National Drive-in Movie Day

Celebrated on 06/06/2026

Quick Fact

The first drive-in theater opened on June 6, 1933, in Camden, New Jersey, and was invented by Richard Hollingshead, who patented the concept. Today, there are fewer than 350 drive-in theaters left in the United States, down from a peak of over 4,000 in the late 1950s.

Origins and Establishment of National Drive-in Movie Day

National Drive-in Movie Day is observed annually on June 6, commemorating the opening of the first drive-in theater on that date in 1933. The concept was invented by Richard Hollingshead, a chemical company magnate and movie enthusiast, who patented the idea and opened the first venue in Camden, New Jersey. The holiday was established to celebrate the unique American tradition of watching movies from the comfort of one's car, a pastime that became a cultural phenomenon in the mid-20th century.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Drive-in theaters peaked in popularity during the 1950s and 1960s, with over 4,000 locations across the U.S. However, the rise of multiplex cinemas and home video led to a decline. In recent years, drive-ins have seen a resurgence due to nostalgia and the COVID-19 pandemic, which made outdoor social distancing appealing. National Drive-in Movie Day is celebrated with special screenings, retro film marathons, and social media campaigns encouraging people to visit their local drive-in. Many theaters offer discounted tickets or themed events to honor the occasion.

Facts & General Observations

• At their peak in 1958, there were 4,063 drive-in theaters in the United States, but by 2020, fewer than 330 remained.
• The largest drive-in theater ever built was the All-Weather Drive-In in Copiague, New York, which could accommodate 2,500 cars.
• Drive-in theaters typically use FM radio transmitters to broadcast sound, a technology that replaced the original in-car speakers in the 1980s.

Explore more celebrations, trivia, and quests on National Day Quest.