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Somewhere between the glow of a big outdoor screen and the crunch of fresh popcorn, Indiana’s drive-ins keep rolling. These eleven theaters prove the tradition is alive in towns big and small, from Rockport in the southwest to Garrett in the northeast.
Some have been open since the late 1940s and early 1950s. Others have added extra screens, playgrounds, and classic snack bars.
Each one offers a different reason to pack the car, grab a lawn chair, and settle in for a double feature. Hours and schedules are seasonal, so check before you go.
1. Holiday Drive-In Theatre, Rockport, IN
Five screens is a lot for a small town drive-in, and Holiday in Rockport makes use of every one of them. It is a decades-old theater built for summertime movie nights.
Cars park on grass, and the snack bar sells nachos, popcorn, burgers, hot dogs, candy, sodas, and assorted ice cream. Prices are low, and you can see two movies for one ticket price.
One detail to plan for: it is cash only, so stop at an ATM before you head down State Road 161. Digital projectors handle the picture, and you can adjust the volume to your liking.
The setting is easygoing and family-friendly, with plenty of room to spread out. Check the theater’s website for the current schedule before you go, since the season runs in the warmer months.
2. CenterBrook Drive-In Theater, Martinsville, IN
Most drive-ins park you on flat gravel, but CenterBrook does it differently. Grass-covered dirt mounds stretch across the lot and tilt the front of your car toward the sky for a better view of the screen.
The theater has been open since 1950 and still shows popular movies. A snack bar, an arcade, and a playground give kids something to do before the show starts.
Food is a big part of the draw here. Fresh popcorn and a tenderloin sandwich are among the concession favorites, and prices stay friendly.
You will find it along State Road 67 in Martinsville. It is a solid pick for families who want a drive-in with a long history and room for the kids to burn off energy.
3. Starlite Drive-In Theatre, Bloomington, IN
Late-night movie fans will like the schedule at Starlite, where showtimes begin at 8 PM and run past midnight on weekends. Friday and Saturday are the busiest nights, while Wednesday is the quietest.
The theater has two screens and a concession stand, and it is open seasonally. Tickets and snacks are affordable, and the digital projection is crisp and clear.
Cash is the only accepted payment, so bring bills. Active military discounts are offered, and the theater is family- and pet-friendly.
The big parking area gives decent viewing angles from most spots. It sits on South Old State Road 37, an easy drive from Bloomington.
Hours may vary, so check before you go.
4. 49er Drive-In Theatre, Valparaiso, IN
Here is a drive-in where bringing a lawn chair is part of the routine. Moviegoers at the 49er in Valparaiso often watch double features from chairs set up outside their vehicles as well as from inside the car.
The theater keeps prices affordable, and an on-site concession stand covers snacks and food. A playground gives younger kids a place to run around before the picture starts.
It is family-friendly and sits on North Calumet Avenue. There is no sit-down restaurant, so think of the concession stand as your dinner and snack option.
Since it is an outdoor venue, weather can affect a night at the movies. A quick look at the website for updates and showtimes is a smart move before you leave home.
5. Melody Drive In Theater, Knox, IN
Rolling farmland surrounds Melody Drive In, and the open grass around its two screens gives the place a roomy feel. The theater is seasonal and sits along US 35 in Knox.
Sound can come through vintage speakers that hang on your car window, or you can tune in through your own car stereo. The original speakers are a nice touch for anyone who likes the old way of doing things.
The concession stand and restrooms sit in the middle between the two screens, so you are never far from either. The restrooms are kept very clean, and the refreshments are inexpensive.
Food from the stand is a highlight, and the staff keep the grounds tidy. It is a good pick for a relaxed family night out.
6. Tibbs Drive-In, Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis has a real drive-in right on the west side, and it hosts flea markets on weekends too. Tibbs runs four screens with double or more features, so there is usually a pick for every taste.
The theater is open Friday through Sunday evenings from 7 to 11 PM, and Saturday night is the busiest. It is a seasonal operation, so hours may vary.
A playground and arcade games keep kids busy, and the concession stand serves reasonably priced American fare plus a large selection of snacks and sodas. Free parking and active military discounts add to the value.
Movies can be heard through a radio system, which suits the classic setup. The crowd is family-friendly, and the location on South Tibbs Avenue is easy to reach from across the city.
7. The Skyline Drive-In, Shelbyville, IN
Anyone hunting for a Green River Soda or a Cheerwine from the fountain should check the concession menu at the Skyline. It offers a large menu with food and drink options beyond the usual popcorn.
The vintage theater shows double features and classic films, and pets are welcome. Hours are Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 to 11:30 PM, with Saturday the busiest time.
Arcade games are on site, and live performances are part of the offerings at times. The mood is laid-back and family-friendly.
You will find it on East Michigan Road in Shelbyville. Since the schedule is limited to two nights a week, check the website before heading out.
8. Georgetown Drive-In, Georgetown, IN
Open since 1951, Georgetown Drive-In has been showing movies for generations. It has two screens, two playgrounds, and a retro concession stand.
Plan on cash only. Admission is a bargain, with up to three movies available for $11, and concession prices stay low.
The grounds are kept clean, and the restrooms are tidy, though the building is older. It works well for a night with the kids or as a date.
The theater sits on State Road 64 in Georgetown, not far from the Louisville area. Check the website for the current schedule, since the season runs on a seasonal basis.
9. Tri-Way Drive-In Theater, Plymouth, IN
Four screens mean choices, and Tri-Way in Plymouth gives movie fans plenty of them. Double features are on the schedule, and the lineup includes family-friendly films.
The concession stand offers a good variety at decent prices, and most items are made to order. Lines can get long on busy nights, so arrive early.
A playground keeps kids busy, and live performances sometimes take place, including free concerts at times. The setting is peaceful for watching a movie from the car with friends.
You will find the theater on Michigan Road in Plymouth. Schedules vary, so check the website first.
10. Lake Shore Drive-In Theatre, Monticello, IN
Refillable popcorn at half price is the kind of deal that makes Lake Shore stand out. The theater has been screening double features on a seasonal basis since 1949.
Two giant screens anchor the lot, and showtimes begin at 7 PM. Hours run Friday through Tuesday evenings until 11:30 PM, with Wednesday and Thursday closed.
Saturday evening is the busiest.
Arcade games and a variety of snacks add to the appeal, and the facilities are clean. The theater is family-friendly and welcoming to all.
It sits at Rickey Road and North Main Street in Monticello. Check the website before you go, since the season and hours can change.
11. Auburn Garrett Drive In, Garrett, IN
Bug spray is a smart item to pack for a night at Auburn Garrett Drive In. It is an old-school theater with a seasonal schedule of double features, and the evenings are spent outdoors.
Two new films show for a very reasonable price. The small concession stand keeps snacks affordable, and the bathrooms are kept clean.
There is no playground, but an open area gives kids and adults room to play tag or toss a ball while waiting for the show. That makes it a relaxed spot for a date night or a family outing.
You will find it on State Road 8 in Garrett. Check the website for the current schedule before you go.
