Following the patenting of the outdoor film projector in 1932 by Richard Hollingshead, drive-in theaters became a staple of the American suburban landscape, with more than 4,000 cinemas in operation by the middle of the 20th century. The third drive-in theater in America was opened in Galveston in 1934. Recently, a number of historic drive-in theaters have been reopened throughout the state of Texas, with new concept cinemas and restored historic screens offering classic drive-in experiences for a new generation.
Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive In
Located in Austin, Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive In is the first and only “mini urban drive-in” theater in the world and is a place where childhood favorites, cult classics, and indie films are the “king of the big screen.”
Blue Starlite is a miniature version of more traditional auto cinemas and often shows two movies per night. Guests have the option to add on old-fashioned concessions and a vintage drive-in speaker to the package. Blue Starlite is a unique destination for watching both blockbuster classics and new releases. There are a few different screens guests can choose from.
Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive In, 2015 E M. Franklin Ave, Austin, TX 78723, Phone: 707-374-8346
Doc's Drive-in Theatre
Doc's Drive-in Theatre is Texas’ newest drive-in cinema, opened to the public in August 2018. The theater is located just outside of Austin in the city of Buda and offers two screens showing double showings of new popular films.
100 cars are accommodated at the theater, which offers FM sound transmission for in-car listening. Overnight accommodations are available at the theater for guests wishing to stay the night after showings, with all rental house guests receiving use of a communal pond and swimming beach area. Though outside food is permitted, visitors are strongly encouraged to purchase concessions and alcoholic beverages from the theater’s onsite speakeasy-themed bar and concession stand.
Doc's Drive-in Theatre, 1510 Satterwhite Rd, Buda, TX 78610, Phone: 512-960-4460
Sandell Drive-in
Sandell Drive-in was originally opened in 1955 and was named after a blend of its original owners’ daughters Sandara and Adele’s names. The theater was dark for 18 years in the late 20th century but was reopened in 2002 under new management. Today, it offers seasonal film showings of popular new release films on Friday and Saturday nights between April and September.
300 cars are accommodated at the theater’s single screen, which is located in the city of Clarendon off Highway 70. A concession stand serves burgers, chili, and other homemade American fare, and an annual summer carnival on the theater’s grounds serves as a major community fundraiser event.
Sandell Drive-in , 12 S. Center Drive, Clarendon, TX 79226, Phone: 806-874-0685
Galaxy Drive-in Theatre
Galaxy Drive-in Theatre opened in 2004 with three screens and has since added four additional screens, accommodating a capacity of up to 800 cars nightly. The theater is open 365 nights a year for showings of popular new release films shown in a digital release format, with showtimes starting around sundown daily.
Two snack bars open early nightly and offer unique concession fare such as sausages on a stick, taco salads, and Texas-sized soft drinks, with children’s fare and combo meals available for purchase. Outside food and beverages are not permitted, but well-behaved pets are allowed at the theater during showings.
Galaxy Drive-in Theatre, 5301 North Interstate Highway 45, Ennis, TX 75119, Phone: 972-875-5505
Coyote Drive-in
Coyote Drive-in was opened in 2013 and has been named as the best movie theater in the Fort Worth region by Fort Worth Magazine.
The four-screen theater is one of the nation’s largest drive-in theaters, accommodating up to 1,500 cars nightly. Major new release films and periodic showings of drive-in classics are showcased at the theater, which features a state-of-the-art digital projection system and FM transmission for in-car audio. A large restaurant and beer garden with outdoor seating are offered for before-feature dining, and a children’s playground allows for family recreation. In 2016, a second Coyote Drive-in franchise location was opened in nearby Lewisville.
Coyote Drive-in, 223 N.E. 4th Street, Fort Worth, TX 76164, Phone: 817-717-7767
The Last Drive-in Picture Show
The Last Drive-in Picture Show is one of Texas’ oldest drive-in theaters, originally opened in 1950 as the Circle S Theater. It was renamed to its current name in 1989 and is noted as a unique moped-style theater, offering both drive-in parking space for outdoor film showings and a conventional walk-in cinema. The drive-in cinema offers nightly showings seven days a week with the exception of major national holidays, while the walk-in cinema shows Saturday and Sunday matinees during the summer months. Two drive-in screens service a car capacity of up to 300 cars, with FM transmission available for in-car sound. All films shown are rated PG-13 or lower to maintain a family-friendly viewing environment.
The Last Drive-in Picture Show, 2912 South State Highway 36, Gatesville, TX 76528, Phone: 254-865-8445
Graham Drive-in
Graham Drive-in was originally opened in 1948 as one of the state’s first drive-in theaters and has been in continuous operation for more than seven decades, offering seasonal weekend film showings between April and October, with occasional open evenings throughout the winter season for public special events and charity showings. The single-screen theater holds a capacity for 300 cars and offers digital film projection and FM transmission for in-car audio. A concession stand sells unique food items such as sauerkraut hot dogs, pickle pops, and a variety of throwback ice cream sandwiches and frozen desserts. Well-behaved pets are allowed at the theater under leash control at all times.
Graham Drive-in, 1519 4th St, Graham, TX 76450, Phone: 940-549-8478
Brazos Drive-in
Brazos Drive-in has been in continuous operation since 1952 and has recently moved to a year-round schedule, showing double features of new popular films on weekends in good weather conditions. All films start at dusk and are shown on a single screen, accommodating up to 200 cars. A full concession stand offers American film stand classics such as chili cheese dogs, popcorn, and movie theater candies, and a large open field area allows for sports and game play before showings. Most films shown are rated PG-13 or lower to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere, with occasional R-rated films shown if they are top 10 national blockbusters with widespread appeal.
Brazos Drive-in , 1800 W. Pearl St, Granbury, TX 76048, Phone: 817-573-1311
Showboat Drive-in
Showboat Drive-in is a recent addition to Texas’ drive-in movie theater scene, opened in 2006 in honor of the former Showboat Drive-in diner, which was operated by the owners’ grandparents. The family-owned theater offers two screens with a capacity for 400 cars nightly, showing major blockbuster release double features year-round seven nights a week. Film audio is broadcast via FM transmitter, which may be picked up by car stereo or portable boom box. A concession stand is open before showings until the start of the second feature, selling hamburger and cheeseburger meal baskets, coffee shop beverages, and classic movie theater candies.
Showboat Drive-in, 22422 FM 2920, Hockley, TX 77447, Phone: 281-351-5224
Stars and Stripes Drive-in Lubbock
Stars and Stripes Drive-in Lubbock is a relatively recent addition to Texas’ drive-in offerings, opening in 2003 as a two-screen cinema. Since then, a third cinema has been added to the facility, bringing nightly accommodations up to 1,000 cars. The year-round theater showcases popular new release double features Wednesday through Sunday nights, featuring state-of-the-art digital projection and FM radio transmission for in-car listening. A 1950s-style concession stand offers a wide variety of classic American fare, including hamburgers, popcorn, and movie theater candies. A second Stars and Stripes location has been opened in New Braunfels, approximately half an hour outside of San Antonio, featuring three screens and accommodations for 750 cars.
Stars and Stripes Drive-in Lubbock , 5101 Clovis Rd, Lubbock, TX 79416, Phone: 806-749-7469
Big Sky Drive-in
Big Sky Drive-in was opened in 2005 and features three screens accommodating nearly 1,000 cars nightly. The theater is open seven nights a week throughout the year and showcases major blockbuster and family new release films with FM sound transmission available for in-car listening. Outside food and beverages are permitted, but patrons are strongly encouraged to visit the cinema’s full-service concession stand and grill, which offers classic American and Tex Mex fare such as chicken fingers, Chihuahua sandwiches, corn fritters, and jalapeno poppers. Well-behaved pets are welcome on leashes at all times, and advance tickets are available for purchase on the theater’s website.
Big Sky Drive-in, 5906 West Highway 80, Midland, TX 79706, Phone: 432-617-3001
MoonStruck Drive-In
Located in Houston, MoonStruck Drive-In is typically open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Gate and movie times can be found on the drive-in's website. The drive-in shows a diverse collection of movies that includes films for both adults and children. Outside beverages and food aren't permitted. There are concessions available, as well as a bar. Guests can purchase typical movie snacks from the concession area, such as candy, soda, and popcorn. Food trucks are also offered on Saturday nights. Pets are allowed and guests can choose to sit outside their cars on lawn chairs.
MoonStruck Drive-In, 100 Bringhurst St, Houston, 77020
Encore Drive-In Nights
Encore Drive-In Nights is a unique drive-in experience in Fort Worth, Texas that "brings the show to you." Concerts are shown on the drive-in's big screen, bringing people's favorite tours and artists to town for "one night only." Ticket options include a Couple Ticket, providing admission for a car with one or two people, and a Carload Ticket, which allows entry for up to five people. There's also a Plus Pass option, where available, that provides entry for a maximum of seven people in a car. Encore Nights is designed for people to have a fun concert experience near their home.
Encore Drive-In Nights, 600 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164
