The Hyde Park Drive-In Returns

Construction signs and gates surround the site of the Hyde Park Drive-In refurbishment. Photo by Emma Stuber '26

Construction has gradually begun on the refurbishment of the Hyde Park Drive-In theater, a popular local spot that has been closed since 2023. 

Initially a family-owned theater in the 1950s, the drive-in has since been acquired by the National Park Service (NPS). According to NPS Superintendent Amy Bracewell, it was recently leased out to a private operator in mid-2025, where development of the site was put into progress.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino announced the project in a Facebook post on March 28, stating, “I am absolutely thrilled that a new operator is stepping in to bring the big screen back to life. It’s more than just a movie theater; it’s a piece of our local history and a summer tradition that we’ve all truly missed.”

The nine-acre site, which is currently undergoing the beginning phases of restoration, includes a concession stand with restrooms, a ticketing booth and a 670-car parking area for the projection screen as stated in the NPS’s 2023 lease advertisement. 

Marist’s Red Fox Films (RFF) President Gabriella Stewart ‘26 and Vice President Sofia Milojevic ‘26 expressed excitement at the comeback of the local theater. For them, the re-opening offers students further opportunities for community enjoyment of films. 

“A lot of people in our club just want to see movies together on a giant screen,” Stewart said. “It’s a great opportunity to get out as a community. It’s something great to do off campus and just be outside as it gets warmer.”

The club, which was active prior to COVID-19 before taking a break and returning in 2022, allows students of all years and majors to enjoy various genres of movies together in a shared space. Every Tuesday at 9:15 p.m., the club meets to screen a movie, which is typically a pop culture classic or newly released film.

A promising possibility, the president suggested, is involving the new drive-in theater in RFF events.

“It’s just a good opportunity for our club in particular,” Stewart said. “Most of us aren’t actually film majors; it’s just something we enjoy doing. It’s a fun activity that everyone can get involved in.”

“It’s right down the road, so [members] can get a chance to get off campus and go do something fun, like an outdoor movie, which there aren’t too many nowadays,” she added.

The Overlook Drive-In, another local Hudson Valley drive-in, is owned by the same family that previously operated the Hyde Park theater. 

A ten-mile drive from Hyde Park, the Overlook Drive-In still operates, though it is temporarily closed for the season until late spring of this year.