It’s worth it to see first-run films of classic cars in an inflatable dome.
Most people who read this article have probably never been to a drive-in movie theatre. This is a shame. In the 1960s, there were approximately 4,000 drive-ins in America. There are only 348 today.
It is currently planned to open the August Moon Drive-In in Nashville, Tennessee. This will bring that number down to 349. It’s not a drive-in. Instead, patrons will park their actual Chevys at the August Moon Drive-In. The dome is 40,000 feet tall and air-supported. People will pay $8-$20 for tickets once inside. They will then be able to move to one of the many seating areas that include vintage 1960s cars, as well as other seats. This will reportedly make it the largest nonIMAX screen in North America.
It is believed that the whole thing will give families an authentic 1960s outdoor drive in experience. The cars will be surrounded by grass and trees, offering outdoor sights and scents straight out of a Hollywood movie set. Even the “sky”, will have sunsets and shining stars. There are many more family-oriented experiences that can be compared to the golden age of drive in theaters. But Michael Counts, a New York-based entrepreneur, will not allow these liaisons.
Counts has a lot of theater experience and has signed a letter of intent to lease the property where the not quite-a-drive in will be built. August Moon will feature a large screen, cars, ambience, and a huge screen. There will also be dining areas that offer diner-style food and milkshakes. Because the actual cars are outside, there will also be bars.
This is not to be pessimistic about such a venture. Similar venues exist that offer a unique experience by combining the traditional dinner-and-a movie date night with a single venue. They aren’t terrible. There will be many people who enjoy the indoor drive-in experience in culturally vibrant areas such as Nashville. For anyone who has been to a drive-in theatre, it is hard to imagine a substitute. You can enjoy the sights and sounds of the real stars from the safety of your car.
We wish August Moon all the best. This will be the best alternative to catching one the 348 remaining drive ins on classic cruise night.