"Ohio’s drive-in theaters are summer magic: popcorn under the stars, family nights in lawn chairs, and the flicker of film reels spinning beneath open skies. It’s the kind of place where I can rewind time, roll down the windows, and enjoy a double feature with fireflies in the background."

I’ve got cozy blankets in the backseat, a root beer float from the snack bar in hand, and headlights dimming all around me—all as the screen glows to life across a quiet Ohio field. Who knew a movie night could feel like a memory in the making?

Unique Drive-in Theaters in Ohio:

Catch a Classic Under the Stars at Starlite Drive-In

Starlite Drive-in

Catch a Classic Under the Stars at Starlite Drive-In -  

If You Want Double Features and Retro Vibes, Cruise Over to Magic City Drive-In

Magic City Drive-in

If You Want Double Features and Retro Vibes, Cruise Over to Magic City Drive-In -  

Make It a Throwback Night at Melody 49 Twin Drive-In

Melody 49 Twin Drive-in

Make It a Throwback Night at Melody 49 Twin Drive-In -  

Enjoy Movies and Milkshakes at Mayfield Road Drive-In

Mayfield Road Drive-in

Enjoy Movies and Milkshakes at Mayfield Road Drive-In -  

If You're in Columbus, Don’t Miss a Show at South Drive-In

Courtesy of jetcityimage - Fotolia.com

If You're in Columbus, Don’t Miss a Show at South Drive-In -  

Watch Flicks from the Comfort of Your Car at Holiday Auto Theatre

Holiday Auto Theatre

Watch Flicks from the Comfort of Your Car at Holiday Auto Theatre -  

Relax and Rewind with a Movie Night at Hi-Road Drive-In

Hi-Road Drive-in

Relax and Rewind with a Movie Night at Hi-Road Drive-In -  

If You Like a Small-Town Feel and Big Screens, Visit Skyview Cruise-In Theatre

Skyview Cruise-in Theatre

If You Like a Small-Town Feel and Big Screens, Visit Skyview Cruise-In Theatre -  

Bring the Family for an Evening at Liberty Center Field of Dreams Drive-In

Liberty Center Field of Dreams Drive-in

Bring the Family for an Evening at Liberty Center Field of Dreams Drive-In -  

Springmill Drive-in

Springmill Drive-in

Springmill Drive-in -  

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Does Ohio have a large number of drive-in movie theaters?
    • Ohio boasts one of the largest numbers of drive-in movie theaters in the country.
  • When did Ohio open its first drive-in movie theater?
    • The state saw the opening of one of the first drive-ins, the Starlight Auto Theater, in Akron in 1937.
  • How popular were drive-in theaters in Ohio?
    • These unique movie theaters became extremely popular with residents, resulting in Ohio boasting 189 drive-in theaters by the end of the 1960s.
  • Are there still drive-in theaters in Ohio today?
    • While the majority of the drive-ins are now gone, there are still plenty where both locals and visitors can catch a movie beneath the stars in the comfort of their own car.

In Summary...

(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)