10 Old-School Drive-In Movie Theaters Still Operating In Texas
Remember when watching movies meant parking your car under the stars, tuning your radio to the right station, and settling in with snacks from the concession stand?
That magic still exists in Texas, where classic drive-in theaters continue to bring families together for unforgettable nights.
These outdoor cinemas offer more than just films—they’re time machines that transport you back to simpler evenings filled with nostalgia and wonder.
From small-town gems to urban favorites, these ten drive-ins prove that some traditions never go out of style.
1. Graham Drive-In (Graham)
Tucked away in Young County, this family-owned treasure has been lighting up screens since 1952, making it one of the oldest continuously operating drive-ins in the entire state.
Generations of families have created memories here, watching everything from westerns to modern blockbusters under the wide Texas sky.
What makes this place special is its commitment to preserving the authentic drive-in experience without cutting corners.
The owners maintain the original charm while keeping the projection and sound systems updated, so you get crystal-clear picture quality through your car’s FM radio.
The concession stand serves up classic movie snacks at prices that won’t empty your wallet.
On weekend nights, you’ll find locals and travelers alike filling the lot, creating a community atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Kids run around before the show starts, playing on the small playground near the screen.
The double features mean you get two movies for one affordable price, making it perfect for budget-conscious families looking for quality entertainment.
2. Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre (New Braunfels)
Patriotism meets cinema at this beloved New Braunfels institution that’s been serving Hill Country moviegoers since 1950.
The red, white, and blue theme isn’t just decorative—it reflects the owners’ deep respect for American traditions and the classic drive-in experience that defined mid-century entertainment.
Located just off Interstate 35, this theater attracts visitors from San Antonio and Austin who crave an escape from crowded multiplexes.
Three massive screens mean there’s always variety in what’s playing, from family-friendly animations to action-packed adventures.
The sound quality pumped through your FM radio is surprisingly crisp, and the screens are positioned so you won’t strain your neck no matter where you park.
Their concession stand goes beyond typical theater fare, offering loaded nachos, hot pretzels, and even pizza alongside your popcorn and candy.
Arrive early to snag a prime spot near the center, and don’t forget to bring lawn chairs or blankets if you prefer watching from outside your vehicle.
Summer nights here feel like stepping into a time capsule of Americana.
3. Showboat Drive-In (Hockley)
Way out in northwest Houston’s countryside sits this quirky theater that’s been entertaining families since 1951.
The nautical theme adds a playful twist to your movie night, making you feel like you’ve boarded an entertainment vessel sailing through cinema history.
With four screens showing different films simultaneously, you’ve got options most modern theaters can’t match.
Families with different tastes can split up and meet back at the car between features, or you can hop from screen to screen if you arrive early enough.
The massive parking area accommodates hundreds of vehicles, yet it never feels overcrowded thanks to smart layout design.
What really sets Showboat apart is the genuine friendliness of the staff who treat regulars like extended family.
The concession stand serves up enormous portions at reasonable prices—their nachos could feed three people easily.
Bring bug spray during summer months, and consider backing into your spot so you can watch from your truck bed or tailgate.
Friday and Saturday nights draw the biggest crowds, so weekdays offer a more intimate experience if you prefer fewer neighbors.
4. Coyote Drive-In (Fort Worth)
Fort Worth’s only drive-in brings big-city convenience to the classic outdoor movie experience.
Opening in 2013, it’s one of the newer entries on this list, but it’s quickly become a beloved tradition for Tarrant County families seeking alternatives to conventional theaters.
Four state-of-the-art digital screens ensure you’re watching the latest releases with picture quality that rivals indoor cinemas.
The owners invested heavily in modern projection technology while maintaining that nostalgic drive-in atmosphere everyone craves.
Sound comes through your car’s FM stereo with remarkable clarity, making dialogue easy to follow even in action-packed scenes.
The sprawling concession building offers both traditional movie snacks and surprisingly good hot food options like burgers and chicken strips.
Their pizza is legitimately tasty—not just acceptable by drive-in standards.
Families appreciate the playground area where kids can burn off energy before showtime.
Pro tip: download their app to see showtimes and plan which screen you want to visit.
The location near Highway 287 makes it accessible from all over the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, though arrive early on opening weekends for popular films.
5. Brazos Drive-In (Granbury)
Granbury’s historic square isn’t the only place where time stands still in this charming lakeside town.
Just minutes from downtown, the Brazos Drive-In has been creating magical movie nights since 2005, though it feels like it’s been there forever thanks to its authentic vintage vibe.
Single-screen simplicity is this theater’s strength—everyone’s watching the same film, creating a shared community experience that’s increasingly rare.
The owners carefully curate their selections, focusing on family-friendly features and crowd-pleasing blockbusters that look spectacular on the big outdoor screen.
Weekend double features give you incredible value, often pairing a recent release with a classic film that appeals to multiple generations.
Located near the Brazos River, the setting adds natural beauty to your evening entertainment.
Arrive before sunset to watch the sky paint itself in oranges and purples behind the screen.
The concession stand keeps things simple but delicious, with fresh popcorn popped throughout the night.
Local families treat this place like their backyard theater, bringing lawn chairs, coolers, and blankets to create cozy setups.
The relaxed atmosphere means kids can be kids without worrying about disturbing other patrons.
6. Galaxy Drive-In Theatre (Abilene)
Out where the West Texas sky stretches forever, Abilene’s Galaxy Drive-In has been the region’s premier outdoor cinema since 1950.
The space-age name reflects the era when drive-ins represented cutting-edge entertainment technology, and the owners have maintained that forward-thinking spirit through constant improvements.
Two screens mean you’ve got choices, and the theater typically programs one screen for families and another for older audiences, making everyone happy.
The digital projection quality is outstanding, proving that drive-ins can compete with modern multiplexes in technical specifications.
Sound quality through FM radio is balanced perfectly—loud enough to enjoy without overwhelming your car’s speakers.
The concession stand serves portions so generous you’ll have leftovers, and their homemade fudge is legendary among regulars.
Prices remain remarkably affordable, especially considering you’re getting a double feature.
The wide-open West Texas location means light pollution is minimal, so between films you can actually see stars overhead.
Families often arrive an hour early to claim good spots and let children play.
The friendly staff remembers regular customers by name, creating that small-town warmth even in Texas’s largest cities would envy.
7. Big Sky Drive-In (Midland)
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that’s certainly true of Midland’s aptly named Big Sky Drive-In.
The Permian Basin’s endless horizons provide the perfect backdrop for this theater, where the screen seems to stretch as wide as the landscape itself.
Operating since the early 1950s, this drive-in has survived oil booms and busts by remaining a constant source of affordable family entertainment.
The single massive screen shows carefully selected films that appeal to the community’s values and interests.
Modern digital projection brings Hollywood’s latest offerings to West Texas with stunning clarity, while the classic car-hop vibe keeps the nostalgia factor high.
What you’ll notice immediately is how dark it gets once the sun sets—with minimal city lights competing, the movie pops against the night in ways urban theaters can’t match.
The concession stand offers hearty West Texas portions, including some of the best nachos you’ll find at any theater.
Locals bring their trucks and watch from the bed, creating impromptu tailgate setups complete with lawn chairs and coolers.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, where strangers wave hello and kids roam safely.
Summer nights here feel infinite, stretched out under that famous big sky.
8. Doc’s Drive-In Theatre (Buda)
Just south of Austin, Buda’s Doc’s Drive-In Theatre opened in 2017, proving that the drive-in concept isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving when done right.
Named with a nod to “Back to the Future,” this theater embraces both nostalgia and innovation in equal measure.
Three screens playing simultaneous films mean there’s something for everyone in your group.
The state-of-the-art digital projection and sound systems deliver an experience that matches or exceeds traditional theaters, while the outdoor setting adds magic no enclosed building can replicate.
The owners clearly love cinema, programming everything from superhero blockbusters to family animations with care and attention to audience preferences.
The massive concession building resembles a modern convenience store, offering an impressive variety beyond typical theater fare.
You’ll find everything from pizza to ice cream alongside your popcorn and candy.
The playground keeps younger kids entertained before showtime, and the spacious lot means you won’t feel cramped even on busy nights.
Being near Austin means the crowd is diverse and friendly, with everyone united by their love of this retro experience.
Weeknight shows offer great value with smaller crowds, while weekends buzz with energy and excitement that’s contagious.
9. Wes-Mer Drive-In (Mercedes)
Down in the Rio Grande Valley, where palm trees sway and the air carries warmth even after sunset, the Wes-Mer Drive-In has been entertaining border communities since 1952.
This South Texas gem represents the drive-in tradition at its most authentic and unpretentious.
The single screen focuses attention on one film at a time, creating a communal viewing experience that’s increasingly rare.
Valley families have been coming here for generations, making it a rite of passage for local teenagers and a nostalgic destination for grandparents who remember dates here decades ago.
The projection quality has been updated to digital, but everything else maintains that classic feel that made drive-ins special in the first place.
What makes Wes-Mer unique is its bilingual atmosphere—you’ll hear Spanish and English mixing freely as families set up their spots.
The concession stand reflects Valley culture with snacks and treats you won’t find at northern Texas theaters.
Prices remain incredibly affordable, making this entertainment option accessible to everyone regardless of budget.
The warm climate means year-round operation, though summer nights can be hot—bring a cooler with cold drinks.
Locals often arrive early to socialize, turning the parking lot into a community gathering space before the film starts.
10. MoonStruck Drive-In Cinema (Houston)
Houston’s newest drive-in opened in 2018, bringing outdoor cinema back to the nation’s fourth-largest city after a long absence.
MoonStruck proves that drive-ins can thrive even in major metropolitan areas when they combine nostalgia with modern convenience and quality.
Four massive screens showing different films mean you’ve got variety that rivals any multiplex.
The digital projection is absolutely pristine, and the sound system delivers audio that’s perfectly balanced for car stereos.
What’s impressive is how the owners have thought through every detail—from the smooth gravel lot that won’t damage your car to the strategically placed screens that minimize light bleed between viewing areas.
The concession stand is more like a restaurant, offering gourmet options alongside traditional movie snacks.
You can order online through their app and have food delivered to your car, combining old-school ambiance with modern convenience.
The location in northwest Houston makes it accessible from throughout the metro area.
Houstonians have embraced this theater enthusiastically, packing the lot on weekends with families, couples, and friend groups all seeking an alternative to conventional theaters.
The atmosphere is electric yet relaxed, capturing what made drive-ins magical while adding contemporary polish that ensures this tradition continues for future generations.