If you’re already thinking about drive-in movies, you’re not alone. Every March, the same question starts popping up: when does my local drive-in open?
The short answer is most drive-in theaters open between late March and mid-May, with April being the most common month. But the exact date depends on where you live and what the weather is doing.
The Typical Drive-In Season
Out of the 293 drive-in theaters currently operating in the United States, the vast majority run a seasonal schedule. Here’s roughly how it breaks down:
| Opening Month | Theaters |
|---|---|
| Year-round | ~12 |
| March | ~30 |
| April | ~145 |
| May | ~40 |
| June+ | A handful |
April is the sweet spot. Once the days are long enough for a reasonable showtime and the temperatures are comfortable enough to sit in a car with the windows cracked, most drive-ins flip the projectors on.
Drive-ins that open in March tend to be in the South — Alabama, Texas, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, where evenings are already mild. May openers are mostly in the upper Midwest and New England, where spring takes its time.
Year-Round Drive-Ins
About a dozen drive-ins stay open all year. These are mostly in warm-weather states like Florida, California, and Alabama, where freezing temperatures aren’t really a concern. A few outliers in colder states — like the Ford Wyoming Drive-In in Dearborn, Michigan — tough it out through winter.
If you’re craving a drive-in experience right now and your local one hasn’t opened yet, check if there’s a year-round option within driving distance. Browse our full directory to see what’s near you.
When Do Drive-Ins Close for the Season?
Most drive-ins shut down in September or October, though some stretch into November for Halloween screenings or holiday events. The season usually ends when sunset comes too early — nobody wants to wait until 9 PM for a movie to start and not get home until 1 AM.
That gives most drive-ins a roughly six-month season, April through September or October.
How to Find Your Drive-In’s Opening Date
Drive-ins don’t always stick to the same date every year. Weather, staffing, and booking schedules all play a role. The best way to find out:
- Check their website or Facebook page. Most drive-ins post their opening weekend a few weeks in advance.
- Look at last year’s pattern. If they opened the first weekend of April last year, they’ll probably do the same this year.
- Call ahead. Plenty of drive-ins still have a phone line with a recorded message listing showtimes and dates.
You can find your local drive-in’s website and social links on our state-by-state directory.
What to Know Before Opening Weekend
Opening weekend at a drive-in is usually packed. A few things to keep in mind:
- Arrive early. Gates often open 60-90 minutes before showtime, and the best spots go fast on opening night.
- Bring layers. Early-season nights can be chilly, especially after the sun goes down. Blankets and jackets are non-negotiable.
- Check the sound setup. Most modern drive-ins broadcast audio over FM radio. Make sure your car radio works, or bring a portable FM radio so you don’t drain your battery.
- Expect double features. Most drive-ins show two movies for one ticket price, so plan to be out late.
For a full rundown on what to bring, check out our Ultimate Drive-In Survival Kit.
The Season Is Almost Here
If you’re reading this in early spring, your local drive-in is probably just weeks away from opening. Keep an eye on their social media, get your snacks ready, and mark your calendar. There’s nothing quite like that first movie night of the season under the stars.
