The drive-in movie theater is a relic of a bygone era in America. While there were once thousands scattered across the country, these theaters are now few and far between. But the pandemic brought a resurgence in interest, along with a crop of additional outdoor options. Here are some drive-ins for a night of al fresco flicks.
Galaxy Drive-In
A little more than half an hour from downtown Dallas, you’ll find plenty of old-school charm at Ennis’ Galaxy Drive-In Movie Theatre. The outdoor movie venue is open seven days a week, including holidays. Outside food is not permitted, but the snack bar has a pretty robust menu. Pets are welcome, and you can bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets if you want to get out of your car for the movie. (You can even bring your RV and park it overnight.) Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for kids. 5301 I-45, Ennis.
Coyote Drive-In
This unique outdoor theater in the heart of downtown Fort Worth shows a mix of new releases and older films, and even hosts a concert from time to time. Refreshments, including beer and wine, are available through the snack stand, but no outside food is allowed. You can choose between watching from inside your car or setting up a chair or blanket in front of your vehicle. Pets on leashes are allowed. Everyone in the vehicle will need a ticket. Tickets are $6 for children ages 5 – 12. Adult tickets are $8. 223 NE 4th St., Fort Worth.
Rooftop Cinema Club
The Rooftop Cinema Club in downtown Fort Worth is worth the drive—perched atop The Terrace at The Worthington Renaissance, you get skyline views, tons of options for seating, wireless headphones to hear the movie without hearing the guy behind you whispering to his date, and great concessions and bar menus. Kid-friendly movies are also screened, and some screenings are for 18 and older only. You can reserve your seats online, and tickets start at $11. 235 Throckmorton St., Mezzanine Terrace, Fort Worth.
Brazos Drive-In
Disclaimer: Brazos Drive-In is not technically in DFW. It’s an hour and a half away from Dallas in Granbury. The family-owned and operated theater has been around since 1952, though, so it’s earned a spot on this list. Brazos Drive-In kicks into gear in March each year and is open Friday and Saturday nights with single features throughout the spring and summer. (You can follow them on Facebook to get updates.) Admission is $20 a carload or $10 for a single person. 1800 W. Pearl St., Granbury.
Graham Drive-In
About 90 miles west of Fort Worth, the town of Graham is more of a long weekend destination, but the Graham Drive-In is one of the oldest drive-in theaters in the state. There are plenty of options for a weekend of fun that can include catching a flick at this small-town drive-in, which is open on weekends. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, military, and children ages 5-11. 1519 4th St., Graham.
The Last Drive-In Picture Show
Gatesville is west of Waco, but if you’re up for a visit to the Silos or catching a Baylor game and finding yourself with an evening to fill, the Last Drive-In Picture Show is a slice of small-town, no-frills moviegoing. The ‘50s-era drive-in shows movies year-round, except on Christmas Eve. $10 per carload gets you through the gate. The business doesn’t seem to have a website but provides plenty of updates and showtimes on its Facebook page. 2912 TX-36, Gatesville.
Seasonal options
As the temperatures warm up, we’ll see more outdoor movie nights cropping up around North Texas. So far, there are opportunities with Mesquite’s Movies in the Park, Downtown Dallas Inc.’s Discover Downtown Dallas movie series, and Movies in the Park at Klyde Warren Park.
