Drive-in movies and New Mexico summer nights were made for each other. A giant screen against a dark desert sky, FM radio audio, and the magic of watching a film in the open air with the stars overhead.

Friday nights at the drive-in have a special energy. Families arrive early with tailgate setups — lawn chairs in truck beds, blankets spread on hoods, coolers of drinks. The sky darkens from blue to purple to full black, and by the time the feature starts the screen seems impossibly bright against the night.

Double features are standard. Snack bar offerings include green chile hot dogs and locally made ice cream sandwiches.

Check the current schedule — summer programming runs Fri-Sun. Santuario Grande is a short drive, making a late night totally easy.