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 the audio has also been drastically improved since all drive-ins now use dedicated FM stations to provide the sound.
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.
Here are 4 drive-in movie theaters around the Seattle area for 2024:
The Baerwaldt family gets ready to take in a screening of “Back to the Future”. Photo by Joshua Huston
Rodeo Drive-In
Since 1949! Three screens play three sets of double features at a time, but you do have to stick to one set only.
Find it: Highway 3, near the Bremerton Airport, Bremerton
Address: 7369 WA-3, Bremerton, WA 98312
Days: Usually March through September, Friday through Sunday. Showtime at dusk.
Cost: All prices are for a double feature, an old-school drive-in tradition. General admission: $12. Children 12 and under and seniors 55 and up: $7. Free for kids 4 and under. Tickets are available online.
Concessions: Yes, including burgers, fries, and pizza dogs. Online ordering is available for large orders. Pagers are available for pickups.
Restrooms: Yes.
Blue Fox Drive-in Theater
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 (along with go-karts, snack bar, and arcade), and the first show starts at dusk.
Address: 1403 N. Monroe Landing Rd., Oak Harbor
Days: Open 7 days a week. The first movie starts at dusk.
Cost: (by credit card): It’s a double feature! Adult, 11 and up, $6.50. Child, 5 to 10: $1.00. 4 and under: Free.
Concessions: Yes. Pizza, popcorn, Philly cheesesteaks, churros, and more.
Restrooms: Yes.
Blue Fox Drive-In (courtesy of Blue Fox Drive-In)
Farther afield: Two more classic drive-ins on the Olympic Peninsula:
Skyline Drive-In Theater
(since 1964). They have a snack bar. Gates at 7:30 pm, show at dusk. Rain or shine.
Address: 182 SE Brewer Road, Shelton
Cost: 8$ for adults (12 and older), $3 for children age 6-11, free for children 5 and under.
(since 1953) offers food including pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs and more.
Address: 210 Theatre Road, Port Townsend
Cost: General admission: $10 for seniors 65+ and $8 for kids 12 and under. Free for 5 and under.
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