Grab the popcorn and some cozy blankets—you'll want to add these drive-ins to your summer plans!
Drive-in movies may seem like a quaint novelty from the '50s, but the pandemic proved they're anything but a relic. People flocked to the movies last year in droves as a fun and safe form of entertainment, and we want it to continue even as the world opens up. These theaters in Virginia are keeping the tradition alive with cheap prices, tasty snacks, and the thrill of watching a blockbuster flick from the convenience of your car. For the ultimate night at the movies, check out our list below!
Courtesy of The Family Drive-In Theatre (Facebook)
The Family Drive-In Theatre | Stephens City, VA
Schedule: March-October
One of few authentic drive-ins still standing, The Family Drive-In has enchanted crowds since 1956 and continues to thrill movie fans to this day. New films are shown daily during the summer month, complete with a snack bar, playground, and other family-friendly entertainment. Their soft reopening is on May 7 and operates at half-capacity. With all these amenities, it's no wonder they claim a spot on the nation's top 10 drive-in theaters! Currently, they're rebooting their website, so keep your eyes peeled for more information.
Address: 5890 Valley Pike (US Route 11 South)
Courtesy of Hull's Drive-In (Facebook)
Hull's Drive-In | Lexington, VA
Schedule: April-October
The first community-owned, non-profit theater of its kind can be found right here in Lexington! Open on weekends, visitors can enjoy single and double features, a snack bar, and the Community Market scheduled once a month. Ticketing is $11 for singles and $21 for cars of 2-7 people. Parking is at half-capacity, so no worries about being turned away at the gate. Tickets are sold online—you can buy them here.
Address: 2367 N Lee Highway
Courtesy of Central Drive-In Theatre (Facebook)
Central Drive-In Theatre | Norton, VA
Schedule: March-November
Wanna see two movies for the price of one? This longstanding Norton drive-in offers double features for all movie-goers, letting you stay as long as you wish. Films are shown on Friday and Sunday nights, with fare including Raya and the Last Dragon and Mortal Kombat. COVID-19 safety guidelines will be implemented during screenings and concessions. Adult tickets are $8 and children under 4 are free. Cash, credit, and debit cards are accepted. For more information, click here.
Address: 5113 Kent Junction Road
Courtesy of Goochland Drive-In (Facebook)
Goochland Drive-In | Hadensville, VA
Schedule: March-November
With a mix of old and new flicks—and vintage cartoons before the show—Goochland Drive-In has the nostalgia down pat. They boast two giant silver screens and a concessions stand offering cheap and tasty snacks—much cheaper than any big-box megaplex. Movies are typically shown on weekends, but they'll expand to weekdays once the kids are out of school. Tickets are $25 per car for a load of 7 people, so bring your family and friends. You can check out the schedule here.
Address: 4344 Old Fredericksburg Road
Courtesy of Starlite Drive-In Theater (Facebook)
Starlite Drive-In Theater | Christiansburg, VA
Schedule: April-September
The Starlite has been around since 1953, which is as old school as it gets! You have to buy your tickets at the gate, so no advance admission here, and the prices are crazy cheap: $6 for adults and free for kids under 6. Plus, the snacks rule—one of their classics is the hot dog with Mrs. B's famous chili, but there's also popcorn, cotton candy, and fried pickles. The gates open at 6 p.m. Since screenings are first-come-first-serve, you'll want to arrive early to grab a spot. You can get the details here.
Address: 275 Starlite Drive
Have you been to any of the drive-ins on this list? Are there any we missed? Let us know in the comments which theater is your favorite.