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When did Pennsylvania open its first drive-in movie theater?
- The second drive-in to open in the country, Shankweiler’s Drive-in, opened in Pennsylvania in 1934.
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Is Shankweiler's Drive-in still operational?
- Yes, Shankweiler’s Drive-in is still in operation today, making it the oldest drive-in still operating in America.
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How many drive-in theaters were in Pennsylvania during the 1950s?
- By the 1950s, the state was home to over 180 establishments.
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How many drive-in theaters are still operating in Pennsylvania today?
- While around 85% have since closed, there are still several great drive-in theaters in operation.
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1. Starlight Drive-in
Formerly known as the Pioneer Drive-in, the Starlight Drive-in has been providing families with affordable entertainment since 1958. Even though there has been a major decline in the number of drive-ins not just in Pennsylvania but throughout the country as well, John and Beth, owners of the Starlight, still believe their drive-in has a future. The Starlight Drive-in, like several other drive-ins, has moved to digital projection, keeping up with modern times. Families can watch first-run double features for a fraction of what it would cost to see the films at an indoor movie theater.
1985 N Main St Ext, Butler, PA 16001, Phone: 724-284-5003
2. Becky's Drive-in
Situated in the area of Lehigh Valley, Becky's Drive-in has been the recipient of several awards, including being voted one of the “10 Best Drive-In Theaters” by USA Today, coming in fifth. On Fridays and Saturdays, the drive-in movie theater also offers pony rides for children whenever it screens PG and PG13 movies for kids. Along with its reasonable prices, Becky’s offers an array of food and beverages at its snack bar. The snack bar menu includes popcorn with 100% pure butter, nachos, pizza, hamburgers, french fries, ice cream, soft pretzels, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, pierogis, and more.
4548 Lehigh Dr, Walnutport, PA 18018, Phone: 610-767-2249
3. Moonlight Drive-in
The Moonlight Drive-in theater is a place for entertainment and a fun evening out for the entire family. The outdoor movie theater offers double features for less than it would cost for one movie at a modern indoor movie theater. The Moonlight is an old-school drive-in that has been around since 1951. Two movies are shown each night the theater is open from the month of March to the month of November. The snack bar serves a wide variety of food, drinks, and candy. Menu items include burgers, hot dogs, pizza, several different sandwiches, fries, nachos, soft pretzels, and popcorn.
5268 Route 322, Brookville, PA 15825, Phone: 814-849-5588
4. Carrolltown Hi-Way Drive-in
The Carrolltown Hi-Way Drive-in is a cash-only outdoor movie theater that screens current released movies. The drive-theater serves casual American fare as well as a variety of beverages and candy. The Hi-Way Drive-in is open seasonally, offering customers an opportunity to watch first-run films from the month of April through the month of September. Due to the theater’s location, the drive-in is sometimes referred to as the Hi-Way 129. It first opened in the year 1951 and can accommodate up to 500 cars. Audio for films can be accessed via FM radio and digital projection is used.
425 Theatre Rd, Carrolltown, PA 15722, Phone: 814-344-8684
5. Super 322 Drive-in
At the Super 322 Drive-in, every show starts after sunset and includes a double feature. The movies shown at the Super 322 are quite affordable, family-friendly, and first-run. The drive-in movie theater boasts a full concession stand that offers guests a wide array of traditional movie theater fare. Customers don’t have to worry about weather cancelling their plans for the night. Shows go on no matter what the weather may be doing. The Super 322 Drive-in opened in 1950 and is even a registered historic landmark. No outside food or drinks are allowed at the drive-in without the purchase of a food permit.
1682 Woodland Bigler Hwy, Woodland, PA 16881, Phone: 814-857-7821
6. The Comet Drive-in
The Comet Drive-in is an old-school drive-in theater that screens new releases for the Connellsville community and the surrounding area. The outdoor movie theater opens seasonally each year from the month of April through the month of August. The Comet is a cash-only theater, so customers may as well leave their credit cards at home. A flea market is also held on the grounds of the drive-in theater on Sundays from spring through October. The Comet Drive-in opened originally in 1950, however, the outdoor theater closed in 1986. It then reopened in 1993 and uses digital projection today.
US-119, Connellsville, PA 15425, Phone: 724-628-6160
7. Circle Drive-in
The Circle Drive-in movie theater is a long-running outdoor movie theater that operates on the weekends. The outdoor theater features contemporary movies on its two massive outdoor movie screens. The grounds of the Circle Drive-in are also home to a huge flea market during the weekends. The snack bar serves a wide range of typical drive-in food, such as nachos, soft pretzels, popcorn, pizza, and hot dogs. Customers are also allowed to bring their own food and drinks. The drive-in also hosts their annual “Circle of Screams” in the fall around Halloween.
1911 Scranton Carbondale Highway, Dickson City, PA 18508, Phone: 570-489-5731
8. Haar's Drive-in
Haar's Drive-in is a family-owned and operated drive-in movie theater that originally opened to the people of the Dillsburg community and surrounding area back in the year 1952. The outdoor movie theater is one of just four of its kind in the mid-state area of Pennsylvania. Haar’s includes digital movie screens and hosts a variety of themed events throughout the year. The on-site snack bar offers an array of movie theater food, including nachos, pizza, popcorn, burgers, footlong hot dogs, and fries as well as dill pickles. Both the ticket booth and the snack bar are cash only.
185 Logan Rd, Dillsburg, PA 17019, Phone: 717-432-8246
9. Sky-Vu Drive-in
The Sky-Vu Drive-in in Gratz, Pennsylvania, shows popular movies on its large outdoor movie screen with an old-school drive-in setting. The drive-in theater is open from the month of April to the month of October. It is open on Fridays and Saturdays during the season and on Sundays during holiday weekends. Showings begin after the sun sets and include double features of first-run films. The very affordable and family-friendly Sky-Vu boasts a full concession stand, offering a range of movie theater snacks. Outside beverages and food are not allowed, and movies are shown no matter the weather.
813 E Market St, Gratz, PA 17048, Phone: 717-360-8876
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