TThe 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 us, our state has one of the highest numbers. This 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 for these unique movie venues. This theater 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! n
OAKMONT-PENN HILLS-VERONA | SUMMER 2025 23