Drive-In Theaters Still Open—man, typing that while I’m hunched over my laptop in this dingy Tulsa diner, hashbrown grease spotting my keyboard, feels like admitting I still check MySpace sometimes. Like, seriously? In 2025? But yeah, I just peeled outta the 61 Drive-In in Missouri last night, windows fogged from my own nervous sweating during a double-feature of Twisters and some bootleg Furiosa print. The speaker crackled like my dad’s old ham radio, and I swear a raccoon tried to join me for nachos. Anyway.
Why I’m Obsessed with Drive-In Theaters Still Open (Even When They Smell Like Regret)
Look, I’m 34, divorced, and my trunk permanently smells like spilled Dr Pepper and regret—perfect credentials for this list, right? These places are where I go when dating apps make me wanna yeet my phone into traffic. Last month in Ohio, I pulled into the South Drive-In and realized I’d forgotten bug spray. Ended up doing the mosquito dance during The Substance, slapping my neck so hard I left handprints. Worth it? Obviously. Here’s the chaotic truth:
My Totally Biased Top 10 Drive-In Theaters Still Open in 2025
1. Bengies Drive-In (Maryland) – Where I Proposed… to My Sandwich
This place has a screen bigger than my ex’s ego. I once drove 4 hours from Philly just for their grilled cheese—ate it during Dune 2, crumbs in my beard like a sad sandworm. Pro tip: Park backwards in your trunk. Trust me.
2. 61 Drive-In (Missouri) – Raccoon Co-Star Approved
Literally just left. The raccoon? Named him Kevin. He judged my life choices harder than my mom. Their sound system’s held together by hopes and electrical tape, but when Mad Max revs up? Chef’s kiss.
3. Wellfleet Drive-In (Cape Cod) – Where I Cried During Inside Out 2
Don’t @ me. The ocean breeze mixed with kettle corn? Therapeutic. Also where I learned seagulls will fight you for fries. Bring a baseball bat (kidding) (maybe).
4. Shankweiler’s Drive-In (Pennsylvania) – America’s Oldest, My Newest Mistake
Built in 1934, older than my grandma’s fruitcake. I took a Tinder date here; she ghosted me during intermission when I quoted The Room too enthusiastically. The screen’s pristine though—grandma would approve.
5. Hull’s Drive-In (Virginia) – Nonprofit Vibes, My Profit: Zero Dignity
Volunteer-run! I tried helping once, accidentally unplugged the projector during Barbie. The collective groan? Soul-crushing. They forgave me with free popcorn. Saints.
Drive-In Theaters Still Open: The Ones That Almost Broke Me
6. Delsea Drive-In (New Jersey) – Where I Learned Physics
Their ramps are STEEP. My Civic rolled backwards into a minivan during Deadpool & Wolverine. The minivan family? Surprisingly chill. Gave me their leftover pizza. Jersey magic.
7. Monetta Drive-In (South Carolina) – “The Big Mo” Indeed
Three screens! I got lost trying to find screen 2, ended up watching The Garfield Movie with a family of seven. The kids adopted me. Still texting their mom for peach cobbler recipes.
8. Blue Moon Drive-In (Alabama) – Moonshine Not Included
Double features till 3 AM. I fell asleep during A Quiet Place: Day One, woke up to my own snoring louder than the movie. The couple next to me slow-clapped. Romantic?
9. Galaxy Drive-In (Texas) – Everything’s Bigger, Including My Regrets
Brought my niece. She wanted Minions. I wanted The Bikeriders. Compromised with both. My brain hurts. Their playground’s legit though—watched her climb the slide between screenings like a tiny action hero.
10. Saco Drive-In (Maine) – Where Summer Never Ends (Except It Does)
Last one before winter hits. Ate lobster rolls in my car while watching It Ends With Us. The irony? Delicious. Also freezing. Maine doesn’t care about your feelings.
Pro Tips from Someone Who’s Done This Wrong (Drive-In Theaters Still Open Edition)
- Bug spray: Not optional unless you enjoy becoming a mosquito buffet.
- Trunk picnic: Cooler + blanket + fairy lights = instant vibe. Add wine = instant nap.
- Bathroom strategy: Go before the second feature. Those lines? War crimes.
- Speaker hacks: If it crackles, tune to their FM station. Mind. Blown.
The Chaos Conclusion (Because Of Course)
Drive-in theaters still open are basically time machines powered by nostalgia and concession stand grease. Yeah, my Civic’s suspension is shot from all the gravel lots, and I’ve got permanent butter stains on my passenger seat, but whatever. Next summer? Road trip. Who’s coming? First round of stale nachos on me
Outbound Reference Links:
Official site for proof they’re still kickin’
Wellfleet’s official page – still open, still salty
Oldest in the U.S. – still cranking since FDR
Nonprofit magic – support ’em here
