“Let’s all go to the lobby and get ourselves a treat!” Drive-ins are ready for their close-up as the masters of social distancing entertainment. As Pennsylvania is home to arguably the most drive-ins in the nation we are ready to roll the opening credits on a summer filled with original flicks and classics enjoyed with a jumbo popcorn. So grab your friends (and their friends) and your family and make your way to one of PA’s big outdoor screens.
1. Becky’s Drive-In
Walnutport
Becky’s Drive-In, Pennsylvania’s second oldest, has been entertaining generations of movie goers since 1946. Named by USA Today as the nation’s 5th best drive-in theater, this family-owned and operated drive-in features a state-of-the-art digital projector and two screens. The main concession stand and Snack Express are guaranteed to satisfy all your cravings for movie theater cuisine, especially their renowned French fries. Rest up, because you won’t want to miss their annual “Dusk Till Dawn Movie Marathon” on Labor Day weekend.
2. Silver Drive-In
Johnstown
Silver Drive-In lights up Johnstown’s evening skies with one of the largest screens in the region. Showing double features each night at dusk, “rain or moon,” the drive-in is a bit retro, definitely upscale, and totally enjoyable. Its unique, art-filled and newly renovated concession stand features great food, reasonable prices, and café seating.
3. Carrolltown Hi-Way Drive-In Theater
Carrolltown
You’re in for a treat with a trip to the Carrolltown Hi-Way Drive-In Theater. Movies are shown on their big screen via the world's brightest digital cinema projector. Despite the high-tech, the theater has all the nostalgia you’d expect from a drive-in that’s been in business for almost 70 years. Plan a family outing with the drive-in’s affordable prices – kids five years of age or younger get in for free. Visit the concession stand for a variety of great movie fare.
4. Brownsville Drive-In
Grindstone
Welcoming customers since 1949, the Brownsville Drive-In offers movie goers a premium, old-fashioned experience with a modern twist with its state-of-the-art projection, three large screens each typically showing a double feature, and a myriad of tasty treats from its concession stand.
5. Kane Family Drive-in Theatre
Kane
The family-owned Kane Family Drive-in Theatre invites you find a spot on their terraced lot and enjoy hit movies and double features on the 63-foot-tall screen. Before the movies, play a rousing game of miniature golf with your friends, family, and drive-in neighbors. Then, sit back, relax, and enjoy a movie under the stars. Children five years of age or below enjoy free admission and the cost is just $3 for older children and senior citizens – a very affordable family adventure! Be sure to visit their concession stand for burgers, pizzas, popcorn, “hand dipped” milkshakes, and sodas.
6. Comet Drive-In
Dunbar
First opened in 1950, the Comet Drive-In can be considered something of a phoenix -- closing in 1986 and then re-opening in 1993 and in operation ever since. With a second screen added in 1994, the drive-in now features a state-of-the-art digital projector and best yet – popcorn made “the old theatre way,” along with other flavorful treats from its concession stand.
7. Sky-Vu Drive-In Theatre
Gratz
With its grand opening 70 years ago and re-opening in 2016 after a two-year hiatus, the Sky-Vu Drive-In Theatre offers entertainment, value, and lots of fun for the entire family. Bring Frisbees, beach balls, soccer balls, and similar games to play before the movie starts. Then, enjoy a great double feature. Be sure to check their website for special “carload” nights and visit the concession stand where you’ll find a variety of burgers including a pizza burger, BBQ, walking tacos, and other great selections.
8. Circle Drive-In Theatre
Dickson City
Sixty years young, the Circle Drive-In Theatre‘s twin screens continue to delight generations of movie-goers. Many of their customers who came here as children are now introducing their grandchildren to the drive-in’s old-fashioned fun and charm. During Halloween season, the drive-in’s Circle of Screams, the country’s only haunted drive-in, brings fun and frights for the whole family. Be sure to visit their refreshment stand which is well stocked with great movie theater fare, including cold drinks, candy, popcorn, and pizza.
9. Super 322 Drive-In
Woodland
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Super 322 Drive-In theater with its fully restored and original neon sign is a definite slice of Americana, but with all the sight and sound features of a modern drive-in. Each show is a double feature of first-run, family-friendly films. Be sure to stop by their concession stand where you’ll find a full line-up of traditional drive-in fare, as well as some not so traditional items including chili dogs and fries.
10. Pike Drive-In Theatre
Montgomery
Opened during the “golden age” of drive in theatres, Pike Drive-In‘s triple screens show not only double features but some weekend nights you just might luck out and catch a triple feature. Pull out the lawn chairs or your favorite picnic blanket and then relax in front of your vehicle to watch the big screen under the stars. Be sure to visit their concession stand for some Mrs. T’s Pierogies and many other goodies.
11. Dependable Drive-In
Moon Township
Celebrating its 70th anniversary, you’re sure to find a movie to enjoy at the Dependable Drive-In. It is one of the few, if not only, four-screen drive-in movie theaters still in existence and Pennsylvania’s only drive-in open year-round. Each screen shows a double feature – sorry, but no switching screens between movies – featuring a high-definition picture and immersive Dolby FM sound. With three concession stands, you’re sure to satisfy any food cravings with their large selection of goodies, including churros, funnel cakes, and chocolate covered bananas.
12. Skyview Drive-In Theatre
Carmichaels
With twin screens each showing its own set of double features, the Skyview Drive-In is a great place to catch a movie or two on the big screen. You can even reserve a choice spot to watch some of the most popular flicks. Check their Facebook page for the details and for the dates of the open captions nights they hold for their deaf and hard-of-hearing customers. Be sure to visit their concession stand for some of their funnel cake fries, pickle chips, or other fun fare.
13. Riverside Drive-In Theater
Vandergrift
Tucked in next to the Kiskiminetas River, the Riverside Drive-In is almost like a cat with nine lives – first opening in 1949 then closing 30 years later then opening again 17 years later then closing again after 10 years and finally opening (hopefully) for good in 2005. The drive-in offers a super affordable family night out with kids aged five or younger getting in for free. Enjoy a double feature and dinner from the snack bar that along with the standard movie fare also serves pizzaburgers, stuffed pretzels, and is “Home of the Chilly Dilly Pickle”!
14. Mahoning Drive-In Theater
Lehighton
A visit to the Mahoning Drive-In Theater is a truly memorable experience. They show movie classics and cult movies in the exact same format as when they first hit the big screen. None of those new-fangled digital projectors! Their movies are all shown using the drive-in’s original 1940's Simplex 35mm, reel-to-reel film projectors on one of the largest CinemaScope screens in the nation. The door to the projection booth is always open so feel free to take a peek at the projectors in action. Be sure to visit their vintage snack bar, loaded with film memorabilia and vintage VHS, DVDs, and records for sale, as well as some tasty treats.
15. Moonlite Drive-In
Brookville
As the only theater in the county showing first-run movies upon release, the Moonlite Drive-In is a true gem for movie lovers of all ages. Round up a bunch of family and friends because, just like in earlier days, the admission price is a flat fee (as opposed to a per person charge). Treat yourself to a French-vanilla cappuccino or delicious chicken parmesan sandwich from their snack bar along with other traditional movie theater fare.
16. Garden Drive-In
Hunlock Creek
With online ordering for both tickets and its concession stand, the Garden Drive-In has made it super easy to watch its latest double features showing on its twin screens. Just be sure to print out and bring along your receipt! Adjacent to the Susquehanna River and having entertained generations of movie goers since it opened almost seven decades ago, the drive-in has seen its share of epic floods, but has never let a flood or two dampen its spirit or close it down for long. Visit their concession stand for one of their jumbo hot dog or other affordable treats.
17. Moonlite Drive-In
West Wyoming
After sitting idle for 32 long years, the Moonlite Drive-In was reborn last fall and is once again entertaining movie goers of all ages. Stop by to enjoy their latest double feature and see for yourself Moonlite’s remarkable reincarnation – reclaimed from a veritable forest of trees with its big screen rebuilt, digital projector installed, and ticket booth and concession stand both completely refurbished. Stop by their concession stand for some traditional movie theater fare as well as some non-traditional weekend specials, all at super-affordable prices.
18. Point 3 Drive-In
Northumberland
Pack your vehicle and the kids in their PJs for a fun night out at the movies at the Point 3 Drive-In Theater. This is family entertainment at its best with double features showing on each of the drive-in’s three screens. Lighting up Northumberland’s night sky for decades, the drive-in’s concession stand makes it super easy to plan an evening out with a wide range of menu items, such as pierogis, broccoli cheese bites, and a jumbo tub of hot buttered popcorn. Check their Facebook page before you go for an up-to-date list with so many options!
19. Sunset Drive-In
Waterford
The Sunset Drive-In has been delighting generations of movie goers of all ages for more than seven decades. Many of today’s patrons have fond memories of spending warm summer evenings in the family car watching their favorite double feature on the drive-in’s big screen. This summer’s the time to create some new memories with your children, grandchildren, or sweetheart catching the drive-in’s latest double feature. Their concession stand is open with lots of fun movie theatre treats, including their fan-favorite cheeseburgers.
20. Starlight Drive-In
Butler
Gather your friends and family for an evening of fun and entertainment at the Starlight Drive-In. Choose between two sets of movies shown on their twin screens as you discover the magic of movies under the stars. Double features cost just $8 per adult, $4 per child, and there’s even a senior discount, but check often for their special “carload nights” where you pay a flat fee regardless of the number and age of people in your vehicle. Be sure to visit their concession stand where you can order an entire meal through their “meal deals” or a la carte.
21. Cumberland Drive-In Theatre
Newville
Tucked in among beautiful, bucolic farms about halfway between Carlisle and Shippensburg, the Cumberland Drive-In Theatre is the place to be on a warm summer evening. While typically showing a double feature, be sure to check often to see what’s playing on their holiday triple feature nights. You can even go online and reserve a prime parking spot before you arrive. Their concession stand features lots of great menu items, including hot sausages, jumbo hot dogs, and soft pretzels.
22. Bar Ann Drive-In
Portage
The Bar Ann Drive-In features the best of two worlds – a classic, 1950’s drive-in experience with movies beamed to the huge screen using the “world’s brightest digital projector.” Add to that an updated sound system and you’ll get a premium movie theater experience from the comfort of your own car. Be sure to visit the Snack Bar where you’ll find lots of fun foods sure to satisfy.
23. Evergreen Drive-In Theatre
Mount Pleasant
The Evergreen Drive-In Theatre is still going strong – entertaining customers more than seven decades. With a different double feature on each of its triple screens, the drive-in is entertaining the newest generation of movie goers with children five years of age or younger getting in for free. Arrive hungry – its Snackbar offers a full range of hot sandwiches, pizza, oven-baked State Fair cinnamon mini donuts, and other treats, while the newly opened Snack Shack offers a small selection of snacks.
24. Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre
Orefield
As Pennsylvania’s first-ever drive-in theater and the country’s second oldest, Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre has always been one of the industry’s pioneers. That pioneering spirit continues with the newest technologies installed to ensure you’ll have the best viewing and listening experiences available of their latest double feature. Be sure to visit their Snack Bar to enjoy your favorites, including chili or sauerkraut dogs, BBQ, and loads of ice cream treats.
25. Midway Drive-In Theatre
Mifflintown
Celebrating its 70th year of movie magic, the Midway Drive-In Theatre shows a wide range of movie genres – from family and old-time favorites to thrillers and comedy – all still at an affordable prices. You’ll get the nostalgia that only a classic drive-in can provide, while watching via an up-to-date digital projection system. Stop by their Snack Bar for some traditional movie theatre treats to complete the experience.
26. Haar’s Drive-In
Dillsburg
If you’re looking for an authentic 1950’s style drive-in, then Haar’s Drive-In is the place to be! Movies are shown on the big screen using the exact same projectors as the day it opened in 1952. Arrive hungry because the concession stand of this family-operated drive-in offers an assortment of treats – from funnel cakes and French fries to pulled pork BBQ and ice cream.
27. Palace Gardens Drive-In
Indiana
Designed and constructed 70 years ago by the Palace Gardens Drive-In‘s original owners, the drive-in is now managed by their granddaughter who takes great pride in continuing to offer an affordable and fun family outing. Details about what’s playing and related info is available by calling (724) 465-9032. Admission is $8 for adults, free for children 11 years of age or younger. Be sure to complete your night out with a trip to the concession stand for a variety of tasty treats.
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