From the hum of car engines to the buckets of popcorn, drive-in theaters are an important part of American movie history. With the summer season in full swing, America’s drive-ins are gearing up for the busy season by preparing for unique entertainment options ranging from movie screenings and musical performances to flea markets and food truck festivals.
Drive-in movies were once a mainstay of American life — at its peak in 1958, the industry had more than 4,000 nationwide, according to the United Drive-In Theater Owners Association. Although those days are long gone due to various factors, a few hundred remaining drive-ins proudly maintain the tradition today.
“Drive-in movie culture spans generations, income levels and family status,” says Harry Marks, a classic film and Hollywood historian who hosts the social media channel Let’s All Go to the Lobby, who points out that drive-ins cater to both an older audience wanting to recapture the nostalgia of their youth and a younger audience wanting to share the movie experience they heard about from their parents and grandparents. “It can be communal and lonely at the same time: we’re watching a movie with other people, but we’re all locked in our own vehicles.”
When regular movie theaters closed in 2020 during the pandemic, drive-ins found a new life of their own that still resonates today. Here’s a look at five in the United States that are taking the drive-in movie experience to the next level.
1. Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theater: Orefield, Pa.
Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theater claims to be the oldest operating drive-in in the world, opening its doors in 1934. “We have a Guinness World Record,” says Lauren McChesney, who co-owns Shankweiler’s with her husband Matt McClanahan . A key part of the Great Depression, Orefield, Pennsylvania, celebrated its 90th anniversary in April with a revival of the first version of Shankweiler: a sheet hung between two flagpoles, surrounded by historic cars. While the setup has since picked up steam, Shankweiler’s commitment to preserving the history of drive-in theaters remains.
2. Hull’s Drive-In Theater: Lexington, Va.
Tucked away in Lexington, Virginia, Hull’s Drive-In Theater is the only non-profit drive-in theater in America. While it shows the biggest new releases, it also relies on the classics and draws large audiences for screenings The Goonies And Fat. But Hull’s community involvement also speaks volumes about how important the role drive-in theaters have been in American history, as you’ll find a team of volunteers assisting with the concession stand and ticket sales as well as local events. Another bonus: a stage was recently built in front of the screen to provide pre-movie entertainment from local musicians and school music groups.
3. Delsea Drive-In: Vineland, NJ
As New Jersey’s only drive-in movie theater, the Delsea Drive-In Theater has cemented its place in movie history. When locals are hungry, they head to Delsea to enjoy the drive-thru’s beloved food menu, one of their biggest assets, says co-owner Jude DeLeonardis. Regulars enjoy the chicken cheesesteaks and soft serve ice cream, but anyone with specific dietary needs will be especially pleased as there are even gluten-free, vegan and low-carb options on the menu.
4. Four Brothers Drive-in: Amenia, NY
Amenities are the name of the game at Four Brothers Drive-In, located in Amenia, NY. Guests can come for a show and spend the night camping under the stars, or enjoy pizza at the hotel’s restaurant. There’s even an airflow hotel, Hotel Caravana, where guests can enjoy the wonder of the small town of Amenia while embracing life’s simple pleasures, ranging from railway lines and rural farms to antique shops and quaint cafes. But it’s Four Brothers’ adaptability that keeps locals and tourists coming back for more; During the day, the drive-in serves as a community park that welcomes both people and dogs.
5. Wellfleet Drive-In Theater: Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
A Cape Cod mainstay, the Wellfleet Drive-In Theater has been around since 1957, when the first feature film was shown Desk set With Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. The location has since expanded. You will find a traditional indoor cinema, a dairy bar and a mini golf course to get your summer activities in full swing. But starting Memorial Day Weekend, the flea market is a big draw to the parking lot, where you can find up to 150 vendors selling their wares.
