Local movie theaters have been slowly reopening in the last few months, but not everyone feels comfortable revisiting that traditional movie-watching method just yet. If you count yourself in that group, you don’t have to entirely stick to Netflix at your 1213 Walnut apartment, as the new trend of pop-up, drive-in movie theaters has hit our area.

Among the new socially distanced cinema options is the Pennsylvania Film Society Drive-In Movie Theater at the Navy Yard, just a 15-minute drive from your 1213 Walnut apartment, or a quick half-hour ride on the Broad Street Subway. The venue recreates a classic, old-time drive-in—accommodating up to 200 cars with a state-of-the-art projection screen that is displayed atop shipping containers, so no matter where you park, you have prime viewing. To keep up with safety guidelines, moviegoers are asked to remain in their vehicles and tune to 89.9FM on the car radio for the audio.

Tickets for the week go on sale every Wednesday and all purchases must be made online ahead of time; tickets are $12 per person or $8 for PFS members. The theater is open seven days a week, with two screenings on Fridays and Saturdays and a free community screening on Mondays. On those days, PFS partners with filmmaking company ReelBlack for Force in Focus: The Black Experience on Film, which highlights the work of modern Black female filmmakers. Throughout the rest of the week, catch the biggest new releases, from sci-fi to rom-coms to everything in between. While you can’t quite get popcorn at the concession stand, you’re welcome to make some in your 1213 Walnut apartment and bring it along to recreate the real movie feel!

Like everything else in 2020, the movies look a bit different right now—but that doesn’t mean a trip to the theater can’t still be just as exciting and entertaining!

PFS Drive-In Movie Theater

League Island Blvd & Admiral Peary Way

Philadelphia, PA 19112

267-239-2941