Texas Drive-Ins Film Trail

From the Rio Grande Valley, all the way up to the Panhandle and everywhere in between, Drive-In Theaters are a foundational element of the Texas film landscape and have been for some time – dating all the way back to 1934, when the third drive-in theater in America (and the first in Texas) opened in Galveston. At the height of their popularity, Texas laid claim to more drive-ins than any other state in the country.

Today, the cinematic experience no longer resembles that of 1934. Multiplex theaters and streaming services have changed the way we watch movies, but the drive-in theaters that remain have stood the test of time and come out better than ever. So hop in the car and join us as we take a journey to some of Texas' premier drive-in theaters, from established classics to brand new innovators!

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Big Sky Drive-In Theatre 

Midland, Texas (Midland County)

Conveniently located between Odessa and Midland, the Big Sky Theatre is open 7 days a week and shows a mix of classic and current films.

Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In 

Austin, Texas (Travis County)

The self-proclaimed "World's first mini-urban drive-in", the Blue Starlite Drive-In Theater is certainly one of a kind! Showing a mix of family films, classic drive-in fare and "Gen X/Y pop culture faves", the Blue Starlite is a unique, urban experience unlike any other in the Central Texas area.

Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In Round Rock 

Round Rock, Texas (Williamson County)

If the Austin location is the "world's first mini-urban drive-in", then that must make this the world's second mini-urban drive-in!

The Brazos Drive-In 

Granbury, Texas (Hood County)

Offering a double feature every night and Free Movie Wednesdays, the Brazos Drive-In is a Granbury staple.

Coyote Drive-In 

Fort Worth, Texas (Tarrant County)

Located deep in the heart of Fort Worth, the Coyote Drive-In shows new and classic films 7 nights a week, with a double feature every night.

Doc's Drive-In Theatre 

Buda, Texas (Hays County)

Located just outside of Austin, Doc's Drive-In Theatre aims to provide an "outside of the box" experience for it's patrons.

The Drive-In at Fiesta Texas 

San Antonio, Texas (Bexar County)

The newest of all the Drive-In theaters on this trail, Rooftop Cinema Club projects movies onto what they claim is "the first dual-sided outdoor movie screen" at this particular location.

The Drive-In at Sawyer Yards 

Houston, Texas (Harris County)

Another innovative Rooftop Cinema Club brainchild, movies are "projected onto an almost 100-foot 'screen' along the side of the silos at Sawyer Yards", itself an eight block expanse of industrial warehouses.

The Drive-In at Spring 

Spring, Texas (Harris County)

The Drive-In at Spring, the final Rooftop Cinema Club location on this list, is located inside the historic Splashtown Houston and shows an array of movies, from cult classics to family flicks.

Galaxy Drive-In Theatre 

Ennis, Texas (Ennis County)

All the films shown at the Galaxy Drive-In Theatre are projected digitally and, in certain instances, in 3-D - a rarity in the world of drive-in cinema.

The Globe Drive-In 

Hutto, Texas (Williamson County)

If you're looking for "a modern take on a favorite pastime," then look no further. The Globe Drive-In is one of the newest theaters on this list at less than a year old, but has quickly made their mark!

Graham Drive-In Theatre 

Graham, Texas (Young County)

Opening for the first time in 1948, the Graham Drive-In is one of the oldest drive-in theaters in the State of Texas.

The Last Drive-In Picture Show 

Gatesville, Texas (Coryell County)

Originally known as the Circle Drive-In, as well as the Town & Country Drive-In, the Last Drive-In has a schedule that runs like clockwork: a double feature every night, with a matinee on Saturdays and Sundays.

Sandell Drive-In 

Clarendon, Texas (Donley County)

"Movies start at dusk". That's how it reads on the Sandell Drive-In website and that's the way its been for over 60 years.

Showboat Drive-In Theater 

Hockley, Texas (Harris County)

Showing a mix of current and classic films, the Showboat Drive-In Theater is, in their own words, "not just a movie…it's an experience!"

Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre 

Lubbock, Texas (Lubbock County)

Family owned and operated, the Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre opens at 7:30 nightly, rain or shine, 7 days a week!

Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre New Braunfels 

New Braunfels, Texas (Comal County)

No, you're not seeing double - there are, in fact, two different Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatres in Texas! Both are family owned, family operated and top of the line!

Tascosa Drive-in Theater 

Amarillo, Texas (Potter County)

Amarillo's own 'Home of the Double Features', the Tascosa Drive-in Theater shows movies 6 nights a week, rain or shine.

Town & Country Drive-In Theatre 

Abilene, Texas (Taylor/Jones County)

The Town & Country first opened its doors in 1956 with a screening of Guys and Dolls and was, at the time, the biggest drive-in in Texas. In 1986 they would be forced to shut down for 19 long years, only to reopen again in 2005.

WesMer Drive-In 

Mercedes, Texas (Hidalgo County)

Deep in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley lies the only drive-in theater south of San Antonio, the WesMer Drive-In.