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Some Texas traditions never really went away, and the drive-in movie is one of them. All across the state, from the Rio Grande Valley to the Panhandle, old-school screens still go up every evening once the sun drops.
You pull in, tune your radio, and watch a double feature from your own seat, often for less than one ticket costs at a mall theater. Several of these spots charge around $10 per carload, and a few let you bring the dog along too.
The seven drive-ins below each bring something different, whether that means eight screens, a playground under the screen, mini golf, or a pet-friendly lot. Some run every night, while others only open on weekends, so checking the schedule before you leave is always smart.
If you have ever wanted to show your kids how movie night used to work, this list is a good place to start planning.
1. Wes-Mer Drive-In Theatre, Mercedes, TX
Ten dollars per car for two movies is a deal that is hard to beat anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley. That price point is a big reason the Wes-Mer Drive-In stays on the radar for families along Business Highway 83 in Mercedes.
Movies here are digitally projected onto a huge screen, and double features are the standard. Tuesdays bring discounted admission, which makes a midweek outing even easier on the wallet.
The concession stand keeps prices friendly, so loading up on snacks will not wipe out the savings from the gate. Clean restrooms and an on-site security presence round out the practical side of a night here.
I like that the schedule runs seven nights a week, with gates opening around 6:45 PM. Friday and Saturday nights tend to be the busiest, while Wednesday evenings are typically calmer if you want more room to spread out.
The address is 2090 Business Hwy 83 E, and it sits about 30 minutes from McAllen or Brownsville. Call 956-514-9292 or check the website for showtimes.
2. The Last Drive-In Picture Show, Gatesville, TX
Bring the dog. At The Last Drive-In Picture Show in Gatesville, your four-legged movie buddy is welcome to ride along and settle in for the double feature.
The name alone sounds like a nod to classic Texas film, and the setup matches it. First-run movies play back to back, and two brand new releases typically cost about $10 per carload.
Kids get plenty of space to burn off energy before the opening credits. A mini golf course sits on the property, which gives early arrivals something to do while waiting for dark.
The snack bar keeps food reasonably priced, and parking is simple. Gatesville is roughly 40 minutes west of Waco and about two hours from Austin, which makes this an easy small-town evening for Central Texas families.
Find it at 2912 TX-36. Showtimes and schedule updates are posted on the theater’s website, or call 254-865-8445 before heading out.
3. Galaxy Drive-In Movie Theatre, Ennis, TX
Eight screens. That is not a typo, and it puts the Galaxy Drive-In in Ennis in a different league from most single-screen lots in the state.
With that many screens, the lineup covers a wide range of first-run titles, including 3D double features. Two movies can run as low as $6, a price that makes a regular theater ticket look steep.
The concession menu goes well past popcorn. Pizza, nachos, funnel cake, pickles, candy, and sodas are all on offer, and mini golf adds another option before showtime.
Getting there is simple for Dallas-Fort Worth families, since the theater sits right off I-45 about 40 minutes south of downtown Dallas. Gates open daily around 6 PM.
Saturday is the busiest night by far. If crowds are not your thing, Monday through Thursday evenings are usually much quieter.
The address is 5301 N Interstate Highway 45. Call 972-875-5505 or visit the website for the current lineup.
4. Big Sky Drive-in, Midland, TX
West Texas is famous for its wide-open sky, so a drive-in called Big Sky feels like an honest name.
The Midland lot runs three screens, each showing its own double feature every night. Pets are welcome, which is a nice bonus for anyone who hates leaving the dog at home.
Here is the detail parents tend to notice first. A playground sits under each screen, so kids can swing and climb while the movie plays right above them.
The concessions menu is large, and prices stay reasonable. The lots are kept clean, and the restrooms get the same attention.
I would save this one for a family night when a regular theater feels too cramped or too pricey. Two movies for the price of one is the standard deal here.
Big Sky is at 6200 W Hwy 80, between Midland and Odessa. Call 432-617-3001 or check the website for showtimes.
5. Tascosa Drive-In Theater, Amarillo, TX
Night owls in the Panhandle, this one is for you. The Tascosa Drive-In keeps showing movies until around 2 AM on weekends.
The theater opens Friday through Sunday starting at 7:30 PM and stays closed Monday through Thursday. That late close means a full double feature fits comfortably into one night.
The retro look is part of the appeal on Dumas Drive in north Amarillo. Behind the vintage style, though, the theater uses a digital projector and a solid sound setup.
A playground gives kids a place to play before the first film starts. The concession stand is known for inexpensive food and drinks, and the popcorn is a highlight.
Saturday night draws the biggest crowd, while Friday evenings and Sundays are usually lighter. Find it at 1999 Dumas Dr, and check the website for what is playing.
6. Brazos Drive In, Granbury, TX
Oldies music before the show, one big screen, and plenty of room between cars. The Brazos Drive In in Granbury leans hard into the classic drive-in style.
Bring cash. Admission is cash only, so a quick stop at an ATM on the way can save a headache at the gate.
The theater opens Friday and Saturday nights starting at 7:30 PM. It is closed the rest of the week, so plan ahead.
Families get a play area up front where kids can run around before the movie and during breaks. Pets are welcome, and you may bring your own food or pick up popcorn and other snacks at the concession stand.
Sound comes through your car radio with clear audio, and the grounds are well kept. Granbury is about an hour southwest of Fort Worth, which makes pairing a movie with an evening around the historic square an easy plan.
The address is 1800 W Pearl St. Call 817-573-1311 for the current schedule.
7. Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre, New Braunfels, TX
Hill Country summers run hot, and a drive-in lets you watch a new release from your own air-conditioned car.
Stars & Stripes in New Braunfels mixes the latest Hollywood releases with a classic drive-in setting. Double features add extra value to each visit.
Active military members can get a discount, a fitting touch given the theater’s name. The concession line tends to move fast, and the food options are wide.
Parents will appreciate the playground, clean restrooms, and changing tables. Parking spots are well laid out, so getting settled is easy.
New Braunfels sits between San Antonio and Austin, roughly 35 minutes from San Antonio and about an hour from Austin. That central spot makes it an easy pick for families on either end of I-35.
Find it at 1178 Kroesche Ln. Call 830-620-7469 or check the website for showtimes.
