All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Much of 2020 has been hard to predict—the popularity of the drive-in movie is among the list of surprising things. Earlier this summer, drive-in theaters experienced a sort of renaissance as one of the few sources of socially distanced entertainment permissible during the pandemic.
Next came the drive-in live music concert. Notably in July was the Beanstalk Music Festival in Ft. Collins, Colorado. Onstage, musicians carried on as usual with their performances but in the audience, parked cars sat in a silent field—the show was transmitted via an FM radio station (rather than speakers) to avoid disturbing the neighbors. More recently, this weekend, across drive-in theaters across the U.S. and Canada, Blake Sheldon streamed a pre-taped show featuring special guests Gwen Stefani and Trace Adkins. Though the sets weren’t live, the shared experience was as close to a pre-pandemic concert as one can safely experience these days. And another type of entertainment has adapted to the drive-in format: the drag show. Audiences of Voss Event’s Drive ’N Drag series (which will continue through August) can see the likes of Lady Bunny and Aquaria strut around in their finery from the comfort of their cars.
As performers and theaters are making the best of the circumstances, so too should the audience—and that might require a few accouterments. Follow the rules of the show and, if allowed, here are some of the things you might consider bringing along with you.
Portable Chairs
For extra seating outside the car.
Pillows and Poufs
To stack in a truck or atop your parked car.
Blankets
To make backseats cozier or lay on the lawn.
Picnic Baskets
Because most drive-in events don t serve food
The Extras
A few more things you’ll be grateful to have, from bug spray to a pop-up source of shade.
