Drive-in theaters feel like a slice of old Texas that somehow never faded away. You pull in, park under a wide open sky, tune your car radio to the movie, and watch two features for less than the price of one ticket at a regular theater.
Across the state, from Amarillo down to New Braunfels, a handful of these outdoor screens are still running strong on weekend nights. Here are eight Texas drive-ins worth loading up the car for.
1. Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre, New Braunfels, TX
Two movies for the price of one is the pitch here, and it holds up. Pay at the gate and you get a double feature at a price that makes a night out easy on the wallet.
The concession side leans into real food rather than just candy, with options like hamburgers and chicken strips coming from an on-site diner. There is also a playground to keep kids busy before the first movie starts.
Families come here often, and the setup is built for it, with clean restrooms and changing tables on hand. In the Texas heat, you can keep the car running for air conditioning while the movie plays.
Screenings run Wednesday through Sunday, with the latest Hollywood releases mixed in alongside classics. Weekend nights stretch to midnight, so plan for a late one on Friday and Saturday.
2. Galaxy Drive-In Movie Theatre, Ennis, TX
Right off Interstate 45, this spot runs first-run and 3D double features every night of the week. The lineup changes often, so there is usually a fresh set of movies to choose from.
The snack bar carries some character, with artwork on the walls and a laid-back feel that fits the country setting. Sound comes through clearly, and the big screens are a draw for anyone who wants that old-school outdoor picture.
Beyond the movies, there is mini-golf on site, which turns a single visit into more of an evening out. Prices stay affordable, which is a big part of why the place stays popular with families.
Doors open at 6 PM and screenings roll until midnight, seven days a week. If you have a preference, ask which screen your movie is playing on before you park.
3. Coyote Drive-In (Fort Worth), Fort Worth, TX
A view of the downtown Fort Worth skyline behind the screen sets this one apart from the rest of the pack. Backing a truck into a spot and stretching out in the bed with blankets is part of the routine here.
The concession area is large and covered, and the sound tunes right in through your car radio. There is a playground for kids and a full-service setup, plus live performances that pop up on the schedule.
Weekend nights can sell out, so arriving early is smart if you are driving in from out of town. Lines can form before the gate, especially for popular new releases.
Screenings run nightly from 6 PM to 11:30 PM. Between the skyline backdrop and the double features, it is one of the most scenic drive-in setups in the state.
4. The Last Drive-In Picture Show, Gatesville, TX
The name says a lot, and this old-fashioned Gatesville spot leans right into that classic charm. Double features of first-run movies run for around ten dollars a carload, which is hard to beat.
It runs cash only, so bring bills before you pull in. Concession prices stay reasonable, keeping the whole outing affordable for a full car of people.
There is a mini-golf course on site along with the snack bar, so there is something to do while you wait for the sky to darken. You tune your car radio to the posted FM station to catch the movie audio.
For a small-town drive-in with a genuine throwback feel, this one delivers the goods without any fuss. Check the Facebook page for the current lineup and showtimes before you head out.
5. Graham Drive In Theatre, Graham, TX
Weekend-only and single-screen, this Graham drive-in keeps things simple and old-fashioned. Fridays and Saturdays are the nights to go, with screenings running from 8 PM to midnight.
Value is the headline here. A carload can walk away with tickets, drinks, hot dogs, popcorn, and candy for a total that feels closer to a snack run than a movie night out.
The concession stand covers the classics, and there are several ways to tune in to the audio for the show. The lot stays clean and the staff run a welcoming operation.
Active military discounts are offered, and the whole place is geared toward families. If you are anywhere near Young County on a weekend, this is an easy and cheap night under the stars.
6. Tascosa Drive-In Theater, Amarillo, TX
Up in the Panhandle, this Amarillo drive-in runs two movies back to back with a full retro vibe. The spaces are roomy, so you get a clear line of sight to the screen no matter where you land.
A digital projector handles the picture, and the concession stand keeps prices low. You can even browse the menu and order online, with hot, fresh food ready in minutes.
The staff pay attention to the details, driving through the lot to make sure headlights are off so everyone gets a clean view. Live performances show up on the calendar too.
Open Friday through Sunday, screenings start at 7:30 PM and run late into the night. A family of four can catch both movies and load up on concessions without spending a small fortune.
7. Big Sky Drive-in, Midland, TX
Three screens and three double features nightly make this Midland drive-in one of the biggest on the list. That means plenty of movie choices on any given evening.
Bringing your own cooler is allowed here, so you can stock up on food and drinks before you arrive. The concession menu is large and reasonably priced if you would rather grab something on site.
Playgrounds sit right by the screens, so kids can run around while the movie plays in the background. It is pet-friendly and welcoming to all, with clean restrooms and a family focus.
The picture comes in clear and the sound runs through your car radio, or through the old-style speakers if you prefer. With this much space and this many showtimes, West Texas movie nights do not get much better.
8. Brazos Drive In, Granbury, TX
Down in Granbury, this single-screen drive-in runs on charm and old-fashioned fun. Admission is cash only, and around twenty dollars covers a whole carload.
Spacing between cars is generous, leaving open room for small kids to play. A play area sits up near the front and stays open before the movie and during intermission.
The screen placement works well whether you are watching from the car or spread out on blankets. Audio comes through the radio nice and clear, and the popcorn is a favorite at the concession stand.
It is pet-friendly and open Friday and Saturday nights from 7:30 PM to midnight. Between the oldies music, the clean setup, and the wide open sky, it is a genuine throwback night out.
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