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.
Balloon Fiesta Drive-In/Facebook
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.
Balloon Fiesta Drive-In/Facebook
However, there are a few updates.
Tim Vrtiska/Flickr
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!

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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.
Balloon Fiesta Drive-In/Facebook
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!
Pop-Pop's Italian Ice/Facebook
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?
Balloon Fiesta Drive-In/Facebook
The Balloon Fiesta Drive-In is located in the RV parking lot of the International Balloon Museum in Albuquerque.
Google Maps

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.

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9201 Balloon Museum Dr NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113, USA