Here are six drive-in theaters where you can catch a movie or two this summer.

Posted on Saturday, June 26, 2021

Everything you need to know about drive-in theaters in Pittsburgh.

At the height of the drive-in craze, Pittsburgh was known as the “Drive-In Capital”. In 1950, there were over 40 drive-ins located in the Pittsburgh area.

While the drive-in has all but disappeared from most of our daily entertainment, Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas still have plenty of drive-thru movies.

Take a trip out of town and watch a new release or old favorite under the stars this season.

Allegheny County’s latest drive-in, the Moon Township Dependable Drive-In, saw a surge of visitors when most theaters were closed for COVID-19. With four operational screens showing 7 days a week, the weekend’s shows have sold out as viewers make their way to the big screen in their cars. This is in part due to the theater’s distancing policy, which requires participants to park further away from each other than usual.

Playing the new versions, Dependable Drive-In offers new dual features on every screen: arrive early to an optimal location and watch two movies, screened one after the other. Order from the dealership booth’s full menu and have snacks delivered right to the car on the drive-through’s new mobile app.

Or: 549 Moon Clinton Road, Moon Township, PA 15108

When: 7 days a week, excluding public holidays, all year round

Know before you go: $ 9 for adults, $ 3 for children (3-11 years old). Credit cards are accepted. Arrive before 7:30 p.m. on weekends to secure a spot.

Opened in 1947, Evergreen Drive-In has three screens that have been in operation for nearly 75 years. Showing both first-run movies and drive-in classics (think Jaws and ghost hunters), Evergreen follows the dual-functionality model, pairing up like movies for a free viewing experience. With two on-site snack bars, you can find everything from nachos and popcorn to chilled dill pickles to satisfy all your cinematic cravings.

Or: 309 Drive-in Ln, Mount Pleasant, PA 15666

When: 7 days a week in spring / summer

Know before you go: $ 10 for adults, $ 5 for children (6-11 years old). Cash only at the ticket office, the snack bar accepts credit cards. The ticket office opens at 7:30 p.m.

Riverside Drive-In has a single screen and hosts a variety of new and old dual features every weekend on a seasonal basis. Of Tornado and Pittsburgh Classic Slap at The invisible Man, Along with other new additions, this Vandergrift drive-in offers the perfect mix of old and new entertainment.

Check the Riverside Facebook page for last-minute updates and events – the drive-in has hosted graduation ceremonies from area high schools and live musical performances.

Or: 1114 Lees Lake Ln, Vandergrift, Pennsylvania

When: Weekends in season

Know before you go: $ 10 for adults, $ 5 for children (6-11 years old). Tickets can be purchased online in advance or by cash or card at the door. The ticket office opens at 7:30 p.m.

Formerly known as the Pioneer Drive-in, this Butler drive-in plays a mix of classics and novelties on its three screens. A claim to fame for this theater is its weekly “Carload Nights” Thursday, where you’ll pay a flat fee of $ 16 for one car entry instead of the price of individual tickets.

In addition to movies, the Starlight Drive-In features an arcade with classic pinball machines and video games, as well as an 18-hole mini-golf course. Order dealerships online or at the booth and have it delivered to your car during the show.

This season, Starlight has implemented a take-out, give-away box where attendees are encouraged to donate non-perishable food if they have it in stock or pick up an item if they need it. Any excess will be donated to local pantries at the end of the night.

Or: 1985 N. Main Street, Butler, Pennsylvania

When: April-September, weekends only in autumn / spring, all week in summer

Know before you go: $ 8 adults, $ 4 children (ages 4-11). The ticket office opens at 7:30 p.m.

Comet Drive-In // Dunbar (near Connellsville)

An hour’s drive from Pittsburgh proper, this single-screen drive-in in Dunbar Township plays on new dual features. The Comet opened in 1950 and briefly closed in the 1980s when it became solely a flea market. Now the space is the best of both worlds, hosting nightly movies and flea markets every Sunday.

Or: 151 Morrell Road, Dunbar, Pennsylvania 15431

When: Weekends in spring / autumn, all week in summer

Know before you go: $ 10 adults, $ 4 children (4-11). The ticket office opens at 7:30 p.m.

This dual-screen drive-in plays a mix of new releases and multiplex classics. The lineup changes every week, but there’s no better place to watch a Jurassic Park and Jaws feature double on a hot summer night. Movies start at dusk, and the ticket office and concession stand are cash only.

Or: 6231 National Pike E, Grindstone, Pennsylvania

When: April-October, Friday-Monday

Know before you go: $ 9 adults, $ 4 children (under 10). Cash only.

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This story was originally published in June 2020 and has been updated to 20201. Header photo credit: Getty Images.