Watch A Flick Or A Concert From Your Car At Balloon Fiesta Park In Albuquerque, New Mexico

This time of year usually calls for an abundance of socializing with loved ones, new friends, and potential friends, but in an era of social distancing amid a pandemic, that has become just a little more difficult. We are constantly on the lookout for new alternatives to our usual socializing methods and drive-ins have started to gain a new following.

Earlier this month, Albuquerque's International Balloon Museum opened up the Balloon Fiesta Drive-In in its empty RV parking lot.

Hosted in part by Pop Up Movies of America, this new drive-in theater allows patrons to socialize safely outside their home while enjoying classic films.

The drive-in operates like most other theaters of its kind: simply pay your admission fee, drive in, find a spot to park, and get ready to enjoy the movie.

However, there are a few updates.

These days, you can tune-in through your car's radio instead of using the scratchy, old school speakers to listen to dialog and music. Plus, drive-ins tend to be a little more family-friendly than what you probably saw during your teenage years!

Since most movie production companies have halted filming and new releases, the Balloon Fiesta Drive-In shows classics you probably haven't seen in years and films that are several years old.

Recent showings include movies like Grease, Smokey and the Bandit, The Little Mermaid, Jurassic Park, and Avengers: Endgame.

No movie experience would be complete without refreshments!

Like most other drive-ins, you are able to bring your own food and drinks but they also have local food trucks serving a wide variety of meals. This includes food truck vendors like Umami Moto (Asian fusion), Pop-Pop's Italian Ice (Italian shaved ice), and El Bukanax (Mexican and American cuisine). Plus, there is always popcorn available!

Have you had a chance to stop by this drive-in theater this summer? What movie are you hoping to see?

The Balloon Fiesta Drive-In is located in the RV parking lot of the International Balloon Museum in Albuquerque.

Tickets start at $25 per vehicle. Gates open at 7 p.m., showings begin after sunset and typically run until 10:40 p.m. For details about their movie schedule, directions, concessions, and more, visit the drive-in's website or Facebook page.

Website: Balloon Fiesta Drive-In

Facebook: Balloon Fiesta Drive-In

Address: 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113

Albuquerque isn't the only New Mexico city with a drive-in theater. While most cities are setting up pop-up theaters, the Land of Enchantment has one permanent drive-in left in the entire state: the Fort Union Drive-In Movie Theater in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Read more about it in Right Now Is The Perfect Time To Catch A Movie At New Mexico’s Only Drive-In Theater.