Drive-In Movie Theaters in Texas
You’re in the car with the windows down, enjoying a breeze under the light of a full Texas moon. A starry night sky provides a backdrop as the opening credits splay across the big screen. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, this is what a night out at one of Texas’ drive-in theaters looks like. We may have left behind poodle skirts and jukeboxes, but in a handful of places around Texas, the drive-in is still the place to be on a Friday or Saturday night.
American Drive-In Magic
The very first drive-in movie theater opened in Camden, New Jersey, in the summer of 1933. The following year, Houston architect Louis Josserand launched a Texas version. On July 5, 1934, Josserand’s “experimental” theater opened on the beach in Galveston “with the cars facing out to sea,” historian Kerry Segrave wrote in “Drive-in Theaters: A History from Their Inception in 1933.” The ramps and parking areas were made of wet sand that had to be regraded and soaked before each night’s screening, and “even so, some [drivers] would occasionally get stuck.” Texas’ first drive-in lasted less than a month before a storm destroyed it.
Drive-ins, which mostly show B movies with sound provided by metal speakers at each parking space, peaked in popularity during the 1950s, when Texas had about 400 of the nation’s 4,000 drive-in theaters. Over the next few decades, the rising cost of real estate and the increasing popularity of indoor multiplexes contributed to the decline of the drive-in.
The Texas Drive-In Revival
Nostalgia and novelty are driving the revival, but drive-ins offer practical advantages, too. Double features serve up two films for the price of one, and the kids can sleep in the car, so parents can skip hiring a sitter. Most of today’s drive-ins show first-run films, and in some cases, you can buy your tickets in advance online.
Big Sky Drive-In Theatre, Midland
Here’s one theater in the state where you can get a famous chihuahua sandwich at the concession stand. Its three screens are open five nights a week, and furry friends are allowed.
The Brazos Drive-In, Granbury
In business since 1952, this vintage institution is dedicated to creating a memorable night under the stars, whether it’s a blockbuster hit or a timeless classic. Leashed dogs are welcome, and you can enjoy the convenience of delicious snacks delivered straight to your car. The drive-in is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, weather permitting.
Coyote Drive-In, Fort Worth
This Panther Island treasure has four screens. Outside food and drink are not permitted, but the on-site canteen menu includes pizza, burgers, popcorn, and frozen margaritas. The grounds are pet-friendly and include an enclosed playground for kids. On weekends, there’s also live music before the show.
Galaxy Drive-In, Ennis
Seven screens make it Texas’ largest drive-in theater. Putt-Putt and two snack bars make it a popular destination for Dallas-area film fans. The drive-in is open nightly, though tickets cannot be purchased in advance, so viewing is on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Graham Drive-In Theatre, Graham
It calls itself “the oldest-known operating drive-in movie theater in the state of Texas,” and indeed, it dates back to 1948. Outside food and drink are not permitted, but the snack bar is filled with sweet and salty treats. The drive-in is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights year-round, and leashed pets are welcome.
The Last Drive-In Picture Show, Gatesville
This 1950 original still shows movies year-round, except on Christmas Eve. An indoor theater on-site screens films, too. It’s open seven days a week, and the friendly service and snack bar make it the perfect family outing.
Mission Marquee Plaza, San Antonio
When the Mission Drive-In Theatre closed, the city revived its soul in a place where families gather for free movie nights, arts festivals, and special events. Between May and November, movies are screened just after sunset for a blissful evening. While it’s no longer used as a drive-in theater, blankets and lawn chairs are welcome.
Sandell Drive-In, Clarendon
This 2002 reboot of a 1955 original stays true to its roots with a single screen and classic film showings (plus new blockbuster hits). It prides itself on having “one of the best hand-pressed burgers in the Texas Panhandle” and chili. The drive-in is open most Friday and Saturday nights from April through September.
Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre, Lubbock
A big draw since it opened in 2003, this joint allows well-behaved pets, offers tasty treats, and even has a playground. The drive-in is open in the evening, Wednesday through Sunday, year-round.
Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre, New Braunfels
Since 2015, it’s become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. This three-screen theater shows films every night and offers a variety of drinks and snacks.
Tascosa Drive-In Theater, Amarillo
Amarillo’s oldest (and only) drive-in theater is certainly worth the stop. The concession stand at this pet-friendly, retro-vibey place includes a Coke float. The drive-in is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from March through October, rain or shine.
You can still make movie night memorable from the comfort of your own home. Here’s everything you’ll need.
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