20 Drive-In Theaters Still Operating in America

Despite the changing times, plenty of drive-in theaters are thriving in America, and you're about to discover them in this list.

Cyra Sanchez
November 20, 2024
6 min read

20 Drive-In Theaters Still Operating in America — Assistant08 on Wikimedia Commons

Visiting a drive-in theater at least once in today’s age should be on everyone’s bucket list. However, only a few drive-in theaters still operate in America in this modern era. Fret not; we’ve got you covered! Look at these 20 impressive drive-in theaters still standing strong today in America.

1. Northfield Drive-In

Northfield Drive-In Theatre on Google Maps

One of the best, all-time classic drive-in theaters is the Northfield Drive-In in Hinsdale, New Hampshire. With more than 400 positive reviews on Google Maps, this place is well-loved by people of all ages. Teens and adults over 15 are charged $17, younger children ages 7 to 14 cost $7, and kids below 6 are free!

2. Fairlee Motel & Drive-in Theater

Fairlee Motel & Drive-in Theater on Google Maps

Fairlee Motel has been around since 1950 and was initially called “Holiday Park Drive-In.” Its prices start at $8 for children 5 to 11 and $12 for those 12 and above, while children under 5 are free of charge. The place also offers irresistible snacks you can enjoy while watching movies in your comfort.

3. Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theater

Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre on Google Maps

Visit America’s oldest operating drive-in theater: Shankweiler’s! Located in Oroville, Pennsylvania, this place has been running since 1931, keeping the drive-in spirit alive for over 90 years. Their snack bar never disappoints, and their ticket rates are as affordable as every other drive-in theater on this list.

4. South Bay Drive-In Theatre

South Bay Drive-In Theatre and Swap Meet on Google Maps

South Bay Drive-In has been setting sail since 1958 and has become a well-loved place for many San Diego, California locals. Travel back in time as you watch movies under the stars in South Bay; they’re usually open all week to make your schedule more manageable.

5. West Wind Las Vegas Drive-In

West Wind Las Vegas Drive-In on Google Maps

West Wind has been operating since 1933, making it among the oldest drive-in theaters still operating today. In addition to enjoying movies with your loved ones, you can also drop by their public market within the area, giving you more activities to enjoy.

6. Coyote Drive-In, Texas

Coyote Drive-In (Fort Worth) on Google Maps

At Coyote Drive-In, they make sure to meet all your needs as a customer. While it’s still bright outside, they use laser film projection to ensure the big screen is bright enough for everyone to see. They also offer food delivery to help you skip waiting in lines. You can bring your dogs as long as they’re leashed for safety. Kids can enjoy the playground area, and they also play live music on the weekends. With so much to offer, this theater is worth visiting.

7. West Wind Arizona Drive-In

West Wind Glendale 9 Drive-In on Google Maps

West Wind also has an open branch near the southwest, in Glendale, Arizona. Like their place in Las Vegas, they have a public market that families and moviegoers can visit.

8. Boulevard Drive-In Theater

Boulevard Drive-In Theatre on Google Maps

Enjoy a friendly, relaxing atmosphere at the Boulevard Drive-In Theater in Kansas. The place offers classic food options in its snack bar and also has a playground to keep your kids entertained.

9. 66 Drive-In Theatre

Carol M. Highsmith on Wikimedia Commons

Open since 1949, the 66 Drive-In Theatre in Carthage, Missouri, welcomes you with its art deco and streamlined modern vibe. With numerous positive reviews from their satisfied customers, you can expect clean areas, a high-quality movie viewing experience, tasty food, and excellent service from this place.

10. Voy 61 Drive-In Theatre

Voy 61 Drive-In Theatre on Google Maps

Voy 61 is located in Clinton County, Iowa; it offers a clean environment for its moviegoers and a wide selection of food to enjoy throughout your visit. To keep your kids entertained, they also have a playground surrounded by an excellent field of green grass. Kids under 3 are free of charge, while adults are charged $9, teens are $7, and children ages 4 to 12 only cost $5.

11. Sky-Vu Drive-In

Sky-Vu Drive In on Google Maps

Since then, sky-Vu has been running for over 50 years and keeping moviegoers entertained in Marshall County, Minnesota. Despite the changing times, this drive-in theater continues to thrive thanks to its relaxing ambiance, which anyone can enjoy.

12. Harvest Moon Drive-In

Harvest Moon Drive-In Theatre on Google Maps

With over 70 years of service, Harvest Moon Drive-In has kept families and moviegoers entertained in Gibson, Illinois. They have a 5-star rating on Google Maps, gathering a thousand positive reviews from satisfied customers. This old-school theater offers a kid-friendly fun space and classic movie snacks.

13. Silver Moon Drive-In

Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre on Google Maps

This theatre has been around for 75 years and is one of the only four drive-ins in Florida, standing firm despite the modern era. In addition to movies, you can also enjoy their swap shop, which allows you to trade goods with other moviegoers. Silver Moon welcomes you and your furry companions if you have well-behaved pets.

14. Highway 21 Drive-In, South Carolina

Hwy 21 Drive-In on Google Maps

Highway 21 Drive-In opened in 1978 and is the only drive-in theater in the Lowcountry. It offers a classic drive-in experience: You can either stay in your car or bring blankets to watch movies on the grassy lawn. Your pets are also welcome as long as they don’t disrupt other moviegoers! In addition to the usual films, HWY 21 might also host events such as live music performances, usually with rock bands on tour.

15. Hull’s Drive-In

Hull’s Drive In on Google Maps

Lexington, Virginia’s most beloved drive-in theatre is the Hull’s Drive-In, which has been operating since 1950. It offers a friendly community with a clean, relaxing environment for movie-goers. Pets are also welcome if they are well-behaved and kept on a leash for safety purposes.

16. Bengies Drive-In Theatre

Bengies Drive-In Theatre on Google Maps

Bengie’s Drive-In has been around since 1956 and is still thriving today. It’s said that it offers the most significant movie theatre screens in America. The place is located in Middle River, Maryland.

17. Rustic Tri-View Drive-In

Rustic Tri View Drive-In on Google Maps

Rhode Island’s one and only drive-in theatre is the Rustic Tri-View Drive-In. It offers a classic drive-in experience, with a variety of delicious snacks and a comfortable space to enjoy the movies with your loved ones.

18. Mansfield Drive-In Theatre

Mansfield Drive-in Theatre & Marketplace on Google Maps

Mansfield Drive-In Theatre in Connecticut has been a pet-friendly movie theater since 1954. Its website is up-to-date, and you can buy your tickets online. In addition to the movie area, you can drop by their flea market to enhance your experience.

19. Capri Drive-In Theater

Capri Drive-In Theater on Google Maps

Since 1963, the Capri Drive-In has been servicing the people of Michigan and other visitors with its top-quality theater. They keep everything clean and spacious, giving you plenty of spots to claim for your comfort. Their concession area also offers video games and plenty of dining tables to enjoy with friends and family.

20. Stone Drive-In Theatre Arkansas

Stone Drive-In Theatre on Google Maps

The cozy and family-friendly ambiance of Stone Drive-In Theatre in Mountain View, Arkansas, will keep you entertained throughout your movie-watching experience. They offer classic movie snacks for reasonable prices. Feel free to bring your well-behaved pets; this theatre also allows pets.