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Dec 24, 2023

Best Seattle area drive

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SEATTLE — Maybe it's movie-induced nostalgia, but there is something undeniably special about heading to a drive-in theater, cozying up with friends or family, and watching a film under the stars.

Add a nice burger, fries and a milkshake and we have an ideal summer night. (This is in no way biased and instead an objective fact.)

RELATED: Let's go to the movies! Here are the 13 summer films to check out in theaters this year

For Washingtonians wanting to try something new, we have several drive-in and outdoor theaters across western Washington to check out this summer.

Rodeo Drive-In has been in business in Washington since 1949, making it one of the longer-lasting establishments of its kind in the state.

Spaces cannot be reserved or saved so parking at the drive-in is on a first-come, first-served basis. As always, it's recommended to arrive as early as possible to get the best possible spot to watch the film.

MORE: Rodeo Drive-In rules and FAQ

Showtimes vary depending on the time of year. Films can start as early as 6:30 p.m., but as late as 10 p.m. The drive-in labels its start times as "dusk."

A car radio or portal FM radio is required to hear the sound of the film. Customers can rent a radio at the snack bar as long as supplies are available.

Skyline Drive-In, established in 1964, has designated parking areas based on vehicle height. Cars less than 64 inches in height are in the first two rows; mid-sized vehicles between 64-71 inches in height are in rows three-six; large vehicles over 71 inches in height are in rows seven-10. If you have any questions, the drive-in said to email [email protected].

The Blue Fox Drive-In Theater allows tent camping, but tents can't take up an extra parking space until after the first film is over. Tents are allowed to be set up in front or behind your vehicle as long as they do not block the screen for other customers. Larger tents must be set up towards the back of the parking lot by the tavern.

The Oak Harbor-based drive-in allows travel trailers, RVs and large camper vans/trucks at the venue, too. Trailers and RVs are parked near the tavern against the fence. Blue Fox does not allow outside food or drink and will add a $50 charge to all trailers, RVs and camper trucks and vans. In return, the drive-in will give a $30 voucher to use at the snack bar that night but the voucher is not permitted to bring food to the show. Blue Fox said occupants of the trailer still need to pay the general admission fee per person.

Wheel-In Motor is celebrating its 71st season after its opening in 1953. In addition to general admission, the drive-in offers an annual motor movie pass ($200) and an annual motor movie pass for two people ($400). The passes are good for all shows at all times at The Uptown Theatre and the Wheel-In Motor. Admission with the passes is guaranteed, but the passes are nontransferable.

Seating is first-come, first-served limited to the capacity of the Mural Amphitheater lawn in the Seattle Center. Organizers recommend bringing low-back chairs, blankets or bean bags. You may be moved to the back of the lawn if you bring high-backed chairs.

Giant coolers, ice chests, open flames, cooking, umbrellas, video and audio recorders are not allowed at the event.

Nordics in Hollywood will have its summer screenings at the National Nordic Museum at sunset in the museum's parking lot. Organizers said seating will open at the museum around 8 p.m., with a trivia game around 8:40 p.m.

For the 19th summer, Marymoor Park is hosting outdoor films at its 640-acre location. This is a sit-in-the-grass event, with general admission seating on a first-come, first-served basis. The park does have three sections, however, with different seating requirements.

A selection of Seattle and Redmond-based food trucks will be available at all "Movies at Marymoor" events. Each film will have different food vendors. Outside food and beverages are allowed, but alcohol is not permitted.

This event is dog friendly.

Come see Blockbuster movies on a 50-inch inflatable movie screen Friday nights in Auburn. The films will air at Lea Hill Park, Sunset Park and Les Gove Park. Viewers should pack their own chairs and movie treats for this outdoor movie experience.

There will be several live music performances before the Aug. 11 showing of "Top Gun: Maverick."

Blankets or low-back chairs are recommended for attending the free films at Everett's Boxcar Park this summer. The Port of Everett recommends dressing in layers and packing a blanket because it gets chilly along the waterfront at night.

There is a radio frequency provided so boaters can tune in to see the films as well.

The eighth annual Sail-In Cinema is Snohomish County's only waterfront movie series offering free and family-friendly movies.

Motor & Movies is a free summer movie series with a 40-foot-tall outdoor screen at Tacoma's American Car Museum. The event is first-come, first-served parking with no RSVPs. Organizers said the public can bring lawn chairs and yard games to the museum and there will be a designated picnic area in front of the screen for those who bike or walk.

Marysville Parks and Recreation is hosting a free summer movie series at the Jennings Park Pavilion.

Don't forget your blanket and lawn chair for free family-friendly movies at Meridian Habitat Park on Fridays in July. You are welcome to bring your own food, but there will be several food truck options at the event.

The Aug. 4 screening is a dog-friendly movie.

The City of Gig Harbor partnered for another summer series at the Sehmel Homestead Park Amphitheater. A blanket and low-back chairs is all you need to enjoy films under the stars in Gig Harbor.

The 2023 schedule of films has not been released yet.

Bellingham's outdoor movie series at Fairhaven Village Green begins in late June. There will be live entertainment one hour before showtime.