- Question: What was the state of drive-in movie theaters in Oregon during the 1950s?
- Answer: During the latter part of the 1950’s, Oregon was home to as many as seventy drive-in movie theaters.
- Question: How many drive-in movie theaters are still operational in Oregon today?
- Answer: Unfortunately, almost all of these drive-in theaters have since closed down, leaving only three drive-ins that remain in operation in the state.
- Question: Where are the remaining drive-in theaters located in Oregon?
- Answer: These drive-in theaters are concentrated within the northern part of Oregon.
- Question: When can visitors enjoy an outdoor movie experience in Oregon?
- Answer: During the warmer months of the year, both residents and visitors alike can still enjoy an outdoor movie experience in Oregon.
La Grande Drive-in
The La Grande Drive-in theater is an example of what is called a “MoPed” cinema. This means that the operation has both a drive-in movie theater and a walk-in movie theater on the same grounds under the same ownership. The La Grande is open seasonally and uses FM radio broadcasting to provide sound for the first-run films it shows. No outside food or beverages are allowed on the grounds of the La Grande Drive-in. Pricing for movie showings is per car, for up to four people. There is a small additional fee for each additional occupant in the vehicle.
La Grande Drive-in, 404 20th S, La Grande, OR 97850, Phone: 541-963-3866
M&F Drive-in
The M&F Drive-in theater is situated just four miles from the state line in the state of Oregon’s northeast corner. The outdoor movie theater has been in operation as a solo screen drive-in theater since it originally opened back in 1954. The same family has owned and operated the drive-in since the year 1967. The M&F is open seasonally, beginning in the month of April and going through to the month of October. Both the ticket booth and the concession stand are cash-only, and no outside drinks or food are allowed on the property.
M&F Drive-in, 84322 Highway 11, Milton-Freewater, OR 97862, Phone: 541-938-4327
99W Drive-in
The 99W Drive-in movie theater is a single screen outdoor movie venue that has been in operation since it originally opened back in the year 1953. Double features of first-run films are shown at the drive-in on a season basis only during the weekends. They do charge a minimum amount for a car attending a showing, so if there’s only one person in the car he or she will end up paying more than the normal admission price. Ted Francis built the drive-in and owned it until he died in 1999 at 98 years old, making him the the oldest drive-in owner.
99W Drive-in, 3110 Portland Rd, Newberg, OR 97132, Phone: 503-538-2738
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