From classic drive-in theaters (they're still around!) to pop-up parking lot drive-in performances, here's some Things to Do without needing to leave the inside of your ride in the Pacific Northwest this summer.
99w Drive-In Double Features
Even before a pandemic caused everyone everywhere to consider the drive-in as the best way to enjoy real big-screen entertainment, the 99w Drive-In in Newberg had established itself as not just one of the country's best drive-in theaters still standing, but one of the few examples of a moviegoing experience that's actually better than the nostalgic memories of that experience. Every week is a new double-feature, with titles including The Goonies, The Empire Strikes Back, and Black Panther.
(Thurs-Sun, movies start at dark, $9 per person ages 12 & Up, $5 ages 6-11, $14 minimum)
Drive-Up Movies at the Mill
You could head east, if you wish, and find an oasis of drive-in magic in The Dalles, where the Sunshine Mill has hung one really bigscreen on the side of their parking lot and turned it into a theater every Thursday-Saturday for the summer. Tickets are $20 per car with only 50 open slots per screening, but: This is probably the only drive-in you'll visit where each spot comes with a wine barrel to rest food and drinks upon as you watch films like The Princess Bride, The Big Lebowski, and Grease.
(Thurs-Sat, July 16-Aug 1, movies start at dark, $20 per car)
The Oregon Garden's Cruise-In Cinema
If you don't mind the drive south (more opportunities to memorize the Hamilton soundtrack on the way, really), you can visit Silverton's Oregon Garden, where all summer long, every Thursday, they're transforming their parking lot into a drive-in, screening pop culture classics like Jurassic Park, The Wizard of Oz, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and (checks notes) ...Minions. Gates open at 6:30pm, movie begins at dusk, 100-vehicle capacity. Safe social distancing guidelines must be adhered to, and concessions must be ordered in advance online.
(Thurs, July 10-Sept 3, 6:30 pm, $4-6, all ages)
Skyline Drive-In Theatre
Maybe you'd rather head north instead! In that case, Shelton, WA's Skyline Drive-In has you covered, with double-feature screenings of classic films (The Neverending Story, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy). If you don't have an FM receiver in your car (sound is broadcast on 89.1 FM), you can borrow one from the snack bar. In response to COVID-19, they're limiting capacity to 150 vehicles per showing and asking that cars park at least 10 feet away from each other.
(Fri-Wed, gates open at 7 pm, $5)
Pavement: Pop-Up Performances in a Public Parking Spot
This uses the drive-in as inspiration for a collaboration between Risk/Reward and Boom Arts, with XRAY.FM's sound engineers facilitating the streaming of sound straight into your car after you arrive at a secret location (sent to attendees hours before the show) to enjoy live dance performance from local artists Suba Ganesan (Portland Creative Laureate), KT Kusmaul (Body Home Fat Dance), Oluyinka Akinjiola (Rejoice! Diaspora Dance Theater); music by Kenji Bunch & Monica Ohuchi, Portland Opera, and Amenta Abioto; a theater piece by Gerrin Mitchell; and spoken word by Anya Pearson.
(Sat July 18, 7 pm & 9 pm, $15-$100)
Screentime: A Drive-In Gala
This safely spaced performance event also takes place in a secret Milwaukie location, and benefits Clackamas Women's Services. The program shines a spotlight on "The power of community and how CWS has adapted to meet the needs of survivors throughout the COVID-19 health crisis." Ticket costs include gourmet concessions from local businesses, including Jacobsen's Salt, Brew Dr. Kombucha, and more. The night's entertainment also includes live music from singer/songwriter Sean Michael Dargan, and pre-recorded performances from Pete Krebs and Gerle Haggard. And if you can't do the drive-in, there's an accompanying free livestream so you can still watch from home.
(Sat July 18, 9 pm, $100 per ticket)
Encore: Blake Shelton w/ Gwen Stefani and Trace Adkins
A one-night only concert feature specifically filmed for the purpose of screening at drive-in theaters across the country, starring Blake Shelton, with support from Gwen Stefani and Trace Adkins. The 99w in Newberg will open up just for the occasion, but tickets will be going through Ticketmaster, so make sure you've got that ($114.99!) ticket ready before you drive out that way. And maybe have a couple extra people in that car to help split the cost.
(Sat July 25, 9:30 pm, $114.99)
