Yarmouth drive-in resurrects live comedy, music
Never just meant for movies, the Yarmouth Drive-in on Cape Cod is poised to become the hot spot for live entertainment and sports this summer.
Blockbuster films from the past have filled the three giant LED screens set up at the 669 Route 18, West Yarmouth property that had been a drive-in theater decades ago, and will continue with "Jurassic World" on Sunday. But starting Friday, live comedy and concerts will be added into the mix. Last weekend’s Red Sox home opener was the start of projecting some professional sports games on the screens, too.
Some shows — including one of comedian Bert Kreischer’s two performances and Saturday’s Ripe concert — have already sold out. Which is a feat considering that means 450 cars, with multiple people per car. Each gets a parking “suite” that CEO Adam Epstein says would be 16 feet wide as of this week and 18 feet long. Patrons are allowed to set up chairs outside the car and still be socially distanced from neighboring suites.
The COVID-19 era rules: All attendees must enter the venue traveling in a vehicle, and must stay in their vehicle parking space unless using the restroom, or picking up concession orders. Patrons are required to wear a mask at all times outside of their vehicle spaces.
The live shows start at 9 p.m. Friday with comedian Iliza Schlesinger on the Forever Tour. At 9 p.m. Saturday, the Drive-On Concert Series begins with funk rock band Ripe, kicking off what Epstein says is the first live concert of that size in the state this summer. (The concert is sold out, but this week, a $9.99 streaming option became available for fans who couldn't get tickets. To sign up: yarmouthdrivein.com.)
Sunday will continue the sports options, with a Bruins and Celtics watch party starting at 2 p.m.
A variety of food trucks are regularly on site with concessions ordered online.
Upcoming live shows (8 p.m. unless otherwise noted) with new shows regularly being announced (check yarmouthdrivein.com and social media):
Aug. 6: singer Livingston Taylor
Aug. 7: Maine-based folk rock trio The Ghost of Paul Revere
Aug. 10: "Boston's Best Comedy" with Lenny Clarke & Friends (Steve Sweeney, Frank Santorelli, Artie Januario)
Aug. 13: psych-funk band Pigeons Playing Ping Pong
Aug. 16: Fox News personality and author Greg Gutfeld will launch his new book ““The Plus: Self-Help for People Who Hate Self-Help” with standup comedian Tom Shillue
Aug. 17: Bert Kreischer, Hot Summer Nights 2020 tour (Aug. 18 show sold out)
Aug. 21: singer-songwriter Grace Potter
Aug. 22: comedian Sal Vulcano
Aug. 24: "Boston's Best Comedy" with Lenny Clarke & Friends (Christine Hurley, Dave Russo, Tony V)
Sept. 6: Pink Talking Fish, a hybrid fusion act paying tribute to bands Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish
Ticket prices cover one car with up to four people in it, but you can pay extra to add more passengers. Tickets range from $75 to $95 for some concerts to $235 for top prices.
For those interested in the drive-in movies, schedules are announced each week.
Driving to the movies?
Some choices this week to watch at area drive-in theaters (tickets available as listed as of CapeWeek deadline):
• The new Falmouth Drive-In Entertainment Complex being set up at the Cape Cod Fairgrounds on Route 151, East Falmouth will open Saturday night with a concert by the Toe Jam Puppet Band and screening of "Toy Story 4." Information and announcements of more programming: falmouthdrivein.com.
• The "Movies on Main" drive-in, in a parking lot in downtown Hyannis, will Friday be screening "Remember the Titans," starring Denzel Washington and Will Patton as football coaches at an integrated high school in 1971. Tickets: $20. Reservations and information: hyannismainstreet.com.
• "E.T." is the movie choice Wednesday night at the Popcorn Pop-Up Drive-In theater on the grounds of the Cape Cod Center for the Arts, 828 Route 6A, Dennis. Tickets and information: https://www.capeplayhouse.com/summerfun-2-2/.
• The Wellfleet Drive-In on Route 6 will be screening: Friday and Saturday, "The Goonies" and "Gremlins"; Sunday through Tuesday (Aug. 2-4), "Jaws" and "The Meg"; Wednesday and Thursday (Aug. 5-6): "Shrek" and "The Neverending Story"; wellfleetcinemas.com.
• The Vineyard's Summer Drive-In, presented by the Martha's Vineyard Film Festival and the YMCA: Friday, "The Secret Garden" (wait list only); Saturday, "The Bourne Identity" (wait list only); Tuesday (Aug. 4), "Coco"; Wednesday (Aug. 5), documentary "Can You Hear Us Now?" introduced by Tony Shalhoub, Brooke Adams and (via Zoom) director Jim Cricchi; Thursday (Aug. 6), "Bull Durham," introduced (via Zoom) by writer and director Ron Shelton; https://tmvff.org/driveinschedule.
And non-screen entertainment
• Payomet Performing Arts Center, 29 Old Dewline Road, North Truro will continue its drive-in option for live entertainment at 6 p.m. Saturday with "Jimmy Tingle's 2020 Vision: Why Would a Comedian Run for Office?" Tingle, who lives part-time in Wellfleet, will deliver a comedy show based on his actual run for lieutenant governor. Then at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Payomet's Cirque by the Sea troupe will reprise its "Sandman: Drive-In Live Cirque Show" that sold out last week. Tickets and details: payomet.org.
