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 Pennsylvania residents, our state has one of the highest numbers of drive-ins left. 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 driveins within a 50-mile radius of Pittsburgh. Some of them may require a trek, but plan a night to pile into the car with blankets and snacks and 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. Military and veterans get a discount with ID, and you can bring your doggie if on a leash. Thursdays are carload nights when the whole car can be admitted for $ 20. The drive-in 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 movie 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
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