Going to the Drive-In has become a popular activity during these unprecedented times.
Back in May, Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour for Training & Skills Development, said movie theatres can reopen following health and safety requirements.
Since then, the City of Toronto has launched DriveInTO to “bring entertainment experiences across the city.”
DriveInTO will give the city temporary drive-in experiences, from films to concerts to sports broadcasts.
“Through these new programs like DriveInTO, we can ensure that despite an ongoing pandemic, and rules around large gatherings, residents can continue to experience the remarkable arts and culture sector that make our city so unique,” said John Tory, Mayor of Toronto.
Free DriveinTO nights will also include programming by Inside Out LGBTQ Film Festival, Reel Asian Film Festival, Reelworld Film Festival and Regent Park Film Festival.
Each DriveInTO location will be produced, programmed, and ticketed independently.
Here is a list of drive-in locations and events around the GTA:
Ontario Place
Ontario Place is now featuring screenings. Free DriveInTO nights will include programming by Hot Docs, imagineNATIVE and TIFF. Upcoming film selections includes Rocketman, Ford v Ferrari and The Cuban.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
Ontario Place is also currently hosting the Lavazza Drive-In International Film Festival. The festival will feature a thoughtfully curated selection of movies from some of the countries most affected by the global health crisis. A different nation will be represented each night, including France, China, Russia, the US, the UK, Brazil, India and Canada, with a special “Focus Italia” series.
View this post on Instagram
When: July 20 to 31
Time: 9 pm
Where: 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West
Tickets: Start at $20 per car
Toronto Shines
Joining the ranks of new spots to enjoy entertainment this week is Toronto Shines, arriving at Ontario Place on July 17.
Continuing through October, Toronto Shines will present current and classic films, and live entertainment in a safe, family-friendly setting at the water’s edge.
Led by award-winning music producer Farley Flex, and entertainment mogul Jeffrey Latimer, Toronto Shines will offer guests a combination of live DJ sets, stand-up comedy, musical artists, and full-length feature films each night.
When: July 17
Time: TBD
Where: 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West
Tickets: Start at $89.95
CityView Drive-In
CityView Drive-In will feature concerts, screenings and broadcasts. You can purchase tickets online in advance. Tickets are sold per car for reserved spots. Pricing is per person.
Upcoming events include a performance by Monster Truck on July 16, Allan Rayman on July 18 and A Tribe Called Red on August 6.
View this post on Instagram
When: Ongoing
Where: Parking lot at 20 Polson Street
Tickets: Prices vary by event
Friday Night Lights at Downsview Park
Presented by Canada Land Corporation and MADE, Friday Night Lights will feature free made-in-Canada films, though titles have yet to be announced.
Here is the schedule:
- Friday, July 24 – TBA at dusk (approx. 9 pm)
- Friday, August 7 – TBA at dusk (approx. 9 pm)
- Friday, August 21 – TBA at dusk (approx. 8:30 pm)
- Friday, September 4 – TBA at dusk (approx. 8:30 pm)
View this post on Instagram
When: Fridays
Time: 9 pm
Where: 70 Canuck Avenue, North York
Tickets: Free
CF Movie Night at CF Sherway Gardens
Details on the CF Movie Night at CF Sherway Gardens will be sent out through the CF Insider newsletter.
Sherway Gardens has said that they will “bring to life” movies from local film arts organizations.
View this post on Instagram
Where: 25 The West Mall, Etobicoke
5 Drive-In
Located in Oakville, feature films now include Jurassic Park, Jaws, Grease, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Take out concessions are also now available. No outside food will be permitted.
Abbamania and The British Legends will also be performing on August 5, with special guests including Ian B. Garcia from the Broadway production of “Rain.”
When: Ongoing
Where: 2332 Ninth Line, Oakville
Tickets: Online
The Stardust Drive-In Theatre
“Movies are bigger and safer under the stars.” This drive-in is located in Newmarket. Take out concessions are now open and outside food is not allowed. Films include Bloodshot, The Invisible Man and Grease.
When: Ongoing
Where: 893 Mt Albert Rd, Sharon
Tickets: Online
Starlite
Located in Hamilton featured films include The Goonies, Gremlins and The Hunt. Tickets to the drive-in can be purchased online.
When: Ongoing
Where: 59 Green Mountain Road E, Stoney Creek
Tickets: Online
While the province continues to gradually reopen, the drive-in provides residents with a fun and safe entertainment experience.
So, pack your cars and have fun!
Follow Channels and Categories