"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?
"Projectors hum, popcorn pops, and stories unfold beneath twilight skies—this is Ohio’s drive-in magic!"
The Starlite Drive-in Theater in the town of Amelia in Ohio has been in operation for more than 52 years, offering residents of the surrounding area the opportunity to watch movies under the stars for quite some time. The historical drive-in usually shows double features of first-run movies within an old-school setting, complete with a snack bar serving a variety of refreshments, including classic movie theater popcorn. Guests wanting to bring their own food can buy a food permit for a small fee. The Starlite Drive-in is open six nights a week and is closed on Mondays.
2255 State Route Ohio-125, Amelia, OH 45102, Phone: 513-734-2282
The <Magic City Drive-in is a twin-screen theater located in Barberton, Ohio. The drive-in is open on a season basis, from the month of April until the month of October. Magic City can accommodate a maximum of 700 cars for a showing. First-run films can be seen every night of the week throughout the summer months, and on the weekend throughout the spring and fall seasons. Audio can be accessed during films from FM radio broadcast or traditional speakers. The theater was first opened back in 1953 by Lou Ratener and Vince Lauter. As a drive-in with a single screen.
5602 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd, Barberton, OH 44203, Phone: 330-825-4333
The Melody 49 Twin Drive-in is a drive-in theater with an old-school atmosphere that shows double features of movies currently released. Guests can also buy drive-in fare at the concession stand to enjoy during the films. The drive-in theater was first opened by Chakeres Theatres in 1966 on July 1st and is the only remaining drive-in operated by the company. The Melody drive-in opened originally with only one screen, but in 1987 the theater acquired its second screen after the Southland Twin Drive-in was sold and then closed. Guests both young and old will enjoy the family-friendly Melody 49 Drive-in in Brookville, Ohio.
7606 Pleasant Plain Rd, Brookville, OH 45309, Phone: 937-833-5015
The Mayfield Road Drive-in theater is located in Chardon, just to the east of the city of Cleveland in Ohio. The single-screen drive-in theater is open during the spring, summer, and fall seasons, from the month of April through the month of October. The movie theater offers showings of films every night of the week during the summer season and is open on the weekends during the spring and fall months. The drive-in can hold up to 500 vehicles for a showing, and audio is accessible by means of FM radio. The Mayfield Road Drive-in shows double features of first-run films.
12100 State Rte 322, Chardon, OH 44024, Phone: 440-286-7173
The South Drive-in in the city of Columbus is one of the oldest drive-in theaters in the area. The drive-in movie theater offers showings of films, serves snacks, and is also more unique than other drive-ins in the fact that it also hosts a flea market that features hundreds of different vendors. Situated on the city’s south side, the South Drive-in has hosted the largest outdoor garage and yard sale in the city since the 1970s. Guests can find all sorts of items at the massive flea market, such as photography, art, electronics, tools, clothing, housewares, and shoes.
3050 S. High St, Columbus, OH 43207, Phone: 614-491-6771
The Holiday Auto Theatre in Hamilton, Ohio, is a drive-in theater that dates back to the 1950s. The drive-in offers showings of mainstream films on its single screen as well a concession stand that serves a variety of snacks. Guests can delight in experiencing a classic twist on viewing the most recent films released at the drive-in. The movie theatre has become a staple in Butler County, attracting audiences for more than 60 years who want to watch films from their own cars. Families can still come today to the Holiday Auto Theatre to see blockbusters throughout the entire summer.
1816 Old Oxford Rd, Hamilton, OH 45013, Phone: 513-929-2999
The Hi-Road Drive-in is a seasonal movie theater, featuring two screens that show first-run films. The drive-in theater also includes a concession stand where guests can get movie snacks such as movie theater popcorn and soda. The drive-in opened for the first time on June 11th, 1949 with a movie screen measuring 40 feet by 80 feet. This screen was destroyed by strong winds in 1952 and was replaced with a screen of about half the size of the original one. Hi-Road can accommodate over 400 cars. The drive-in was acquired by the Miller family in 1999.
8059 US-68, Kenton, OH 43326, Phone: 419-675-0922
Built originally in the year 1947, the Skyview Cruise-in Theatre was started by Carlos Crum. It was later purchased by an employee of the theater for 30 years by the name of Walt in 1994. Walt still continues to keep standards high, as they have been since the beginning, while his wife offers amazing customer service and quality food at the drive-in theater’s concessions stand. Guests can take advantage of the nostalgic car speakers or use their car’s FM radio for audio during the film. Skyview strives to offer fun for the entire family at an affordable price.
2420 E. Main St, Lancaster, OH 43130, Phone: 740-653-5517
The Liberty Center Field of Dreams Drive-in offers affordable, fun, and memorable outdoor movie experiences for the whole family. The drive-in theater experience is an American pastime that doesn’t exist in every town. Guests come to the Field of Dreams Drive-in for its affordable prices, first-run double features, delicious food, great customer service, and fun environment. The outdoor movie theater includes two screens and digital projection. Audio for the screenings can be accessed through the car stereo system, and many guests choose to sit outside of their cars to watch the films. The drive-in is owned and operated as a family business.
V602 Township Rd 6, Liberty Center, OH 43532, Phone: 877-343-5334
The Springmill Drive-in is a twin-screen drive-in movie theater in Mansfield, Ohio. The theater screens double features of first-run movies and offer triple features from time to time at no additional charge. Springmill is a 1950s-style drive-in theater and is a favorite entertainment option among local residents and their pets. Guests of all ages can come and enjoy a movie under the stars and create lasting memories. The concessions stand, which opens around an hour prior to the movie, offers pizzas, hamburgers, popcorn, and much more. Those wanting to bring in food from elsewhere can purchase a food permit.
1040 Springmill Road, Mansfield, OH 44906, Phone: 419-747-2156
Unique Drive-in Theaters in Ohio:
1. Catch a Classic Under the Stars at Starlite Drive-In
2. If You Want Double Features and Retro Vibes, Cruise Over to Magic City Drive-In
3. Make It a Throwback Night at Melody 49 Twin Drive-In
4. Enjoy Movies and Milkshakes at Mayfield Road Drive-In
5. If You're in Columbus, Don’t Miss a Show at South Drive-In
6. Watch Flicks from the Comfort of Your Car at Holiday Auto Theatre
Affordable Drive-in Theaters in Ohio:
7. Relax and Rewind with a Movie Night at Hi-Road Drive-In
8. If You Like a Small-Town Feel and Big Screens, Visit Skyview Cruise-In Theatre
9. Bring the Family for an Evening at Liberty Center Field of Dreams Drive-In
10. Springmill Drive-in
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