The short answer: yes, about 300 drive-in movie theaters are still operating in the United States, spread across 46 states. They’re not a relic of the past — they’re open, showing first-run movies, and many are thriving.
How Many Drive-Ins Are Left?
At the peak in 1958, the US had roughly 4,000 drive-in theaters. Today that number is around 300. Most of the closures happened between the 1970s and 1990s as land values rose, multiplexes expanded, and home video took off. But the decline leveled off years ago, and the number has been relatively stable since the mid-2010s.
A few new drive-ins have opened recently, including pop-up and permanent locations built from scratch. The pandemic in 2020-2021 gave drive-ins a significant boost as one of the few safe ways to see a movie, and the renewed interest has carried forward.
Which States Have Drive-In Theaters?
46 of the 50 US states have at least one operating drive-in theater. The states with the most:
| State | Open Drive-Ins |
|---|---|
| New York | 28 |
| Pennsylvania | 26 |
| Ohio | 23 |
| Indiana | 17 |
| Texas | 16 |
| California | 12 |
| Tennessee | 11 |
| Missouri | 10 |
| Michigan | 9 |
| Illinois | 9 |
The four states without an operating drive-in are Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, and North Dakota.
Browse all drive-in theaters by state →
What Movies Do Drive-Ins Show?
Drive-ins show first-run Hollywood movies — the same films playing at indoor theaters. Most show double features (two movies for one admission price), which is one of their biggest draws. A typical Friday night might be a new action movie followed by a comedy, starting at dusk.
Some drive-ins also host special events like classic movie nights, themed screenings, and concerts.
When Are Drive-Ins Open?
Most drive-in theaters operate seasonally, roughly April through September or October. Movies start at dusk, so showtimes shift with the sunset — as early as 7:30 PM in spring/fall and as late as 9:15 PM in midsummer.
In warmer states like Texas, Florida, and southern California, some drive-ins run year-round. A handful in colder states stay open into November or December for special holiday screenings.
How Much Do Drive-In Movies Cost?
Admission is typically $8 to $12 per adult, with kids often free or discounted. Many drive-ins offer carload pricing around $20-$30 per vehicle. Since you’re getting a double feature, it’s significantly cheaper per movie than an indoor theater.
How to Find a Drive-In Near You
We maintain a complete directory of every operating drive-in theater in the United States. You can also:
- Browse by state to see every drive-in with addresses, hours, and details
- Browse by city to find drive-ins near major metro areas
- Search our directory using the search button at the top of any page
Drive-in season typically kicks off in late March or April. Check your local drive-in’s website or social media for opening dates — many post their schedule a few weeks before the season starts.
The Bottom Line
Drive-in movie theaters are alive and well. They’ve survived VHS, DVDs, streaming, and a pandemic. If you haven’t been to one in a while (or ever), there’s a good chance one is operating within a couple hours of where you live. Grab some blankets, tune your FM radio, and go see a double feature under the stars.
