Pennsylvania is one of the best places in the country for visiting a drive-in movie theater. As one of the earliest states to feature a drive-in theater, Pennsylvania continues to uphold its reputation for offering breathtaking drive-in experiences. In fact, Pennsylvania has the second most drive-in theaters of any state, boasting 27 operating outdoor theaters across its counties.
Whether you’re trying to plan a memorable date night, fun family night or simply a casual hang out, a drive-in movie is a perfect activity. From the magic of the silver screen under the stars to the privacy of sitting in your own car, there’s so much to love about a drive-in movie. Best of all, the experience hasn’t changed much since its beginnings, covering the entire activity in a delightful sense of nostalgia.
Find an incredible drive-in movie theater in Harrisburg or a neighboring area where you can make your go-to scene this summer.
If you’re looking for a fun night out, check out this list to discover a cool drive-in theater near Harrisburg or the surrounding areas:
Haar’s Drive-In is a family-owned and operated drive-in movie theater that has been entertaining the Dillsburg community and surrounding Susquehanna Valley since the early 1950s. Located near the border of York and Cumberland, Haar’s is one of the rare, truly mid-state Pennsylvania drive-in theaters. This convenient location makes Haar’s a popular pick for a weekend date or a night out with the family.
Haar’s Drive-In features a digital movie screen and high-quality audio that movie-goers can easily tune their radios to. You can also rent a radio at the concession stand in case you forget to bring one. Along with regular movie showings of modern and popular releases, Haar’s also hosts a range of themed events throughout the year. For regular screenings and special events, you can purchase tickets online — the preferred method — or at the ticket office.
If you enjoy snacking during movies, Haar’s has you covered. The Haar’s snack bar offers classic movie theater munchies like popcorn, nachos, and fries, along with more substantial foods like burgers, hot dogs, and pizza.
Since 1948, Sky-Vu Drive-In has been a staple summer spot of the Susquehanna Valley. Located in Gatz, Pennsylvania, Sky-Vu serves as a family-friendly and cost-effective movie venue. The theater maintains its old-school drive-in setting while showing contemporary movies on its giant outdoor screen. All movies start after the sun sets and run as a double feature of first-run films.
Although no outside food or beverages are allowed on the premises, Sky-Vu supplies a full concession stand with a variety of movie theater snacks at affordable prices. Sky-Vu’s screening season is longer than many other drive-ins, running from April to October. This extended season allows you to enjoy the timeless drive-in movie experience throughout the year.
Located in Lititz, Pennsylvania, Penn Cinema is already one of the premier movie theater experiences in Lancaster County. Now you can enjoy classic films outdoors with the theater’s “Summer Under the Stars” lineup. All summer long, you’ll be able to view big screen classics and family favorites, such as “The Karate Kid” and “Back to the Future,” at the Penn Cinema Drive-In.
Although Penn Cinema is most well-known for its regular indoor theaters, the Penn Cinema Drive-In parking lot can accommodate 100 cars. Even though the lot offers plenty of spaces, you can book your ticket ahead of time online to ensure you get a spot. Once you have your ticket, you can kick back and enjoy the nostalgic drive-in experience.
The Cumberland Drive-In Theater is a go-to destination in Cumberland County for film lovers. Nearly every movie shown at the Cumberland Drive-In is appropriate for children, with a G, PG or PG-13 rating, making it the ultimate family-friendly theater. Kids will love driving up to the huge outdoor movie screen and seeing some of their favorite characters appear.
The Cumberland Drive-In is also the perfect theater to take kids to because there is a playground area to help keep young movie-watchers entertained until the evening’s featured presentation starts. And don’t forget to stop by the snack bar, which offers an array of beverages, hot foods, cold foods and classic movie snacks.
What could be more fun than catching a flick at the oldest operating drive-in theater in the United States — Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre. This outdoor movie theater opened to the public in 1934 as the country’s second drive-in. Although Shankweiler’s Drive-In has seen its fair share of owners, it has yet to close for a season.
You’ll find this timeless drive-in theater in Orefield, close to Allentown. Shankweiler’s Drive-In features one huge outdoor movie screen and can accommodate nearly 300 vehicles. If you plan on viewing a movie at Shankweiler’s Drive-In, it’s recommended you arrive at the popular theater extra early because the grounds can fill up fast.
If you want to see current release films outdoors, the Midway Drive-In Movie Theater is your place. From the month of May through September, the Midway Drive-In plays modern movies on both of its two large outdoor screens. This Mifflintown drive-in can accommodate up to 500 cars, so you don’t have to worry about the parking lot filling up too quickly.
Whether you’re a drama, comedy, romance, horror or action movie fan, you’ll find a flick you love at Midway Drive-In. Along with spectacular entertainment, you can find delicious snacks at the Midway Drive-In. The theater’s concession stand features refreshments like freshly popped popcorn, hot dogs, soda and even ice cream.
Point Drive-In is an outdoor movie theater that consists of not one, not two, but three large screens. With only a few drive-ins left having three screens, Point Drive-In is a rare find. The Northumberland theater uses these outdoor screens to play double features for far less than you’d pay to see just one movie at a regular theater downtown.
Point Drive-In shows double features on a regular basis all throughout its season, which runs from April to October. Once October hits, the outdoor venue transforms into a haunted house site. During the Halloween season, the drive-in hosts an annual Horror Fest, which includes four spooky movies played back-to-back.
If you love all things vintage, you’ve got to get to the Pike Drive-In this summer. Located in Montgomery, Pennsylvania, the Pike Drive-In is another outdoor theater that boasts three massive screens that regularly play double features of first-run films. The seasonal vintage drive-in plays movies under the stars from April to October and hosts other events like car shows throughout the year.
At the Pike Drive-In, you’ll be able to stock up on your favorite snacks from the concession stand before the movie begins. The theater also allows its customers to bring in outside food and drinks, as long as they purchase a food permit once they arrive.
On the weekends, the Garden Drive-In transforms from a bustling flea market by day to a mesmerizing outdoor theater by night. Featuring giant outdoor screens and natural leafy backdrops, the Garden Drive-In offers guests a beautiful setting for watching classic movies and new releases. Customers can catch two movies for just one price during the summer.
You can easily place both your ticket and concessions order online ahead of time. The Garden Drive-In has plenty of non-traditional movie foods to offer, including cheesesteaks, mozzarella sticks and ice cream sandwiches, along with glow sticks to help light up your night! In addition to great flicks and flea markets, this Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania, destination also offers craft fairs and farmers markets throughout the warmer months.
Check out this West Wyoming, Pennsylvania, outdoor movie theater for some stunning nighttime entertainment and fun for the whole family this summer. As an old-school drive-in movie theater, Moonlite Drive-In presents double features for an affordable price. The outdoor theater shows two movies each night all the way from March to November. This extended season gives you plenty of opportunities to catch a fun flick.
While you’re enjoying your featured film, you can munch on some tasty snacks from the Moonlite Drive-In snack bar. At the snack bar, you’ll find a wide variety of food, beverages and candies. Choose from burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, fries, pizza, soft pretzels, nachos, popcorn and more before settling in for your movie.
Voted “Best Drive-In Theater” in the Lehigh Valley area, according to The Morning Call’s Reader’s Choice Awards, Becky’s Drive-In is a top destination for outdoor theater lovers. Becky’s Drive-In has also been listed as one of the “10 Best Drive-In Theaters” in the country by USA Today. Even with its national-level prestige, Becky’s Drive-In maintains its affordable prices and cozy atmosphere.
Becky’s Drive-In is situated on Route 248 in Walnutport. On the weekends, this family-run drive-in often screens movies for kids and offers pony rides for children. The snack bar at Becky’s Drive-In also provides plenty of snacks kids will love, including popcorn, pizza, nachos, fries and ice cream. The snack bar has unique options like pierogis, cotton candy, fresh funnel cakes, root beer floats and more.
If you’re looking for a truly nostalgic atmosphere, pull up to the Mahoning Drive-In Theater in Lehighton. This charming outdoor movie theater creates an old-fashioned setting for movie-watchers to enjoy. Built in 1948, the Mahoning Drive-In Theater has maintained much of its retro practices and screens vintage films to help take modern-day customers back in time.
This single-screen outdoor theater is open seasonally from May to September and plays a variety of movies on the largest CinemaScope screen in the state — towering at about 120 feet wide. Along with watching fun flicks, guests at the Mahoning Drive-In Theater can camp overnight on the property.
How does watching a movie at a registered historic landmark sound? At the Super 322 Drive-In, you can do just that. At this impressive Woodland, Pennsylvania, drive-in theater, every show is first-run, family-friendly and affordable. As a bonus, the Super 322 Drive-In includes a double feature with every showing.
Your Super 322 Drive-In feature presentation will begin after sunset and play no matter the weather. You can bring outside food onto the theater’s premises as long as you purchase a food permit. Otherwise, the Super 322 Drive-In offers a full concession stand for guests to indulge in some traditional movie theater fare.
The Silver Drive-In is a Johnstown staple theater that boasts a single massive outdoor movie screen and the capacity to fit up to 400 vehicles on its grounds. During the warmer months, the Silver Drive-In regularly shows double features of current movies on the weekends. You’ll want to get there early to secure your spot and tune your car radio in to the right station to hear the film’s audio.
The recently renovated Silver Drive-In concession stand offers movie-goers a wide array of snacks and drinks. Keep in mind that the Silver Drive-In is a cash-only theater, so make sure you arrive prepared.
The Carrolltown Hi-Way Drive-In is a crowd-favorite for catching current releases. This Carrolltown drive-in boasts first-run films, 500 spots for cars, top-notch digital projection and accessible audio. You can also find traditional American fare, drinks and candy at the outdoor theater’s concession stand. While the snack bar now accepts card payments, the rest of the drive-in is still cash-only.
This popular drive-in is open seasonally from the month of April to the month of September. Because the outdoor theater is located just off the highway, it is sometimes referred to as the Hi-Way 219. Whatever you call it, you’ll have an awesome time relaxing and enjoying the show at the Carrolltown Hi-Way Drive-In.
After spending an amazing night under the stars and silver screen, you’ll want a comforting community to come home to. If you’re looking for a top-quality place to live in Central Pennsylvania, let Triple Crown Corporation help you find your dream home in a friendly and welcoming rental community.
Triple Crown Corporation offers up-to-date, modern rental communities in Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, New Cumberland, Camp Hill and Middletown, so you can find the perfect spot for you near your favorite drive-in theater. Once the outdoor theater season wraps up, you’ll still have plenty of local activities to keep you entertained and incorporate into your exciting Central Pennsylvania day trips.
If you’re ready to find your new Central Pennsylvania home, take a look at the expansive variety of rental communities and locations available from Triple Crown Corporation or contact us today.
