The entertainment scene has shifted dramatically as a result of the current epidemic. Regular movie theaters were closed down. As a result, many families began to reconsider the choice of Drive-In movie theaters. They were sort of dreary a few years ago, but all of a sudden became a new flowering light. With this page, we attempted to provide you with all of the data about drive-in movie theaters, their history, some bite-size tips, and at least one drive-in movie theater name and address for each state.
A fun filled family outing without breaking your bank.
Although drive-in movie theaters were popular prior to WWII, they lost their niche during late 2000. With Netflix, Amazon Video, and numerous other streaming sites sucking money from you like a death-eater, it’s difficult to believe that the first drive-in movie theater debuted in 1933, in New Jersey. Some of us may have fond memories of late-night drive-ins. If you recall riding in a family wagon to one of these exhibitions, filled with relatives and siblings, you are ancient. Well, not so ancient, but definitely older than today’s kids who shove their face into more appealing 6″ cell phone screen.
What could be the best way other than showing these screen maniacs, that there is a better way to watch and enjoy screen in a large dimension of 45×60 feet with friends and family, while I take a nap inside my car.
-An angry sleep deprived mom during pandemic.
How to make it interesting ?
Enough of my rant, but seriously if you can’t take the opportunity now because of the pandemic, chances are slim they going to listen to you later. However, throw in some ice creams, junk food , a bit of drive and show them the magic- they will be forever your slave.. I mean your children. There are theaters like one in Seattle, WA that has waterfront. Similarly many has flee market, thrill rides, and food.
Walking through the memory lane !!
At their peak, several drive-ins utilized eye-catching gimmicks to increase attendance. They included prize giveaways and free admission, miniature airplane runways, helicopter or hot air balloon rides,[20] odd attractions such as a small petting zoo or monkey cage, personal visits by performers to introduce their films, and musical ensembles to perform before the presentation. On quiet evenings like Wednesdays or Sundays, some drive-ins offered religious services or paid a fixed rate per car. During the 1950s and 1960s, entry was one dollar per automobile on “buck” or “discount” evenings. However things have changed now, but you can still throw a monkey for more attention.
As always this blog is going to be in the classic FAQ style –
1) What is a Drive-in movie theater ?
A drive-in theater, also known as a drive-in cinema, is a type of movie theater that consists of a big outdoor movie screen, a projection booth, a snack shop, and a huge parking lot for cars. Customers may watch movies from the privacy and convenience of their automobiles in this covered space.
2) How much it cost ?
It depends from area to area. For example one of the biggest drive-in theater FORD-WYOMING DRIVE IN cost around $26 without taxes, for 1 vehicle ( I guess does not matter how many you can cram into that vehicle). But another famous Drive-in movie theater in the west side known as West Wind Cinema ( They are there in Vegas, Reno and Santa Barbara) – cost around $8 for general admission and $1.75 per child (below 11). If you overall compare they are really cheaper than in-person cinemas.
3) Do they have food / water and bathrooms etc ?
Yes, most of them have some sort of food counter. For #1 and #2 you pretty much have to rely on porta potty. However, I will recommend you to go there with your own food, water, blanket etc. However, due to pandemic many theaters have stopped common /public barbecue areas. Its best to check their outside food policy before packing that juicy wendy’s burger.
4) Can we sit on the top of the car and watch a movie ?
Absolutely not. You are not in the 90’s anymore, people are more civilized and dumb now so , no. because you might risk a hip if you fall down but no one cares about that, rather which is more concerning now a days is you should not block other people views..
5) Will I be able to hear the dialogues ?
Yes. Mostly the cars are packed in between speaker poles for better sound effects. But sometimes when there is a lot of cars engines rumbling it take a bit of an effort to listen in. Well they ask to switch off the engine sometimes though.
6) What are some of the most famous drive-in movie theaters in every state?
Every state you asked !! Huh .. Okay – I dug it for you . Now promise me you will try at least one. But of-course there are more than one, these are just famous due to some fact or other.
Alabama
411 Twin Drive In
The theater is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the year. They also have food options at very low prices; it’s fun for the whole family and a steal!
Arizona
West Wind Glendale 9 Drive-In
West Wind, which has been family-owned and run from its start in 1952, today controls the world’s largest drive-in cinema network, with six facilities (four in California). The theaters are described by the firm as “relaxed family enjoyment with a blend of old-school drive-in ambiance [and] the newest technology.”
Arkansas
Stone Drive-In theater
808 Theatre Ln, Mountain View, AR 72560.
Alaska
Dicks Drive-In Theater
Probably the only one still operating in Fairbank Alaska.
California
Riverside
Van Buren Drive-In Theater and Swap Meet
Colorado
Pueblo
Mesa Drive-In
Beautifully situated near arkansas river this one is a beautiful spot.
Connecticut
Mansfield
Mansfield Drive-in Theater & Marketplace
If you are ever in need of a grapefruit juice, or a beer there is abeautiful flee market located near this theater.
Florida
The Silvermoon drive-in is a drive-in theatre in Lakeland, Florida. Established in 1948, it is the last remaining drive-in of Polk County, Florida.
100 New Tampa Hwy, Lakeland, FL 33815
Georgia
Atlanta
Starlight Drive-In Theater or Tiger-Drive on theater
Though Starlight is preferable, somehow i liked the revived vintage open-air cinema which comes with a snack bar . Theater is open from March to November.
Idaho
Driggs
The Spud Drive In
The Spud provides both a conventional drive-in experience and an overnight stay, all with a view of the Big Hole mountain range.
Illinois
Earlville
route 34 Drive In Theatre
Though this is conveniently placed in route 34, be cautious that they only take cash. Kind of old school.
Indiana
Rockport
Holiday Drive-in theater
This decades-old, cash-only drive-in has 5 outside screens for summer movies, as well as food shops.
Iowa
Blue Grass
Blue Grass Drive-In Theater
They provide many concessions and packages. make sure you take advantage of those like birthdays and Anniversaries.
Kansas
Kansas City
Boulevard Drive-In Theater
This location is tricky but the driving through the curvy road will end up in a flee market.
Kentucky
Kansas City
Bourbon Drive-In Theater
Maine
Skowhegan
Skowhegan Drive-In Theater
Maryland
Middle River
Bengies Drive-In Theater
Bengies Drive-In is a drive-in theater in Middle River, Maryland, a Baltimore suburb, with the largest existing movie screen in the United States.
Massachusetts
Mendon
Mendon Twin Drive-In
This one is special because of a beautiful exquisite 5000 square foot garden with draft beer available while you enjoy the movie.
Michigan
Coldwater
Capri Drive-In
Minnesota
Long Prairie
Long Drive-In Theater
There is a resturant which serves american type cuisine along side this theater.
Mississippi
Iuka
Iuka Drive-In Theater
The only operational drive-in cinema in the state. Although there is another one opened by Walmart, it is usually closed on most days.
Missouri
Carthage
66 Drive-In Theater
Located about two hours south of Kansas City, Missouri, straight along historic Route 66.
Montana
Billings
Amusement Park Drive-In
Family owned business which also has a roller coster ride for the audience, if you want to. Its an amusement park, which will keep your children happy and tried.
Nebraska
Bellevue
Falconwood Park
This one has everything you can think of, tennsi court , horseshoe, ferris wheel and a Drive-in theater.
Nevada
Sparks
West Wind El Rancho 4 Drive-In Theater
New Hampshire
Milford
Milford Drive-In Theater
Normally arrive a half an hour before the first show’s scheduled start time. Usually enough time to choose a suitable site, buy some food, and set up your kingdom.
New Jersey
Vineland
Delsea Drive-In Theater
This theater sits about an hour south of America’s first drive-in theater (Park-In Theaters in Camden, New Jersey) and is the last remaining drive-in in the state.
New Mexico
Motorama at the Downs Santa FeNew Mexico
Most of the people says, that the attention to the grass was amazing. The grass is quite soft and pleasant at this place. As a result, this provides for an excellent soccer pitch. However, the parking area is unpaved, something to be careful of
New York
Amenia
Four Brothers Drive-In
This theater features galleries of custom-made art, signage, and furniture, including an art deco artwork on the wall of the projection booth by local artist Peter Wing. This was his final public work before his death, completed in 2014.
North Carolina
Kings Mountain
Hound’s Drive-In Theater
Ohio
Liberty Center
Field of Dreams Drive-In Theater
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City
Winchester Drive In
Oregon
Newberg
99W Drive-in Theater
Pennsylvania
Walnutport
Becky’s Drive-In Theater
William “Becky” Beck traveled from site to site showing movies, starting outside at Uncle Charlie’s Lunch in the 1930s. In 1946, Between 1936 and 1939, Becky began transporting his pictures from location to location, presenting films at Uncle Charlie’s Restaurant, Minnich’s Restaurant, and the baseball field (now known as Bryfoyle Memorial Park). Becky owned the “Midway” indoor theater in East Mauch Chunk, PA in 1942. Because of all the westerns played there, the theater was dubbed “The Bucket of Blood.” Becky was a big fan of westerns.
Rhode Island
North Smithfield
Rustic Tri View Drive-In
South Carolina
Monetta
Monetta Drive In Theater
South Dakota
Hermosa
Roy’s Black Hills Twin Drive-In
Tennessee
Watertown
Stardust Drive In Theater
Texas
Midland
Big Sky theater
Easily accessible outside of Midland at 6200 W Highway 80, just west of Loop 250.
Utah
West Valley City
Redwood Drive-in Theater and Swap Meet
Redwood Drive-In Theatre has seen several transformations over the past 70 years. And, with their brand-new digital projection system, its most thrilling drive-in cinema experience yet!. The improved image, along with strong FM audio broadcast technology, is assisting the Drive-In in attracting new audiences who are quickly becoming dedicated fans.
Vermont
West Valley City
Sunset Drive-In
Virgina
Lexington
Goochland Drive-In Theater
The season usually lasts from March to November, and it is only open on weekends.
Washington
Blue Fox Drive-In Theatre
There are plenty of things to do here. Go-Kart, over night campaign, snack bar serving pizzas etc.
West Virginia
meadow brook
Sunset Drive in theater
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Dells
Big Sky Twin Drive-In Theater
This is cash only drive in theater boasts around having delicious snacks
Wyoming
Powell
American Dream Drive In
