The Best Drive-In Movie Theaters in Texas

It’s hard to beat a Texas drive-in theater! Whether you are one of those movie-goers watching a movie at a nearby drive-in theater from the front seat of your car or cozy up with blankets in the bed of your pickup, you obviously love the great outdoors with the stars above. Some drive-in movie goers even ditch their cars for lawn chairs and blankets.

Ditch the movieplex for an open-air cinematic experience with a night out at one of the best Texas drive-in theaters. It’s truly a stroll down memory lane, an experience to be shared with friends and family – or make it a new novel way to catch the latest film. Be sure to check out the following Texas Drive-In Theaters.

Drive-In Movie Theaters in Texas

Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In

Austin

Dubbed one of the “Coolest Outdoor Movie Theaters in the World” by Conde Nast this boutique drive in does not disappoint. Since they only take 30-50 cars a night you will receive all the attention you deserve. They show childhood favorites, drive-in classics, indie films, art house, Cult, and Gen X/Y pop culture faves.

Brazos Drive-In

Granbury

This 1952 classic hasn’t changed the original popcorn machine which still works and the cars are still lining up and down West Pearl Street. The movie screen towers over the trees one mile from the downtown courthouse square.

Coyote Drive-In

Fort Worth

Before the drive-in you are able to enjoy the Coyote Drive-In’s outdoor patio and beer garden with picnic tables and live music. The Canteen will serve you classic eats like burgers, fries, and frito pies. If you don’t eat at the Canteen a food truck is available with duck quesadillas, tacos, and barbecue. Get to the drive in early to get your spot and enjoy all the amenities.

Big Sky Drive-In

Midland

Check out this large three screen drive-in with car capacity of 1000. The Big Sky Drive-in is open year round, 7 nights a week. They allow dogs as long as they are leashed at all times and well behaved.

Galaxy Drive-In

Ennis

On a busy weekend it is not surprising to see up to 1500 carloads of moviegoers enter the entrance to this retro designed drive-in. It’s like you have traveled back in time with the car speakers from the 1950s. But the Galaxy with its whimsical theme runs first-run films on seven screens.

Rooftop Cinema Club

Houston

Movies are projected onto a permanent 64-foot screen via a state-of-the-art projector, since safety is of utmost importance, the cars are parked 10 feet apart, and audio will be broadcast through the FM transmitter radio in your car. Concessions are available with contactless order and pick-up, and guests can enjoy eats from local food trucks.

Dripping Springs Drive-In

Dripping Springs

This mini drive-in is in Dripping Springs is in the beautiful Texas Hill Country and so close to Bee Cave, Austin, Oak Hill, Lakeway, Wimberley, Johnson City, Driftwood and other central Texas Destinations. Enjoy a movie under the stars away from city lights and surrounded by beautiful trees.

Showboat Drive-In

Hockley

A great value at two movies for the price of one, but you can’t put a price on the experience of a dying pop culture phenomenon. On a busy night this drive-in will pack in 800 cars so get there early and enjoy the well priced concessions.

Mission Drive-in Theater

San Antonio

This historic 1948 drive-in theatre will no longer host families, couples and others in cars parked on its lawn, but after major renovations the new Mission Marquee Plaza with it’s large stage and screen, serves the community as a meeting place to enjoy various outdoor activities throughout the year including festivals, film screenings, arts & culture events, open-air markets and more. Mission Marquee Plaza was awarded “the Best Place to Watch an Outdoor Movie” by the SA Current.

Stars & Stripes Drive-In

New Braunfels

You can’t miss the tall neon sign and the three white movie screens in the middle of the rolling wheat and cornfields. After cruising the rows to find the best spot, make sure you go to The Stars & Stripes Fifties Cafe for eats and treats. There is an outdoor covered patio and playground for the children.

The Last Drive-In Picture Show

Gatesville

This Drive-In is not only one of the nations’s oldest surviving drive-ins which opened in 1950, but it’s also one of the few “mo-ped” theaters which allows both cars and pedestrians. You can also see movie under the stars or in the comfort of a 200 seat cinema. There is also a room called “The Box” which has theater seating behind a wall of windows.

Town & Country Drive-In

Abilene

This theater was re-opened after two decades of neglect. They were once Texas’ largest drive-ins with a capacity of 1,475 cars. Today the Town & Country can screen four movies at once.

Doc’s Drive-In

Buda

Wow, this is fun. Not only can you watch a movie and you can also enjoy food, drinks, and snacks. But there is something really different at Doc’s… you can rent one of their tiny houses right next door. Check it out!

Wes Mer Drive-In

Mercedes

The Wes Mer Drive-In Theatre is a fun, affordable, and family-filled outdoor theatre where you can watch two new movie releases in the comfort of your own vehicle.