Cinema Under the Stars—Head to the Drive-In!

Get to a drive-in for a fun entertainment experience for the whole family while enjoying a little piece of history.

The first official drive-in movie theater was created in the 1930s in New Jersey. But the idea didn’t really take off until the 1950s with the Baby Boomer generation. Car culture was big, and a drive-in movie was a place to take the family or a date for a night out, showing off your freshly washed set of wheels. By the 1960s there were more than 4,000 drive-ins across the U.S., mainly in rural and suburban areas.

Over time, the popularity of drive-ins waned. They were expensive to maintain and required a large lot of land, and many of them only operated during the warmer months. There was a brief resurgence of popularity in the early 2020s due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on indoor gatherings.

Today, the future of drive-in movies looks uncertain, with only around 300 still in operation. Luckily for Pennsylvania residents, our state has one of the highest numbers. It affords movie buffs the opportunity to have an old-fashioned experience with a bit of nostalgia for the “good old days.”

Here’s a list of drive-ins within a 50-mile radius of Pittsburgh. Some of them may require a trek, but it’s worth planning a night to pile into the car with blankets and snacks to watch a movie under the stars.

North

THE RIVERSIDE, VANDERGRIFT

riversidedrivein.com or find on Facebook

724.568.1250 or riversidedrivein@comcast.net

True to its name, The Riverside is located across the road from the beautiful Kiskiminetas River. It’s been around since 1950, although not continuously. The latest incarnation has been open since 2005. It holds a popular Monster-Rama and other themed nights.

THE STARLIGHT, BUTLER

starlightdrive-in.com or find on Facebook

724.284.5003

The Starlight has been showing films since 1958. Owners John and Beth agree that drive-ins are nostalgic, but they also see a bright future. This one also offers live concerts, so check the website for the schedule. The Starlight Flea Market is open every Sunday at 7 a.m. with free admission and parking for the public.

West

DEPENDABLE DRIVE-IN, MOON TOWNSHIP

dependabledrivein.com or find on Facebook

412.264.7011

The Dependable is a classic 1950s drive-in that has four screens for more film choices!

South

BROWNSVILLE DRIVE-IN, GRINDSTONE

Find on Facebook

724.785.7190

If you’re going to Brownsville to catch an outdoor movie, make sure you stop by the Route 40 Classic Diner nearby and make it a totally nostalgic experience!

East

ERWIN’S COMET DRIVE-IN, CONNELLSVILLE

cometdrivein.com or find on Facebook

724.628.6160

A scenic setting for a movie, and it also hosts a flea market every Sunday until the end of October.

EVERGREEN DRIVE-IN, MT. PLEASANT

evergreendrivein.com or find on Facebook

724.547.4747

Great historical drive-in! In operation since 1947, it has been enlarged to include three screens for more choices.

PALACE GARDENS DRIVE-IN, INDIANA

palacegardensdrivein.com or find on Facebook

724.465.9032

Around since the 1950s, Palace Gardens is also close to the Jimmy Stewart Museum, another classic. So plan a visit to the museum, have dinner and catch a show for an amazing weekend!

Erie

SUNSET DRIVE-IN, WATERFORD

814.796.4883 or find on Facebook

The Sunset also has a weekly flea market open on Sundays.