We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
The drive-in movie theater is making a come back. Especially as the days of social distancing become the new normal, a new audience will be discovering the appeal of these pieces of Americana. With more than 200 theaters, North Carolina was once one of the top 10 states for drive-in theaters in the country. With just over 300 drive-in theaters remaining in the United States, North Carolina is fortunate to have several outdoor theaters we can all enjoy.
One of my fondest childhood memories was going to the drive-in movie theater with my parents. We’d pull up in our car, park in a spot, roll down our window, and hook a speaker to the window. We’d eat hot dogs and tons of candy while watching the movie. Inevitably, my brother and I would fall asleep in the back seat of the car.
The experience has remained mostly unchanged, with some modernization. Drive-in movie theaters offer digital, current movies for a fraction of the price of regular movie theaters. And since they usually show two features in a row, the price of admission covers both movies, making it an affordable family and group activity. Here are the best drive-in movie theaters in NC.
Best Drive-In Movie Theaters in NC
Raleigh Road Outdoor Theater
3336 Raleigh Road
Henderson
(252) 438-6959
Cost: General Admission $10 | Children 3-11 $7 | Under 3 Free
Forms of Payment: All forms of payment Sunday-Thursday; Online tickets only Friday & Saturday.
Credit Cards: Yes
Days: Friday and Saturday during the season. 7 nights a week from May 25-July 30 (Open every weekend year-round) .
Number of Screens: 1
Food: Full concessions. No outside food and beverages.
Playground: Yes
Pet friendly: Yes
The oldest operating drive-in movie theater in North Carolina can be found just outside of Raleigh (and a short drive from Durham). While it may be the oldest, it uses the most updated technology. Tickets can be purchased online. Even concessions can be ordered online, with customers paged when their orders are ready. They’re considering adding a laser show for 2020. Try the Oreo Churros!
There will be a Fireworks for sale from June 24-July 5
Eden Drive-In Theater
106 Fireman Club Road
Eden
(336) 623-9669
Cost: Adults $7 | Children 6-11 $5 | Under 5 Free
Forms of Payment: Cash only.
Credit Cards: No. No ATM on site.
Days: Friday and Saturday during the season at 6:30 pm
Number of Screens: 1 (2nd screen coming later in 2020)
Concessions: Grill and snacks. Outside food permitted.
Playground: Yes
Pet friendly: Yes
Come on out and get ready for an amazing experience. Watch the movies under the stars!
Plans to expand to two screens this summer have made customers of the Eden Drive-In Theater very happy. Guests report that the theater feels safe and nurtures a family atmosphere. Try the Ice cream and shakes!
Badin Road Drive-In Theater
2411 Badin Road
Albemarle
(704) 983-2900
Cost: Adults $7 | Children 6-11 $5 | Under 6 Free
Forms of Payment: Cash only.
Credit Cards: No. ATM at the concession stand.
Days: Friday and Saturday during the season.
Number of Screens: 2
Concessions: Grill and snacks. Outside food permitted.
Playground: Yes
Pet friendly: Yes
Not far from family-friendly Concord, is the Badin Road Drive-In Theater, which originally opened in 1948, and re-opened in 1994. Movie-goers love watching movies from the food of their trucks or backs of their cars. Try the chocolate shake!
StateLine Movie Time Drive-in Theatre
3835 Dothan Road
Tabor
910-499-1756
Hours: Gates open at Noon. The movies start at dusk pm.
Cost: Movies $11.50- child 7.50
Forms of Payment: Cash only.
Credit Cards: No. Cash only at the gate for movie tickets per person.
Days: Monday – Sunday
Concessions: Grill, coolers and tailgating. Outside food permitted.
Parking: $10
Playground: Yes
Pet friendly: Yes
Welcome to Stateline Movie Time, fun for everyone, where the magic of cinema comes alive! Get ready for an unforgettable event that combines the thrill of movies with an immersive experience like no other.
Sports events, air shows, car shows, epic live bands, & more! Treat yourself to a bucket of buttery popcorn, indulge in sweet treats, and sip on your favorite beverages as you immerse yourself in the captivating stories unfolding on the big screen.
For bonfire or free overnight camping on rsvp request, you may call for bike week details. See myrtlebeachbikeweekapp.com.
Items to Bring With You to the Drive-In Movie Theater
To make the best of your drive-in movie experience, you’ll want to bring certain items with you. They will create a more enjoyable environment for both you and those around you.
- A deck of cards or game to pass the time until the movie starts
- Bug spray and a citronella candle
- Lawnchair and blankets to sit on
- Twine to tie trunk open
- Cash (in case ATM isn’t working)
- Small radio (if your car one isn’t working or if you want to sit outside your car or rent one there, if available)
- Flashlight
Drive-in Movie Theater Etiquette
Each drive-in movie theater in NC has its own set of rules. Please consider them carefully before you go out to each drive-in movie theater to avoid any aggravation. Some general suggestions have been listed below:
- Arrive early for the best spots – first come, first served!
- Don’t take up more than one spot.
- Turn off your car lights (read owner’s manual for instructions ahead of time if unsure!)
- Turn off loud engines during the movie.
- Don’t sit on the roof of your car – you’ll block the view of others.
- Don’t let your trunk or tailgate go higher than your roof – tie it with twine not to block the view of others.
- The playground closes once the movie begins.
- Once you enter, there is no re-entry without paying for re-admission.
- Don’t walk around. Stay in your car.
- Don’t disturb others.
- No alcohol permitted.
What about you? Have you visited a drive-in movie theater recently? Do you have other tips to recommend? Tell us in the comments!
If you’re looking for other things to do in North Carolina, check out:
Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler
Save this list of Best Drive-In Movie Theaters in NC for later – Pin it!
Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.