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30 of America's Most Classic Drive-In Movie Theaters

Catch a flick from the comfort of your own car.

Headshot of Hannah DoolinBy Hannah Doolin
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The good old days when drive-in theaters abounded across America might be behind us, but these businesses, in small towns and bustling cities alike, aren't letting the nostalgia fade. Catch new releases and even some classic movies screening at these theaters for an old-fashioned night out.

1

Bangor Drive-In

bangor drive in movie theater
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Location: Hermon, ME

Open: Wednesday through Sunday during the summer

Once shut down for more than 30 years, this newly reopened twin-screen theater shows both old favorites and the latest films for $22 per car.

For more info, visit Bangor Drive-In.

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2

Coyote Drive-In

coyote drive-in movie theater
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Location: Leeds, AL

Open: Wednesday through Sunday during the spring, and daily during the summer

You'll want to come hungry to the Coyote—the on-site Canteen restaurant serves all the essentials like popcorn, pizza, hot dogs, and burgers.

For more information, visit Coyote Drive-In.

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3

Starlite Drive-In Movie Theater

best drive in movie theaters starlite
Starlite Movies

Location: Litchfield, MN

Open: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the summer

This family-owned and operated establishment has been part of Litchfield's history since it opened in 1914. Expect to see Hollywood's best stars on the screen, and incredible views of the nighttime stars right above it.

For more info, visit Starlite Movies.

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4

Skyview Drive-In

skyview drive-in movie theater
Flickr Creative Commons/Thomas Duesing

Location: Belleville, IL

Open: Weekends from April through October

This historic 1949 establishment has been a hit with movie-goers for decades. Stop by and you'll get to see two back-to-back features with your ticket, and you can even reserve a prime spot for your vehicle in advance.

For more info, visit Skyview Drive-In.

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5

Fiesta Drive-In Theatre

fiesta drive in movie theater
Flickr Creative Commons/Matthew Rutledge

Location: Carlsbad, NM

Open: Friday through Monday year-round

This family-owned drive-in movie theater is the best place to see all the latest films if you live in the area. In fact, you can become a member of the Fiesta Drive-In Club and get 50 percent off of all your ticket purchases for just $10 a month.

Fore more information, visit Fiesta Drive-In.

6

Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre

stars and stripes drive-in theatre
Courtesy of Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theatre

Location: Lubbock, TX

Open: Year-round

In addition to showing movies on three different screens, this Texas theater's coolest feature might be its 1950s-themed cafe, complete with classic soda parlor-style milkshakes.

For more info, visit Stars & Stripes.

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7

Starlight Drive-In Theatre

classic drive in movie theaters - starlight drive-in theater
Courtesy of Starlight Six

Location: Atlanta, GA

Open: Year-round

Established in 1949, the Starlight Drive-In Theatre quickly became a popular Atlanta destination, known for its art-deco style. Now, the theatre shows movies after dark on a digital production system, while patrons play audio through their car stereos using FM transmitters.

For more information, visit Starlight Drive-In Theatre.

8

Bengies

bengies drive in movie theater
Courtesy of Bengies

Location: Baltimore, MD

Open: Summer months

Entering its 60th season this year, Bengies claims to have the biggest outdoor movie screen in the U.S., measuring 52-feet high by 120-feet wide. The theater, which opened in 1956, also hosts a triple feature on Friday and Saturday nights.

For more info, visit Bengies.

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9

Coyote Drive-In

coyote drive in movie theater
Courtesy of Coyote Drive-In

Location: Fort Worth, TX

Open: Year-round

The Coyote Drive-In was founded in 2011 by four friends hoping to create a family-friendly destination in Fort Worth. Not only does the theater have a stunning backdrop of downtown, but it also offers live music before screenings.

For more info, visit Coyote.

10

Route 66 Drive-In

route 66 drive in movie theater
Courtesy of Route 66 Twin Drive In

Location: Springfield, IL

Open: Memorial Day through Labor Day, plus weekends in September and October

The newly restored Route 66 drive-in boasts two screens showing double features nightly. Football fans also gather at the venue for tail gate parties when the theater shows games on the big screen.

For more information, visit Route 66 Twin Drive-In.

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11

Galaxy Drive-In Theatre

galaxy drive-in movie theatre
Courtesy of Galaxy Drive-In Theatre

Location: Ennis, TX

Open: Year-round

Unlike most old-school drive-ins, this one allows customers to purchase their tickets online ahead of time. While catching first-run flicks — including the occasional 3D movie — visitors can chow down on food and snacks like Dippin' Dots. The theater operates 365 days per year, at a price much more reasonable than your average movie theater.

For more information, visit Galaxy Drive-In.

12

Four Brothers Drive-In

four brothers drive-in movie theater
Courtesy of Four Brothers Drive-In

Location: Amenia, NY

Open: Spring through fall

This kitschy upstate New York spot shows double features in a beautiful Hudson Valley setting, complete with a playground and diner-like concession stand. Vintage touches like car hop food delivery are balanced with modern amenities include charging stations for electric cars and a litter box for any pets who want to catch a flick, too.

For more information, visit Four Brothers.

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13

Highway 21 Drive In

highway 21 drive in movie theater
Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Location: Beaufort, SC

Open: Year-round

From funnel cakes to corn dogs, visitors can nosh on county fair-style food while enjoying a feature film in this laid-back, low-country setting.

For more info, visit Highway 21.

14

Warwick Drive-In

warwick drive-in movie theater
Courtesy of Craig Moore via Flickr Creative Commons

Location: Warwick, NY

Open: March through October

With 11 acres of farmland and three movie screens, this small town theater is the perfect way to enjoy some good old-fashioned fun under the stars.

For more info, visit Warwick.

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15

Swan Drive-In Theatre

swan drive-in movie theatre
Courtesy of Swan Drive-In Theatre

Location: Blue Ridge, GA

Open: Year-round

This theater in the Blue Ridge Mountains opened in the 1950s with showings of classic films like Cast a Long Shadow, Tarzan the Ape Man, and The Oregon Trail. Now, the cash-only establishment serves up just-released movies alongside indulgent concessions, like fried Oreos and funnel cake.

For more info, visit Swan.

16

Saco Drive-In

saco drive-in movie theater
Courtesy of Saco Drive-In

Location: Saco, ME

Open: Mid-May through September

Established in 1939, Saco claims to be the second-oldest drive-in theater in the country.

For more info, visit Saco.

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17

Harvest Moon Drive-In

harvest moon drive-in movie theater
Courtesy of Harvest Moon Drive-In

Location: Gibson City, IL

Open: 7 days from spring through July, special events offered year-round

This drive-in shows movies rain or shine, and features fun events like carnivals, a 5K race, and car shows. Best of all? Patrons can barbecue their own food while watching movies.

For more info, visit Harvest Moon.

18

Mansfield Drive-In

mansfield drive in movie theater
April Wright/Courtesy of Mansfield Drive-In

Location: Mansfield Center, CT

Open: April through September

In addition to its drive-in theater, Mansfield also hosts a large outdoor flea market every Sunday.

For more info, visit Mansfield.

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19

Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre

wellfleet drive-in movie theater
Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Location: Cape Cod, MA

Open: Year-round

Among the attractions at this retro theater? A mini-golf course, an old-fashioned snack shop, a bar and grill, and a flea market with as many as 200 vendors.

For more info, visit Wellfleet.

20

Hull's Drive-In

hull's drive-in movie theater
Courtesy of Hull's Drive-In/Michael Cole

Location: Lexington, VA

Open: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays

Lexington residents loved this drive-in theater so much, they saved it from closure in 1999. It now functions as a non-profit, community-owned business.

For more info, visit Hull's.

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