Pennsylvania’s 25 drive-in movie theaters make for retro summer fun
Embrace nostalgia and movie magic at Pennsylvania’s local and historic drive-in theaters.
In the 1950s, more than 4,000 drive-in theaters operated around the country. Today, there are fewer than 300 drive-in theaters still showing movies under the stars. Proving the commonwealth’s taste for nostalgia, out of all the states, Pennsylvania has the greatest number of drive-in movie theaters still remaining — 25 theaters still bringing in crowds!
At most drive-in theaters, once you pay for your carload and settle into your space, you wait until dusk for the movie to start. You listen to the movie’s sound via the radio, tuning it to a specific frequency. If you don’t have your own radio or can’t use your car’s radio, you can often rent radios at the box office for a small fee.
Most theaters also include two movies — a double feature — in the price of admission, meaning that once the first movie ends, you can quickly tuck into a second! Best use that short intermission to grab some classic drive-in snacks from the concession stand!
Drive-in movie theaters in Central Pa.
Moonlite Drive-In Theatre – Brookville
Moonlite Drive-In Theatre, located in central Pa.’s Jefferson County, has been in operation since 1952. To enter, you’ll pay $20 per car (up to 6 people; $10 per person after that).
Super 322 Drive-In – Clearfield
A historic landmark, the circa 1950 Super 322 Drive-In is a central Pa. gem, offering first-run double features during the warmer months, along with classic drive-in fare like burgers and nachos at its concession stand. In 2014, the drive-in opened with a new digital projector. Enjoy the double features for $9 for adults.
Haar’s Drive In – Dillsburg
York County’s Haar’s Drive In is both a drive-in movie theater and the site of a restaurant as well as community auctions. (A lot goes on at the site!) The business is family-owned and has been passed down through the generations for more than 70 years. The theater plays new movies for a general admission charge of $10 per person, with children under 5 free.
Midway Drive-In Theater – Mifflintown
The Midway Drive-In Theater selects movies that appeal to kids as well as movies that will only appeal to adults, meaning the theater truly plays something for everyone, whether that’s a movie with minions or one by M. Knight Shyamalan. General admission for adults is $8.
Pike Drive In Theatre – Montgomery
Since 1953, Pike Drive In Theatre has been playing first-run feature films for an audience behind windshields (or sitting in camp chairs next to their vehicles). The facility has three screens and shows family movies as well as adult-oriented films. Admission is $10 for adults, while kids eight and under are free. You can also purchase an “outside food permit” for $10, which allows you to bring your own food.
Cumberland Drive-In Theatre – Newville
Cumberland Drive-In Theatre plays films that are, according to the theater, “mostly” family-friendly, in that they only play PG-13, PG, and G movies. Adults are $10 for a double feature, though sometimes on holidays Cumberland Drive-In plays triple features for the same price!
Drive-in movie theaters in Western Pa.
Starlight Drive-In – Butler
Starlight Drive-In has been accepting families and friends by the carload to view movies since 1958. You can watch older favorite films like The Goonies and The Lion King as well as popular new releases. The drive-in is open between April and September — weekends during the spring and fall, and weekends plus Thursdays during the summer. General admission is $10 for adults and includes a double feature.
Carrolltown Hi-Way Drive-In – Carrolltown
Cambria County’s Carrolltown Hi-Way Drive-In screens a new double feature each week. General admission for adults is $11. The ticket booth is cash only, but the concession stand accepts credit and debit cards!
The Brownsville Drive-In – Grindstone
The Brownsville Drive-In, located in Fayette County’s Grindstone, features three screens on which it shows new movies. The concession stand sells traditional drive-in fare, but sometimes you can pick up dinner from a food truck! Plus, summer 2024 is the drive-in’s 75th anniversary, as it originally opened in 1949. Adult admission is $10 for a double feature.
Palace Gardens Drive-In Theatre – Indiana
Palace Gardens Drive-In Theatre has been family-owned and operated in Indiana since 1950. Though it’s based in Jimmy Stewart’s hometown, the drive-in doesn’t just play Jimmy Stewart movies; it features family-friendly movies, including new releases and old gems. There’s also a playground for kids to enjoy. Admission is $9, with kids 11 and under free.
The Comet Drive-In – Dunbar
The Comet Drive-In, found in Fayette County, has two screens on which it screens first-run double features. On Sundays, it’s the site of a flea market! Cash-only admission is $10 for adults.
The Silver Drive-In – Johnstown
Johnstown’s Silver Drive-In plays double features for families as well as the occasional film targeted toward adults. Adult admission is just $9 for two movies.
Dependable Drive-In Theater – Moon Township
Dependable Drive-In Theater is the last remaining drive-in theater in Pittsburgh’s Allegheny County! The Moon Township theater has four large screens that play new releases, whether they are family-friendly, animated movies, or thrilling horror movies. Adult admission is $10.
Evergreen Drive-In Theater – Mount Pleasant
A three-screen drive-in theater in Westmoreland County, Evergreen Drive-In Theater originally opened in 1947 as the Ruthorn Drive-In, though the name was quickly changed to Evergreen. The drive-in, which plays first-run features, is now owned by Warren Theatres, which once owned six other drive-in theaters in the state. The box office is cash only and adults pay $11.
Family Drive In Theatre – Kane
Northwestern Pa.’s Family Drive In Theatre in McKean County makes its mission clear in its name. The family-oriented drive-in shows double features you can bring your family to, and also has a mini golf course you can enjoy before your movie begins! Adult admission to see the movies is $7, while mini golf is just $2 per person.
Riverside Drive In Theatre – Vandergrift
Riverside Drive In Theatre, located in Armstrong County, shows double features that run the gamut from rated G to rated R. Adult admission is $10. Plus, you can join the drive-in for its “monster-rama” film events, which are weekends dedicated to monster movies and other creepy classics!
The Bar-Ann Drive-In – Spring Hill
The Bar-Ann Drive-In is a single-screen drive-in theater in Cambria County. The theater shows first-run features geared toward both kids and adults. General adult admission is $9.
Reynolds Drive In – Transfer
Mercer County’s Reynolds Drive In shows double features for $10 for adults, though the drive-in is also home to festivals, bingo, weekly flea markets, and other special events.
Sunset Drive In – Waterford
Erie County’s Sunset Drive In is open on the weekends during the warmer months to show evening double features of new releases. Adults pay $10 (cash only) and note that dogs are not allowed. On Sundays, the drive-in also hosts a flea market.
Drive-in movie theaters in Eastern Pa.
Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre – Orefield
Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre in the Lehigh Valley is special. Not only was it the second drive-in theater built in the U.S. — Shankweiler’s originally opened in 1934 — it is now the oldest drive-in in the country, having been in continuous operation for 90 years. Today, you can visit Shankweiler’s for a taste of drive-in history as well as a screening of your next favorite movie. Adults pay $12 for a double feature. Plus, while many drive-in theaters are open only on summer weekends, Shankweiler’s is open year-round: seven days a week throughout the summer and weekends only during the colder months. Shankweiler’s is the closest Pa. drive-in to Philly — it’s a little less than an hour and a half’s drive to be able to bask in the drive-in’s nostalgia.
Becky’s Drive-In – Walnutport
Open since 1946, Becky’s Drive-In is always voted the best drive-in theater in the Lehigh Valley. General admission for adults is $12. Becky’s prioritizes family movies and always shows double features.
Circle Drive-In – Dickson City
The Circle Drive-In is located in Dickson City, not far from Scranton. You can watch first-run movies as well as retro films at the drive-in, which often hosts special movie events like “Christmas in July” (featuring National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation) as well as non-movie events like Sunday flea markets. Movie admission is $9 for adults.
Garden Drive-In – Hunlock Creek
Northeastern Pa.’s Garden Drive-In shows double features on two screens for a low price of $7. Plus, each Sunday, there’s a flea market! Some drive-ins are cash only, but not this one. You can even order from the concession stand online.
The Mahoning Drive-in Theater – Lehighton
Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, the Mahoning Drive-In Theater is the ideal drive-in destination for fans of older movies. The 1949 theater shows classic films on 35mm, and plays movies geared for families as well as adults. For example, this summer the theater is screening Grindhouse, Aladdin, The Princess Bride, and Taxi Driver, among many others. Adult admission is $12 — you can even add a pass to stay the night in your vehicle or in a tent!
Moonlite Drive-In – West Wyoming
The Moonlite Drive-In charges just $8 per double feature when it is open in spring, summer, and fall. You can see hit new movies, classics, and even area gems. The Luzerne County drive-in also hosts regular craft fairs and the occasional festival.
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