As warm weather returns, headlights are lining up gravel lots and the scent of popcorn is filling the air. There’s something magical about pulling into the outdoor theater, cozying up with blankets and snacks in the comfort of your car. From generationally owned and operated theaters dating to the 1940s, this classic American experience invites moviegoers to a unique night of fun under the stars.
“If you haven't been to a drive-in theater, you don’t know what you’re missing,” says Mark Hocevar, co-owner of Elm Road Triple Drive-In in Warren. “It is a uniquely American experience.”
Elm Road Triple Drive-In
Entering its 75th year, Elm Road Drive-In completes the movie experience with a full bar, over 100 menu items and 5,000 square feet of patio. Elm Road continuously remains owned and operated by the same family. With three screens, there is something for every cinema junkie — view a family-friendly, action-comedy or non-traditional movie every weekend. “It’s not just a movie theater,” Hocevar says. “It’s a destination.”
Looking for a full evening of entertainment before winding down for the movie? Stop by to see the annual car show, live music, horse rides and other special events throughout the season. “It’s a really positive upbeat place,” Hocevar says. “The drive-in takes two great things of America – the outdoors and movies – for an entire evening of entertainment.”
$12 per person, 1895 Elm Road NE, Warren, 330-372-9732, elmroadtripledrivein.com
Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In
Tim Sherman grew up at this theater, built by his grandfather and run by his father; he is now the president and co-owner of the business, celebrating Aut-O-Rama’s 60th anniversary this season. Open seven days a week in North Ridgeville, if you’re looking to have your very own drive-in night, rent out the theater for private events.
“The best feeling is on a really busy night when we’re playing something like a comedy and getting that communal reaction from the audience on a move that they’re laughing at,” Sherman says. “That many people enjoying themselves at one time is a very great feeling.”
$12 per person, 33395 Lorain Road, North Ridgeville, 440-327-9595, autoramadrivein.com
Mayfield Road Drive-In
Opened in 1945, originally known as Hazelwood Drive-In, this Chardon theater is equipped with digital projection, FM sound and a capacity of 350 cars. The original screen was lost to a windstorm in 1993, but that didn’t stop two-time drive-in owner John Knepp from keeping this tradition alive — bringing live, local entertainment before weekend movie premieres.
“It’s a family-packed adventure to go to the drive-in, put the kids in their pajamas, watch a movie on a giant screen — bigger than any indoor screen out there — talk amongst yourselves and view a movie in a fun atmosphere,” Knepp says.
$32.50 general admission per vehicle, 12100 US-322, Chardon, 440-286-7173, funflick.com/mayfield/
Midway Twin Drive-In
Since its opening in 1950, Midway Twin has had regular customers returning weekly regardless of what’s playing. “They just love the idea of sitting under the stars to watch a movie and stretch out,” Knepp says. Originally designed by famed architect Jack Vogel, Midway Twin featured the last standing sleek blue screen tower designed by Vogel. This screen was destroyed by a storm in December 2000.
$32.50 general admission per vehicle, 2736 OH-59, Ravenna, 330-296-9829, funflick.com/midway/
Blue Sky Drive-In
Opened on the fourth of July in 1947, Blue Sky debuted with a screening of the 1946 western Renegades starring Evelyn Keyes, Willard Parker and Larry Parks. Owned by three-time drive-in owner Chris Davis, the drive-in’s original wood screen and street-side twinkling stars attracted those driving by to stop in. Check out this small town theater for double features on the weekend.
$25 per vehicle, 959 Broad St., Wadsworth, 330-334-1809, blueskydrive-in.com
Magic City Drive-In
The city of Barbeton acquired the “Magic City” nickname due to its industrial growth in the early 20th century. The drive-in located in the city was later named the same after its opening in 1953. With a second screen added in the mid-70s and a capacity of 700 cars, local film buffs can find double features on both screens throughout the summer weekends.
$25 per vehicle, 5602 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Barberton, 330-825-4333, magiccitydrive-in.com
Skyway Twin Drive-In
Locally family-owned and operated since 1949, Skyway has the largest screen in a 50-mile radius. Support the concessions and try this year’s new menu item, hot apple turnovers ($2.50). Double features and sweet treats not enough? Book laser tag at Skyway’s Laser Storm — a 2,600 square foot arena filled with fog, black lights and music.
$10 per person or $28 per car up to six people (online only), 1825 N. Leavitt Road NW, Warren, 330-898-3059, skywaydrivein.com
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