YORK, Pa. — Drive-in movie theaters are a truly American invention.
According to driveinmovie.com, a website dedicated to preserving drive-in movie culture, the first theater opened in Camden, New Jersey in 1933. They hit their peak in the 1950s, but since then have steadily declined in popularity.
Today, the website says, there are only about 300 drive-in movie theaters still operating in the U.S.
Pennsylvania has always been a popular haven for drive-in theaters; there were more than 180 in operation in the late 1950's, according to driveinmovie.com. With 28 theaters still in operation today, the Keystone State ranks second in the nation behind only New York.
At the start of the year, four of Pennsylvania's active drive-in theaters were found in Central Pennsylvania. But the Sky Vu Drive-In, located in Gratz, Dauphin County, is at least temporarily closed while its owners attempt to find a new manager to run it.
There have also been a few temporary drive-ins that opened during the COVID-19 pandemic, at places like Penn Cinema in Lancaster County. But the venue's owner said last week that there will be no outdoor showings this summer.
That leaves three drive-ins available for Central Pennsylvania movie buffs looking for a fun night under the stars.
Newville, Cumberland County
Now in its 78th season of operation, the Cumberland Drive-In Theater, located at 3290 Ritner Highway in Newville, has enough room for 400 cars. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids, and outside food is allowed, though there is a concession stand offering drinks, snacks, burgers, hot dogs and more. You can even reserve a prime viewing space ahead of time, and portable radios are available for rent as well.
More information: https://www.81fun.com/.
Follow the Cumberland Drive-in on Facebook.
Mifflintown, Juniata County
The Midway Drive-in is open again, celebrating its 72nd season. A single-screen complex with a 500-vehicle capacity, the Midway is located at 1380 William Penn Hwy in Mifflintown. The Midway has one screen with two back to back features playing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings beginning in mid-May through Labor Day in September. The theater charges an admission of $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-11 (tickets can be pre-purchased online). Outside food is permitted if you pay a $15 fee, otherwise there are plenty of snacks and drinks available at the theater's concession stand. Movie audio is provided through FM radio transmission. Camper and RV parking is available. Pets are welcome if they're leashed.
More information: https://www.midwaydriveintheatre.com/.
Follow the Midway Drive-in on Facebook.
Dillsburg, York County
Haar's is a classic single screen drive-in which has been open since 1953. Located at 185 Logan Road in Dillsburg, Haar's is open every weekend through Labor Day. Admission is $10 per person, with children under 5 free. No outside food is permitted, but the concession stand is famous for its reasonably priced snacks, including its delicious hand-cut french fries. Pets and motorcycles are not permitted on the grounds.
More information: https://www.haars.com/.
Follow Haar's on Facebook.
