4 Classic Drive-In Movie Theaters in Ohio
The drive-in theater has never lost its appeal, and these spots provide a perfect way to spend a summer evening.
Tiffin Drive-In Theater | Tiffin
Since 1949, this drive-in just north of Tiffin’s downtown has delighted guests with its showings of new movies. After parking their car, guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site Moonlite Diner. The restaurant is newly renovated while still holding onto a vintage feel, offering classic movie snacks as well as burgers, hot dogs and pizza. The theater also has a playground for families to enjoy while watching a movie on one of the two screens. tiffindriveintheater.com
Elm Road Triple Drive-In Theatre | Warren
The glowing sign for this theater just outside Warren’s city center has drawn crowds to see summer blockbusters and old-school favorites since 1950. Mark Hocevar and his wife Sheri are the third generation to run the business, which Sheri’s grandparents opened during the heyday of the drive-in movie. Each of the venue’s three screens plays a double feature, giving moviegoers their choice of six different films to enjoy. elmroadtripledrivein.com
South Drive-In Theater | Columbus
This drive-in located just off Interstate 270 has been providing summertime family fun since it opened in 1950. Owner Bryon Teagardner has been working at central Ohio drive-ins since he was 14 and is committed to keeping a sense of vintage authenticity alive. Triple features are offered Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer, and visitors can grab a snack at the concession stand, which offers popcorn, soda, burgers and hot dogs. drive-inmovies.com
Holiday Auto Theatre | Hamilton
Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024, this single-screen theater has been operated by current owners Todd Chancey and Mark Althoetmar since 2007. After visiting other drive-in theaters across the country, the duo was inspired to use their experiences working at the Walt Disney Co. to create their own drive-in experience. Double features are offered each weekend (with triple features offered occasionally during the summer) and include mixed showings of new releases and classic films, all with a family-friendly focus. holidayautotheatre.com
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