As New York City continues its stay-at-home orders through at least mid-June, many New Yorkers have been finding new ways to social distance while trying to enjoy the city’s increasing temperatures. From exploring outdoor installations to attending drive-in movies, New Yorkers have been getting creative about staying occupied. In July, the parking lot by Yankee Stadium will be the home of Uptown Drive-in Experience, a drive-in festival where people can enjoy a few fun-filled hours of culture in a socially distanced environment.
The event will be put on by MASC Hospitality Group, which is responsible for the Bronx Night Market and the Bronx Beer Fest. According to partner Marco Shalma, the Uptown Drive-in Experience will feature performances by local artists, raffles and giveaways, and live interactive games from the comfort of visitor’s cars. In the spirit of drive-in theaters, the festival will also include a feature presentation, and performers and hosts will stream from a PA system to car radios.
MASC Hospitality Group is currently “working with Bronx and New York officials to help bring some sense of normalization to our communities while pushing efforts to assist small businesses to connect with New York City’s residents,” Shalma tells us.
Additionally, the event will feature top food and drink vendors who will perform car-side dinner service. Past vendors for the Bronx Night Market have included The Bronx Burger Co, MozzArepa, DownEast Lobastah, and Wah Gwaan, and newcomers this year would have ranged from Mao’s Baos to Bolivian Llama Party to Fried Lasagna Mama. Although the final vendor list has not been publicized, many of these vendors are expected to be present.
New Yorkers can join the waiting list on the Uptown Drive-In website. Tickets will be all-inclusive and will be available online on a first-come, first-serve basis. Pricing is still being worked out, and MASC is currently working with city and state authorities to uphold COVID-19 procedures and precautions. New Yorkers can also attend their Family-Friendly Brunch or their Date-Night version on weekends.
Marco tells us, “”I am overwhelmed by the support for the Drive-in project, be it from our city/state officials, business partners, and the media. But the greatest satisfaction comes from the fact that in the first 36 hours since announcing the Uptown Drive-in Experience, more than 4000 have subscribed to the list. We are now, with the help of our partners, in conversation to expand our plans to Manhattan (West) and LIC.”
