Drive-Ins Near Des Moines

Des Moines has one drive-in within easy reach: the Valle Drive-in Theater in Newton, about 35 miles east on Highway F48.

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Iowa's oldest drive-in has been open since 1948. It shows double features on a single screen from April through October, with sound on 88.7 FM. Traditional speakers are still available in the first four rows for anyone who prefers the original experience. The Valle survived a tornado in March 2025 that damaged its screen, reopening shortly after with a showing of "Twister." Beyond Newton, the next closest drive-ins are the 61 in Delmar (about 150 miles east) and the Blue Grass near Davenport, making the Valle the only practical option for a same-night trip from the metro.

Drive-In Theaters Near Des Moines

Valle Drive-in Theater

Newton

Iowa's oldest drive-in, on Highway F48 in Newton, about 30 miles east...

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