Drive in Theaters in Ohio, including Columbus and Central Ohio

We love the vintage feel of a drive in movie experience. I went to the drive-in with my family many times growing up – piled in our station wagon. We’ve taken our young children to Skyview Drive-in Lancaster, and they loved the experience (even if they didn’t make it to the second movie).

Drive in movie screens and sound technology have come a long way! You’ll definitely want to make plans to visit one of the drive-in theaters in Columbus and around Ohio this year! 

Tips for visiting drive-in movie theaters

Buy tickets in advance. If possible, get tickets in advance, as popular showings will sell out! You may be able to purchase reserved parking spots at some theaters as well.

Arrive early! Grab the best spot by getting there early. On busy nights, trucks, SUV’s, and vans may have to park in specific areas, so arrive early for the best options.

Bring bug spray! This is Ohio…you will need some bug spray/bug repellent of some sort.

Don’t forget blankets, even on warm evenings! The temperature can vary from hour to hour, so you may want a blanket to snuggle in, keep the bugs off, or lean against.

Bring favorite snacks or money for the concession stand. We typically bring a few favorite snacks, but also purchase from the snack bar. Theaters make the majority of their money from concessions, as a large portion of the tickets sales go directly to movie distributor. Some drive-ins charge a food permit if you bring in your own food (generally $5 per car or so) because they truly rely on concession money to stay open.

Bring comfortable chairs. Even if you plan to sit inside your car or on a blanket, you may want the option of chairs. Sitting in the same place for a double feature can get uncomfortable. If you plan to sit in the back of your van, SUV, or truck, bring some extra blankets or pillows to lounge against.

Follow the rules. Every drive-in is different, so be sure to check the website for rules and regulations at each location regarding bringing in food/grills, dogs, and more. 

Drive in Theaters in Columbus and Central Ohio

South Drive-In Theatre

3050 S High St., Columbus, OH 43207. Phone: (614) 491-6771

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Typically open from mid/late Spring through late fall (and beyond)! The only remaining drive-in theatre in Columbus, the South has been going strong since 1950. This is a twin first-run drive-in theatre, so there are 2 screens each showing 2 movies per night, sometimes 3 movies!

The concession stand is highly rated and very reasonably priced, so make sure you arrive hungry! Check the website or social media for upcoming releases.

Pay in advance online, or at the gate. See Facebook page for updates and upcoming movie offers.

See more details about South Drive-in here.

Flea market and drive-in movies at the South Drive In Theatre

Skyview Drive-in Lancaster

2420 E Main St, Lancaster, Ohio 43130 (740) 653-5517

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Open in 1948, Skyview Drive-in blends retro with modern. Listen to the move through the nostalgic car speakers, or with state-of-the-art FM stereo sound using your car’s stereo. Movies are shown with digital HD 1080 Picture quality on a 80′ Screen. They offer an extensive concession stand, so plan to grab dinner and snacks.

Typically open mid-Spring through the fall.  Check the website or social media for upcoming releases. See more details here. Tickets are available online in advance, or at the gate until sold out!

Outside food is allowed, however a $5 food permit fee applies. This permit can be purchased at the same time as your online ticket. Note: this is standard at many drive-ins because most of their profit is made at the concession stands (movie companies take the majority of ticket sales)

Visit Lancaster’s Skyview Drive-in movie theatre for double feature fun and flea markets

Other Drive-in Movies in Ohio

Springmill Twin Drive In Theatre (Mansfield)

1040 Springmill Road, Mansfield, OH 44906

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Hi-Road Twin Drive In (Kenton)

8059 SR 68 N. Kenton, Ohio

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Dixie Twin Drive-In (Dayton)

6201 N Dixie Dr. Dayton, Ohio 45414

Also the location of the Paris Flea Market on Sundays starting at 6 am. Customer admission $1. Note: check for updates of when the flea market will open, as it may not open during the same time frame as the theater.

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Melody 49 Drive-In (Brookville/Clayton)

7606 Pleasant-Plain Road, Brookville, Ohio 45309

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Sidney Auto Vue Drive-In Theatre (Sidney)

1409 4th Ave, Sidney, Ohio 45365

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Starlite Drive-In (Amelia)

2255 State Route 125, Amelia, Ohio 45102

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Holiday Auto Theatre (Hamilton)

1816 Old Oxford Rd, Hamilton, Ohio 45013

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Magic City Drive-In (Barberton)

5602 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Barberton, Ohio 44203

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Blue Sky Drive-In (Wadworth)

959 Broad St, Wadsworth, Ohio 44281

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Tiffin Drive-In Theatre (Tiffin)

4101 N State Route 53, Tiffin, Ohio 44883

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Star-View Drive-In

2083 US Highway 20 W, Norwalk, Ohio 44857

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Van-Del Drive-In Theatre (Middle Point)

19986 Lincoln Highway, Middle Point, OH 45863

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Aut-O-Rama Drive-In

33395 Lorain Rd, North Ridgeville, Ohio 44039

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Lynn Drive-In Movie Theatre (Strasburg)

9735 State Route 250 NW, Strasburg, Ohio 44680

Ohio’s oldest drive-in theatre (1937)! There is also a Flea Market on Sundays 6am to 2pm Weather Permitting. Vendors are $5.00 per space & Customers are free. The flea market is open April thru October. NOTE: check for 2020 opening date for theatre and flea market; dates may differ based on permissions.

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