If you're a fan of drive-in movie theaters, and want to experience a movie under the big, starry Texas sky, then you've come to the right place.
This is a fully updated and comprehensive list of all open drive-in movie theaters in Texas.
Regardless of what part of Texas you live in - or are visiting - chances are, there's a drive-in movie theater within driving distance from you.
Related:
Drive in movie theater history in Texas
Drive in movie theaters were originally known as "Park-In Theaters". The first one opened on June 6, 1933 in Camden, New Jersey.
Just one year later, the first drive in movie theater in Texas, known as the 'Drive In Short Reel Theater' was opened in Galveston, TX on July 5, 1934.
Peak of popularity
At one point in time - when drive in theaters were at the peak of their popularity - there were over 4,000 drive in movie theaters in the United States and the state of Texas was home to over 400 of them.
Texas had more drive-in theaters than any other state at that time.
The decline and the comeback
Since then, the number of open drive-in movie theaters has dwindled down to just 20 open drive-in movie theaters in Texas.
But the experience of watching a movie under the big Texas sky captures the interest of people everywhere, and attendance is soaring once again.
And while the pandemic certainly spurred on additional interest in the outdoor movie experience (since most theaters were closed for extended periods of time), the renewed interest in the drive-in movie theater experience had already begun well over a decade ago.
Today, Texas is ranked in 5th place for the most open drive-in movie theaters in the US, including a few of the newest, state-of-the-art drive-in movie theaters in the country.
Including the world's first "3D Drive-In Movie Theater".
Pro Tip: If you are new to the drive-in movie theater experience, you may want to learn more about what to bring to drive-in movie theaters first!
Dallas-Fort Worth Region Drive-In Movie Theaters
The Dallas-Fort Worth region is one of the most heavily populated areas in Texas, so it stands to reason that it would also be home to the largest number of drive-in movie theaters.
To be exact, there are five drive-in movie theaters located in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas region.
Here's the list:
Coyote Drive-In Movie Theater
Description: This drive-in movie theater is in the Fort Worth region. This drive-in offers double features with a big, covered concession area serving local brews, as well as a playground area.
Theater Location: 223 NE 4th St, Fort Worth, TX 76164
Notable Features & Restrictions:
No outside food is permitted
No outside drinks are permitted
Cost:
Adults: $8
Kids: $5
Kids Under 4: FREE
Wednesday: $5 Special
Website: Coyote Drive-In Movie Theater
Galaxy Drive-In Movie Theater
Description: This drive-in theater location is located on I-45 just South of Dallas and is open every night. It currently only offers single features. It features first-run movies and 3D movies as well. In fact, this theater was the first 3D Drive-In Theater in the world.
Theater Location: 5301, I-45, Ennis, TX 75119
Notable Features & Restrictions:
No outside food or drinks are permitted.
Concession stand is available onsite.
Cost:
Adults: $8
Kids: $4
Website: Galaxy Drive-In Movie Theater
Brazos Drive-In Movie Theater
Description: The Brazos Drive-In movie theater opened on Memorial Day weekend in 1952 and has been open ever since. It's one of the oldest continuously operated drive-in theaters in Texas.
This location is a cash-only drive-in theater with a single screen for movies. It's also pet friendly and features onsite concessions.
Theater Location: 1800 W Pearl St, Granbury, TX 76048
Notable Features & Restrictions:
Watch two movies for the price of one on double feature Friday/Saturday.
Gates open 1h 15m before dusk and close 15 minutes after the show begins.
A concession stand is available onsite.
Seasons:
This drive-in theater is not open during the Winter months.
Cost:
Double feature Friday/Saturday: : $15 per car
Single Adult: $10
Website: Brazos Drive-In Movie Theater Facebook: Brazos Drive-In Movie Theater FB Page
Graham Drive-In Movie Theater
Description: The Graham Drive-In Movie Theater is one of the oldest operating drive-in movie theaters in the state of Texas. It originally opened for business in 1949 and - by all historical accounts - has been open every year since.
It features one movie screen and has the capacity for 300 cars.
Theater Location: 1519 4th St, Graham, TX 76450
Notable Features & Restrictions:
Features recent releases.
Features one movie screen with a 300-car capacity.
Pets are permitted but must always remain leashed and in control.
You're welcome to use lawn chairs.
No outside food or drinks are permitted.
There is a concession stand onsite.
Seasons:
This drive-in theater is not open during the Winter months.
Cost:
Adults: $7
Seniors (62+): $5
Military ID: $5
Children (5-11): $5
Children (under 4): FREE
Website: Graham Drive-In Theater
Fun Movie Grill Drive-In Theater | Richardson, TX
Description: This is both a movie theater and a drive-in movie theater. It features multiple screens and it's open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening.
This theater is currently under renovation and is temporarily closed. Please check their website or social media pages for updates as the renovation progresses.
Theater Location: 8505 Walton Blvd, Irving, TX 75063
Notable Features & Restrictions:
No outside food or drinks are permitted.
No lawn chairs, blankets or tents are currently allowed.
Cost:
Adults: $7
Kids (3-11): $5
Students (Student ID Required): $7
Website: Fun Movie Grill Drive-In Theater
Austin - San Antonio Region Drive-In Movie Theaters
Because the Austin and San Antonio region has become increasingly connected, it is important to highlight the drive-in movie theaters that are easily accessible from either city.
There are currently two drive-in movie theaters located on I-35 between Austin and San Antonio. Both drive-ins are also among the newest drive-in movie theater locations in the state of Texas.
Whether you live in Austin or San Antonio, or you're just staying at a vacation rental in Fredericksburg, TX out in Texas Wine Country, these drive-in movie theaters are easily accessible to you.
Doc's Drive-In Movie Theater
Description: If you're looking for a modern (yet retro) outdoor movie experience, then look no further than Doc's Drive-In Movie Theater located in Buda, TX just South of Austin.
This is one of the newest drive-in movie theater locations in the state of Texas.
This location is much more than just a drive-in theater location.
Featuring an onsite restaurant with full-service dining, an actual bar onsite, and a private beach with a relaxing swimming area - as well as tiny homes to stay overnight - it's more like a mini-vacation destination.
Theater Location: 1540 Satterwhite Rd, Buda, TX 78610
Notable Features & Restrictions:
Pick your car slot online when purchasing tickets.
Stay a night or two in one of their "themed" tiny homes.
Go for a swim and relax on the beach.
Enjoy a full-service dining experience at Doc's Diner.
Grab a beer or wine at the bar.
This is a pet friendly drive-in movie theater (must always remain leashed and in your control).
Cost:
Car (includes admission for driver): $12
Adult Passenger (12+): $10
Kid Passenger (4-11): $6
Kids (under 3): FREE
Website: Doc's Drive In Movie Theater Showtimes
Stars & Stripes Drive-In Movie Theater
Description: Rain or shine, this theater - located between Austin and San Antonio, TX - is open nightly.
Like Doc's Drive-In (see theater above), the Stars & Stripes Drive-In Movie Theater is one of the newest drive-theaters in the state of Texas.
It features the 50's Cafe where they serve up burgers, fries, hot dogs, nachos, chicken wings, funnel cakes and more.
Theater Location: 1178 Kroesche Ln, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Notable Features & Restrictions:
Features 3 movie screens with the latest releases.
Open nightly (rain or shine).
Open year-round.
Outside food and drinks (no alcohol) are permitted, but why would you when they have a 50's Cafe onsite?
Lawn chairs and sitting outside your vehicle are permitted.
Pets are permitted into the venue but must be always kept in the vehicle.
Cost:
Adults (12+): $9
Military ID: $7
First Responder (ID Required): $$7
Kids (4-11): $6
Kids (under 3): FREE
Website: Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theater Showtimes
Austin Region Drive-In Movie Theaters
Austin, TX, is the fastest-growing city in Texas, and as a result, the demand for drive-in movie theater options in Austin has grown over the years.
Of course, in keeping with the whole "keep Austin weird" mantra, it's also home to one of the most unique drive-in movie theater locations in the state, as you'll read about below.
Community Cinema & Amphitheater
Description: This is an incredibly unique outdoor movie theater that features both an amphitheater and a drive-in movie theater experience.
But that's not the only thing that makes this place unique.
This outdoor movie theater is operated onsite at Community First! Village which is a community of micro/tiny homes and alternative housing as part of a collaborative effort to mitigate homelessness in the city of Austin.
The entire community is operated and managed by a non-profit organization called Mobile Loaves and Fishes which receives remarkably high ratings as a nonprofit by third-party charity monitors such as "Charity Navigator".
By attending this theater, you're not only enjoying an incredibly unique outdoor movie theater experience, but you're also supporting an incredibly awesome initiative in the Austin area.
You're helping change people's lives.
Theater Location: Community First! Village - 9301 Hog Eye Road, Austin, TX 78724
Notable Features & Restrictions:
Cards only, no cash.
Concession stand on site.
P. Terry's food truck is on site.
Drive-in theater and amphitheater movie theater.
Seasonal:
This theater is not open during the Winter months.
Cost:
Vehicle (includes admission for driver): $20
Adult Passenger (12+): $15
Kid Passenger (4-11): $10
Kids Under 3: FREE
(Optional) P. Terry's Burger Combo Add-On: $10
Website: Community Cinema & Amphitheater Showtimes
Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In Movie Theater
Description: What started a decade ago as a small, boutique drive-in movie theater, has now expanded to three locations throughout the Austin area.
Theater Locations:
Austin Mueller: 2015 E M. Franklin Ave, Austin, TX 78723
Austin Downtown: 300 N San Antonio St, Whitney, TX 76692
Round Rock: 800 Harrell Pkwy, Round Rock, TX 78665
Notable Features & Restrictions:
Order concessions from your car at any time during the event
A smaller, more intimate setting (less than 50 cars at all locations)
Dogs are permitted unless it barks at cars, people, the moon, or movies. Your pet must also be friendly and on a leash at all times.
Cost:
Car Slot For 2: $27.50
Car For 2 + Concessions: $35
Car Slot Pack For 3: $43
Car Slot Pack for 4: $51
Websites:
Blue Starlite Drive-In Theater Showtimes: Austin Mueller
Blue Starlite Drive-In theater Showtimes: Austin Downtown
Blue Starlite Drive-In theater Showtimes: Round Rock
San Antonio Region Drive-In Movie Theaters
Aside from the drive-in movie theaters located between San Antonio and Austin, San Antonio is somewhat of a desert land when it comes to drive-in movie theater options.
Even though San Antonio only has one major outdoor movie theater where you can watch movies under the great Texas sky, in typical San Antonio fashion, this Texas movie theater has a deep historical connection to the city.
Mission Movie Theater
Description: In 1948 the original Mission Drive-In Movie Theater opened with a 77-minute-long western movie. In 2006, the original Mission Drive In Theater showed its last movie. Sadly, it was the last drive-in theater that San Antonio had, so when it closed, the drive-in experience in San Antonio died with it.
The original location is now a UNESCO World Heritage site run by San Antonio's Department of Arts & Culture and features year-round festivals, film screenings, arts & culture events, open-air markets, and more.
Theater Location: 3100 Roosevelt Ave., San Antonio, TX 78214
Notable Features & Restrictions:
A historic drive-in movie theatre site, now a UNESCO World Heritage site that features family-friendly outdoor movie theater experiences under the stars.
Cost:
Pricing will be updated in the Spring of 2022
Website: Mission Movie Theater Showtimes
Houston Region Drive-In Theaters
Houston is a huge city with one of the largest metropolitan populations in the nation. Not only is Houston a massive city, but Houston, TX, is also consistently ranked as the top destination for visitors from overseas coming to Texas. This would lead you to believe that there would be a lot more outdoor entertainment options, such as drive-in movie theaters in the Houston area.
Unfortunately, that is not the case.
In fact, compared to the three other major metropolitan areas in Texas, Houston has the least number of drive in - and outdoor - movie theater options available within a reasonable driving distance from the city.
Here are the three drive-in movie theater locations available in the Houston area:
Showboat Drive-In Movie Theater
Description: The Showboat Drive-In Movie theater is Houston's longest running first-run drive in movie theater that features first run movies as well as classic titles.
The location has also hosted various live performances through the years.
Theater Location: 22422 Farm to Market 2920, Hockley, TX 77447
Notable Features & Restrictions:
This is a cash-only theater.
Most tickets are for double-feature events, so you get to watch two movies for the price of one.
There is a playground onsite.
Concessions are available onsite and can be ordered via an app that will notify you once your order is ready to pick up from the concession stand.
Cost:
(Based on the movie/date) Per Person: $8-$12
Some events will be "per car" events and will be priced accordingly.
Website: The Showboat Drive-In Movie Theater Showtimes
Moonstruck Drive-In Movie Theater
Description: This is a new drive-in movie theater in the Houston area that bills itself as "the city's first and only permanent drive-in movie theater and event venue".
This Houston-based drive-in theater shows first run and classic films every weekend as well as comedy shows and live music. They also host private events.
Theater Location: 100 Bringhurst St, Houston, TX 77020
Notable Features & Restrictions:
Per car pricing.
60' wide scope ratio screen with 4K DLP projection.
Outside food and drinks are not permitted.
Bar and food trucks are available onsite.
Cars can remain on, if the lights stay off.
Friendly pets are permitted as long as they're on a leash at all times.
You may sit outside your vehicle on lawn chairs, blankets, in your truck bed, etc.
Cost:
Per Car: $30
Website: Moonstruck Drive-In Movie Theater Showtimes
Rooftop Cinema Club
Description: Most Rooftop Cinema Clubs around the US are seasonal outdoor theaters that close during the Winter months and return in the Spring. It's important to note that these rooftop theaters are typically not drive-ins, but they are still movies under the stars which is a unique experience with - or without - a vehicle being involved.
If this theater is closed for the season, you can be notified of their re-opening date by subscribing to their email list on their website.
Theater Location 2: 1700 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, Texas 77056
Notable Features & Restrictions:
No outside food or drinks are permitted.
Food and drinks are available on site.
Cost:
Starting from $17.50/person
Website: Houston - Rooftop Cinema Club Tickets
Waco - Killeen - Harker Heights - Ft Hood - Temple Region Drive-In Movie Theaters
Finding drive in movie theaters in Texas that are also located within a reasonable driving distance is more easily said than done if you don't live in a heavily populated region of the state.
While none of these cities are considered heavily populated areas on their own, they do make up a heavily populated region of Central Texas - located between Dallas and Austin - with a combined population of 450,000+ people.
Thankfully, there is at least one drive-in movie theater still operating in the area.
The Last Drive-In Picture Show
Description: If you live in Central Texas but are not within the city limits of a major city, your options for a drive-in movie theater are slim to none.
However, if you live in Waco, Killeen, Harker Heights, Ft Hood, or the Temple areas, you are in luck because The Last Drive-In Picture Show is within reasonable driving distance.
The Last Drive-In Picture Show mostly features first-run movies that have just been released.
Theater Location: 2912 TX-36, Gatesville, TX 76528
Notable Features & Restrictions:
Miniature golf is located onsite ($3/person).
Indoor theater also located onsite.
The Drive-In Movie Theater features a double feature every night, so you get two movies for the price of one.
Cost:
Adults (12+): $5
$7.50 for 3D
Kids (0-11): $3.50
$5.00 for 3D
Military & Senior Citizen Pricing: Available Upon Request
Website:
Facebook Page
Instagram
Abilene Drive-In Movie Theaters
If you live in the Abilene area, then you really don't have a lot of options in terms of drive-in movie theaters, save one.
If you're willing to drive to Gatesville, or the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, then you have a lot more options - better options, really.
Town & Country Drive In Theater
The Town & Country Drive In Movie Theater is the only drive-in located in Abilene, TX. Unfortunately the most recent reviews (at the time this article was updated) for this location were largely negative.
Common complaints are poorly managed grounds, restrooms, and a lack of snack options (though, they do allow you to bring your own).
And while many people still appreciate the ability to go to a drive-in movie in Abilene, it sounds like the place could use some TLC. Many comments indicated that better owners and a better management team are in order.
Their listing on Google also directs you to a third-party website that then instructs you to "check the drive-in theaters social media for the latest updates" on movies, tickets, times, etc., however, they haven't updated their social media in quite some time. Their website is also defunct.
But, I'm all for supporting local. And it is a drive-in theater... if it's near you - you may still wanna go give it a chance. If you'd rather not, then there are quite a few drive-in options available in our Dallas-Ft. Worth section on this article that you may want to look into.
Theater Location: 2902 Vogel St, Abilene, TX 79603
Notable Features & Restrictions:
3 Movie Screens
New Release Movies
You can bring your own food (this may be why their facilities are getting reviews about poor management, because they aren't bringing in adequate revenue to keep the place up...?)
Cost:
Because there is no pricing schedule listed on their official website, or on their social media we are unable to cite an accurate price. Once we can cite an official, written source that documents the cost, this section will be updated.
Website/Social Media:
Facebook Page
Amarillo Drive-In Movie Theaters
Much like Abilene, the Amarillo area is home to a single drive in movie theater. However, unlike Abilene's theater, the one in Amarillo actually has decent reviews!
Tascosa Drive-In
Tascosa Drive-In is located in Amarillo, Texas. It's not uncommon to find tons of great reviews for this location with comments such as:
A great place for family and kids.
Tons of concession stand options at fair prices.
Clean bathrooms, and we love the kids park.
Their business listings online easily maintain a nearly perfect 5-Star rating online throughout the year, so it's a safe bet to say that this theater is a fun time.
Theater Location: 1999 Dumas Dr, Amarillo, TX 79107
Notable Features & Restrictions:
Sunday Nights are $15/car (not per person) if you put one of their bumper stickers on your car
New Releases
Great Concession Options (& Fairly Priced)
Well-Maintained Grounds & Amenities
Great Spaces for Kids to Play
Cost:
Adults (10+): $9
Kids (1-10) : $5
Babies (In Car Seat): FREE
Military & Senior Citizen Pricing: No mention of any discounts on their website
Discounted Days: Sunday nights at $15/car w/ bumper sticker on your car
Website:
Recap: Drive-In Movie Theaters In Texas
Most drive-in movie theaters in Texas are in more heavily populated areas of Texas. however, some of the drive-in theaters on this list are easily accessible from many rural areas of the Great State as well.
If you are in Texas and can locate a drive-in movie theater within reasonable driving distance from you from the list above, I highly recommend taking the trip to go experience a movie under the stars.
I know you'll enjoy the experience and will be back many more times in the future.
And since you're already going to hit the road, you may as well go for a swim in the longest lazy river in in the world (hint: it's located in Texas) while you're at it!
