Ontario’s Empty Mall Parking Lots Are Set To Become Drive-In Theatres This Summer

A mall in Markham transformed into one last weekend.
Lead Writer, Travel

Next time you head out for some shopping, you might find yourself at a movie instead. A mall parking lot near Toronto recently transformed into an outdoor theatre, and more could be popping up across the province this summer. Ontario's CF Mall Drive-In had guest replacing their shopping bags with popcorn bags.

On June 25 and 26, the Cadillac Fairview Markville Mall's parking lot looked quite different than usual.

The space was turned into a huge drive-in theatre where visitors could relax in their cars and enjoy a film.

The event was a pilot project to help ring in the summer season and welcome guests back as malls finally began to reopen last month.

Tickets were exclusively offered to CF Insiders and charity partners from Markham Stouffville Hospital, as well as CF Markville retail clients and employees.

Movie-goers were provided complimentary popcorn and drinks from Kernels for an extra delicious experience.

This was the first-ever drive-in pilot CF has hosted, and the company confirmed to Narcity that they hope to introduce others this summer.

While there are no specific events planned yet, you might be able to enjoy a film at your favourite mall this season.

Cadillac Fairview | Handout

Drive-ins have made a comeback, as they allow guests to distance while watching a film outdoors.

A brand new outdoor theatre is opening up on Toronto's waterfront, and it will host concerts and films all summer long.

Cadillac Fairview | Handout

Located at Polson Pier, CityView drive-in is officially opening on July 16.

Some drive-in theatres are also hosting live concerts, and you can watch July Talk perform next month at this outdoor event.

Cadillac Fairview | Handout

Keep an eye out for more parking lot drive-ins that could be popping up this summer.

In the meantime, you can also check out some retro theatres that are already open across the province.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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