Texas Drive-In Movie Theaters
There are about 20 drive-in movie theaters in the state of Texas.
Written by Hillary Kobayashi
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Texas
is home to about 20 delightful drive-in theaters, including twenty-first-century additions and ones that have been around for 70 years! Here are three of the best.They say everything is bigger in Texas—so make sure you head to one of these drive-ins to take in a new feature film on a very big screen. The
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Galaxy Drive-In Movie Theatre
Address: 5301 I-45, Ennis, TX 75119
Schedule: Open seven days a week, rain or shine, box office and snack bar open at 6:00 p.m.
Ticket prices: $8 for adults, $4 for kids, all tickets sold at the box office
Number of screens: Seven
Pet friendly? Yes, they are allowed in your vehicle or on a leash outside of your vehicle
While we might typically think of drive-in theaters as retro, the
Galaxy Drive-In Movie Theatre
opened in just 2004. Since then, the theater has expanded from four to seven screens, and, as far as we can tell, Galaxy Drive-In is the first outdoor theater in the world to show digital 3D films. Movies
Galaxy Drive-In specializes in new releases and shows double features every night of the week. Screenings typically include two films, but once you choose your screen, make sure you stay put—no screen changing allowed!
If you have an RV or motorhome, make sure to call ahead of time to see if it will be an issue. Galaxy does not accommodate parking for these large vehicles on Fridays, Saturdays, or opening weekends during the summer.
Feel free to get cozy–Galaxy allows patrons to bring lawn chairs and blankets for outdoor viewing. Just make sure that you are safely situated in front of your car and that you are not obscuring the view of other patrons.
How to hear the movie
You can listen to the films via FM radio frequencies. Some customers bring a portable radio while others use their car stereos.
Snacks
Galaxy offers an extensive menu of delectable treats. Chow down on a hamburger, hot dog, nacho plate, pizza, popcorn, or combo meal.
You can’t bring in outside treats, nor can you grill on the property—but why would you need to? Just head over to the snack bar!
Pro Tip Many local theaters make the bulk of their profits from their concession stands. If you love your local drive-in, show them your support by purchasing some popcorn.
Showboat Drive-In
Address: 22422 Farm to Market 2920, Hockley, TX 77447
Schedule: Open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday plus extended hours during the summer, rain or shine, cancellations will be posted on the website
Ticket prices: Prices vary based on individually ticketed events and carload events
Number of screens: Two
Pet friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed in your vehicle or on a leash outside of your vehicle
While the
Showboat Drive-In
was founded in 2006, it has more of a traditional feel to it. This theater specializes in new films and shows double features. Movies
The Showboat has a special ticketing system, including individually ticketed events and carload events. If you are watching an individually ticketed event, you will need to purchase one driver’s ticket and passenger tickets for the remaining number of folks in your car ($8 for adults, $6 for kids). If you are headed to a carload event, you’ll just need to purchase one ticket for your entire vehicle.
It’s a good idea to purchase your tickets online, as this speeds up the line at the box office.
Feel free to bring lawn chairs, blankets—heck, you can even bring your couch!
How to hear the movie
The Showboat recommends that you bring a battery-powered radio. Sometimes, cars might have trouble picking up the signal, plus a radio allows you the added freedom to sit outside your vehicle. Both screens broadcast their sound on FM radio.
The theater also asks that you turn your car off during the film. Idling is not permitted.
Snacks
You can access the Showboat’s snack bar via the FanFood app or
website
. Options include popcorn, candy, chips, and ice cream treats.MORE: The best Houston to Nashville road trip
Brazos Drive-In
Address: 1800 W Pearl St, Granbury, TX 76048
Schedule: Open March to November, Thursday through Saturday, gates open 1 hour 15 minutes before dusk
Ticket prices: $10 for single adults, $20 for a carload, $15 for military, police, firefighters, teachers, students, doctors, nurses, and seniors over 60
Number of screens: One
Pet friendly? Yes
The
Brazos Drive-In
has been family-owned and operated since 1952. Jennifer Miller, the current owner, offers customers a fun and unique experience at a location that appreciates preservation and the past. Movies
The Brazos typically shows single features but will sprinkle in some double features on the weekend. This theater specializes in new releases.
Need to host an event? The Brazos does private parties! If you are interested, you can contact the owner, Jennifer.
How to hear the movie
You can listen to the film on an FM radio. Feel free to use your car stereo or bring a portable radio. Tune into 89.1 FM.
Snacks
Feeling hungry? You can head over to the concession stand and pick up a cocoa, coffee, hamburger, hot dog, ice cream float, Frito pie, or even a pickle—Texas-sized, of course.
Concession sales are important to the survival of the Brazos, so show your support with some serious snacking!
MORE:
Haunted Texas road trip
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How many drive-ins are left in Texas?
As of 2022, there are approximately 20 drive-in theaters operating in Texas.
Do you have to leave your car on during a drive-in movie?
No, you don’t have to leave your car on. In fact, some drive-ins prohibit idling. Simply run your car for a few minutes to make sure your battery can last for the entire movie. If your battery dies, ask a fellow patron if they can help you with a
jumpstart
.
Do drive-ins play in the rain?
Yes, most drive-ins are open rain or shine. If the weather is especially egregious, check the theater’s website or give them a call.
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