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

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.

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.

Coyote Drive-In
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.

Starlite Drive-In Movie Theater
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.

Skyview Drive-In
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.

Fiesta Drive-In Theatre
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.

Stars & 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.

Starlight Drive-In Theatre
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.

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.

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.

Route 66 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.

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.

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.

Highway 21 Drive In
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.

Warwick Drive-In
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre
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.

Hull's Drive-In
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.

The Blue Moon Drive-In Theatre
Location: Gu-Win, AL
Open: Year-round
This twin screen drive-in located off of highway 43 between Winfield and Guin plays double features to a lot that can fit 250 cars. Tune in via your FM stereo and hit up the onsite concessions for snacks. Bonus: kids under 6 are free.

Delsea Drive-In
Location: Vineland, NJ
Open: March through October
Built in 1949, this New Jersey drive-in went out of commission in 1987 and didn't re-open until 2004. Starting Memorial Day, the theater is open on Sundays, plus Fridays and Saturdays between Labor Day and October. Special holiday screenings take place throughout November and December. The concessions include snacks and candy, as well as outside-the-box options like teriyaki chicken and eggplant parmesan.

Malco Summer Quartet Drive-In
Location: Memphis, TN
Open: Year-round
The Malco movie theater chain has been family-owned for over 100 years, showing first-run flicks on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in Memphis. Kids under age 10 get in for free, and adults frequent the old-school venue for other entertainment like operas, concerts and live theater throughout the year.

Field of Dreams Drive-In Theater
Location: Liberty Center, OH
Open: April through October
This family-owned theater has been kept alive by an Ohio family, nostalgic for a nearly forgotten time. The venue hosts first-run double features and provides plenty more entertainment like putt putt golf and corn hole on the premises.

Mesa Drive-In
Location: Pueblo, CO
Open: March through September
This classic drive-in celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2000 by turning the single-screen theater into a triplex. Each screen shows a double feature nightly, starting at dusk. Their call-ahead menu, featuring eats like corn dogs, nachos and funnel cake fries, keeps hungry moviegoers fed during the films.

Capri Drive-In
Location: Coldwater, MI
Open: April through November
Family-owned and operated since 1964, this classic drive-in boasts plenty of modern updates. The digital projection screens and quality sound ensure customers have a great experience under the stars, while soaking in the '50s vibes.

Becky's Drive-In Theater
Location: Walnutport, PA
Open: June through October
This beloved outdoor theater in rural Pennsylvania has a massive fan base of movie-lovers, young and old. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, all the latest flicks are shown at dusk. Throughout the open season families might find pony rides, car shows, haunted hayrides and other events on the premises.

Star Drive-In
Location: Monte Vista, CO
Open: April through October
Book a room at the unique Best Western Movie Manor in Colorado, and you'll get a much cooler experience than on-demand movies in your hotel room. It's attached to the historic Star Drive-In, providing a clear view of the screen from most rooms, as well as speakers so you can hear everything clearly. You can, of course, skip the room and drive up to the Star yourself to catch a flick.

This Kansas City staple first opened in 1950 and has been showing movies under the stars ever since. With digital sound and plenty of first-run movies on the big screen every Friday and Saturdays, locals continue to come back for a dose of nostalgia. On weekend mornings, stop in for the Swap-n-Shop, which has been in operation since 1975.

Alamo Drafthouse
Location: Austin, TX
Open: Year-round
Alamo's brand of eat-in movie theaters have started popping up across the country, but it was first founded in Austin back in 1997. In recent years, the theater has partnered with Fandango and other brands to put on special screenings reminiscent of drive-ins, but with a fun twist. Their annual Rolling Roadshow screens flicks in various outdoor locations and special summer "dive-in" screenings of Jaws took place on Lake Travis, with viewers floating in inner tubes, their feet dangling dangerously in the water.

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