35 Places You Can Still See a Drive-In Movie

After being closed for 30 years, this Maine drive-in theater reopened in 2015 and began showing first-run and fan-favorite films on two screens. In addition to operating as a regular drive-in movie theater, the Bangor Drive-In accommodates private and semi-private events for caravans of up to 80 cars. 

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This family-owned theater has been the cornerstone of community life in Elizabethton, Tennessee since its debut in 1947. Open seasonally during the warm-weather months, the venue screens new-releases on weekend nights and double-features on holiday weekends.

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This nostalgic outdoor theater in Litchfield, Minnesota is run by a passionate movie-loving family that has been in the business for almost a century, having purchased their first theater, The Cozy, in 1923.

For the past 70 years, Silver Moon Drive-In in Lakeland, Florida has been showing movies on two screens. Known for its double features and first-run film selection, this drive-in is the last of its kind in the county—and it plans to stick around for now.

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Since opening in 1968, this Oklahoma City drive-in has been run by the Shanbour siblings, who once also ran a handful of indoor theaters. The popular theater is now one of only seven drive-ins in the state of Oklahoma, which once played host to almost 100 such establishments. Today the Winchester specializes in double or triple features for family fun that costs less than the admission to a traditional movie theater.

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This pet-friendly theater in Woodbury, Tennessee screens new releases and double features, and offers an extensive snack bar.

Constructed in 2003, Watertown, Tennessee's Stardust hosts families for affordable entertainment under the stars. A lineup of double or triple features start at dusk every night during the summer.

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Suburban Omaha hadn't had a drive-in movie theater in years when Falconwood Park opened their outdoor cinema. The park is available for camping, weddings, concerts, and private events, but it's the summer movie series that lures cinephiles to the 26-acre green space. 

This Kansas City drive-in, in operations since the 1950s, has kept up with the times by showing its features in 4K resolution, claiming to be first drive-in theater in the world to do so.

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Open year-round, this California drive-in originally debuted as a single-screen theater in 1958, and opened a second screen a few years later. Today, Santee screens a new first-run film every week. 

Built in 1950 on 5 acres of land, this bucolic outdoor theater has been expanded to house three screens on 11 acres of land near Warwick, New York. The family-operated theater has changed hands many times over the years, but the owners' commitment to showing a wide selection of first-run movies, remains unwavering.

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This drive-in claims to have the largest outdoor screen in the United States at 120 feet wide by 52 feet tall. The Maryland theater appeals to nostalgic patrons by screening retro cartoons and vintage trailers in addition to triple features on Friday and Saturday nights.

Originally built in 1948, this drive-in in Carlsbad, New Mexico closed in 1970 until it was revitalized and reopened in 1990. The establishment gives indoor theater membership programs a run for their money with their own $10 per month membership that earns subscribers 50% off movie ticket prices.

True to its name, the Family Drive-In is family-owned and provides good, clean family fun. The nostalgic Virginia theater has a playground for the kids, classic speakers on poles, and music from the 1950s and '60s, but its modern features like digital projection and radio sound only add to the experience.

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This historic drive-in has been a fixture in the Dade City, Florida movie scene since 1950, when the cost of admission was a mere 35 cents. Today, the theater shows first-run movies and hosts an outdoor flea market on Sundays. Joy-Lan survived a fire in 2000, after which it was successfully remodeled and reopened. Since then the old drive-in has upgraded to digital projection, staying modern while retaining its nostalgic flair.

Sitting on 13 acres outside of Lewisburg, Tennesseee, this charming drive-in first opened in 1950 and its iconic marquee has been featured in several films and music videos for artists such as Blake Shelton and Kid Rock.

Dating back to 1950, this family-owned theater in Chester, West Virginia can accommodate up to 500 cars at all of its first-run movie screenings during spring, summer and fall. 

This Idaho drive-in is named after the state’s most famous export, and has different admission prices for spectators (adults), seasoned-tators (seniors), and small tots (kids). The Spud opened in 1953 and projected its films with a pre-war projector for decades until the movie industry made the switch to digital projection. Unable to afford a new digital projector, the theater turned to the community, which rallied to donate enough cash to help The Spud go digital and ensure its success for years to come.  

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This historic Illinois drive-in has been operating for more than 70 years and balances nostalgic elements, such as vintage speakers, with modern comforts. The theater shows the biggest first-run films, and hosts a popular throwback series where patrons can enjoy classics like Top Gun, Superman, and The Sandlot. 

The last remaining drive-in in Arizona, this 9-screen theater still shows double features every night of the year. Open since 1979, it aims to appeal to a new generation by charging just $1.50 for children's admission.

Hot rods take over the Tiger Drive-In on the first Saturday of every month (driving your classic car onto the lawn will earn you $1 off your ticket price and a free popcorn), creating a truly nostalgic night at the movies. The Georgia theater dates back to 1954, and has changed with the times while remaining true to its roots. Of course, the theater shows first-run movies, but it also hosts creative events like scout campouts where kids can hook up an Xbox to the projection screen and game in the open air.