The drive-in movie theater is a 1930s invention that some of us might have fond memories of — entertainment under the stars. Piling into Volvo station wagons (or the like), packed tighter than sardines next to our siblings, cozy in our jammies and clutching favorite blankets or bears. We may not have stayed awake for the entire show, more than likely falling asleep facedown on our Milky Way, but catching a drive-in was a summertime favorite … one we can pass on to our own little movie-goers.
We’re lucky to have a couple of traditional legacy drive-in theaters in the Seattle area, as well as newcomer drive-ins that stuck around after the pandemic. And audio has also been drastically improved since all drive-ins now use dedicated FM stations to provide the sound. Looking for more ways to watch movies under the stars? Check out our guide to outdoor movies in the greater Seattle area — from parks to pop-up screenings.
Tips:
- Make sure to check what’s playing before packing up and heading out. Don’t make the mistake my friend’s parents made back in the day and bring your kindergartner to see “The Exorcist.”
- Shows begin at dusk, and plan to arrive ahead of time. Some drive-in movie theaters have snack stands (and other entertainment while you wait), but bring coloring books or a deck of cards to help pass the time.
- Not all drive-ins allow outside food, so please check the policy if you want to bring a picnic. And look at the posted rules online first if your dog wants to come along, too.
4 drive-in movie theaters around the Seattle area for 2025
Rodeo Drive-In
- Days: Open March through September, Friday through Sunday. Showtime at dusk.
- Address: 7369 WA-3, Bremerton, WA 98312
- Cost: All prices are for a double feature, an old-school drive-in tradition. General admission: $12, Seniors (55+): $7, Children (5-12): $7, Kids (4 and under): Free. Tickets are available online.
- Concessions: Yes! Including burgers, fries, and pizza dogs. For large orders, online ordering is available. Pagers are available for pickups.
- Restrooms: Yes
Running since 1949! Three screens play three sets of double features at a time, but you can only watch one set.
The Baerwaldt family gets ready to take in a screening of “Back to the Future”. (Image: Joshua Huston)
Blue Fox Drive-in Theater
- Days: Open Friday-Sunday. 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. The first movie starts at dusk.
- Address: 1403 N. Monroe Landing Rd., Oak Harbor
- Cost: (by credit card): It’s a double feature! Adult (11+): $6.50. Child (5-10): $1.50. 4 and under: Free.
- Concessions: Yes! Pizza, popcorn, Philly cheesesteaks, churros, and more.
- Restrooms: Yes.
An Oak Harbor family favorite since 1959! There’s an arcade on the premises, as well as a go-kart track. Movies are on a first-come, first-served basis, and the box office opens at 4 p.m. (along with go-karts, snack bar, and arcade), and the first show starts at dusk.
Skyline Drive-In Theater
- Days: Open on weekends (Friday-Sunday), gates open at 7 p.m.
- Address: 182 SE Brewer Road, Shelton
- Cost: Adults (12+): $8, Children (6-11): $3, Children (5 and under): Free
- Concessions: Yes
- Restrooms: Yes
This drive-in theater has been open since 1964 in Shelton, WA. The gates open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at dusk, rain or shine. See what movies are playing.
Wheel-In Motor Movie Drive-In
- Days: Open on weekends, box office at 7:30 p.m.
- Address: 210 Theatre Road, Port Townsend
- Cost: Adults: $10, Seniors (65+): $8, Kids (6-12): $8, Children (5 and under): Free
- Consessions: Yes
- Bathrooms: Yes
This drive-in theater has been open (since 1953) and offers food including pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, and more.
