3/28/24 - Travelin' Together Series: Michigan Drive-in Movie Theaters

Michigan drive-in movie theaters are getting ready to open and Michigan has several of them to chose from.

(Pure Michigan) - Some of us may remember the summer nights when a typical pastime involved pulling up to the local drive-in theater to enjoy a silver screen show. Relive those memories and make some new ones by visiting a local drive-in movie theater near you. Here are eight places you can go to catch a drive-in movie in Pure Michigan.

1. Capri Drive-In – Coldwater

Listed as one of the "10 Best Drive-In's in America" by USA Today back in 2001, the Capri is a 1,000 car, twin-screen drive-in open seven nights a week from early spring until late October. The box office opens at 7:30 p.m. and movies start at dusk. Be sure to get your popcorn and snacks ready before the show starts! More info at: Capri Drive-In Theater | Coldwater MI

2. Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theater – Honor

The Cherry Bowl Drive-In has provided fine films, food and family entertainment since 1954. Complete with playground, volleyball net, vintage movie memorabilia, 50's style putt-putt golf,  home run derby and popcorn popped fresh in their original 1953 popcorn popper, a trip to the Cherry Bowl is like stepping back in time to simpler summer nights.  If you plan a trip up north, you can find more information on the Cherry Bowl Drive-in at: Cherry Bowl Drive In Theatre - Family Friendly in Honor Michigan

3. Sunset Drive-In Movie Theater – Hartford

Put yourself in the backyard of your favorite friend’s house, and you’ll have an idea of the homey atmosphere of the Sunset Drive-In Theater in Hartford. The screen, put up in 1948, backs up to a canopy of trees and an open sky, creating a quiet zone where the movie and you are all that you can see. With a flat rate of $15 per carload, you can pack as many friends into your vehicle with no extra charge! Plus, their concession stand is full of goodies including fresh buttery popcorn, nachos, hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, candy, slushies and more.

4. Getty 4 Drive-In Theater – Muskegon

At the Getty-4, tune in your movie on your car radio to enjoy your movie in stereo sound, or use the nostalgic drive-in speakers! The box office gates open nightly at 7:45, and the first features hit the screen around dusk or 9:00. The drive-in has a large playground and arcade room for all the kids, and a self-serve concession that has all your movie favorites.  The Getty is located near Muskegon at 920 Summit Avenue. 

The Getty Theater will open for 2024 Friday, March 29.  Along with the usual double features that include new and recent releases, Getty is rolling out a schedule of classic films for movie-goers to enjoy on the big outdoor scree.  Films shown as part of the "Getty Classic" series will cost $5 for entry.  More information on the Getty can be found at: Getty Drive In (celebrationcinema.com)

5. Hi-Way Drive-In Theater – Carsonville 

Opened in 1947, Hi-Way Drive-In is Michigan's oldest remaining drive-in movie theater. The box office opens at 7:30 and the movies start at dusk. Sound is available through your FM car radio. If you're near Carsonville on the way to or from your next Michigan camping trip, be sure to pull in and make the Hi-Way Drive-In your rest stop -  Campers are always welcome!

6. Ford Drive-In – Dearborn

The Ford Drive-In located in Dearborn is America's largest drive-in-theater with 9 screens and parking for 2,500 cars that is open for viewing year-round.  In-car heaters are now available for the winter months. Gates open at 8 pm during the summer.

7. US 23 Twin Drive-In – Flint

The US 23 Drive-In Theater features double-feature films nightly on three giant screens. This fun drive-in theater, located in Flint, recently went through renovations to make your experience that much more special. Enjoy the new concessions stand and stay for two shows when you have the time!

8. 5 Mile Drive In – Dowagiac

Built in 1961, the 5 Mile Drive In can be found in the grand old town of Dowagiac in southwest Michigan. This space is a favorite among locals and has a fun playground for children to burn off their energy before your movie of choice starts. This theater accommodates 500 cars and is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. More information: Enjoy the Movies at 5 Mile Drive-In (5miledrivein.com)