The first ever drive-in movie theater opened in Camden, New Jersey back in 1933. Now, nearly 90 years later, drive-in movie theaters are still around.
There’s just something about watching a movie outside on a warm summer night on a massive screen with hundreds of other cars around that appeals to so many of us. Perhaps it’s the feeling of nostalgia or simply the oddity of the experience itself that makes it such a fun experience.
Fortunately for those of us in Cincinnati, there are two excellent drive-in theaters that are still in operation in the city and two more that are in operation up in Dayton, less than an hour away.
In this post, we share the locations and a brief overview of each of these 4 drive-in movie theaters.
Map of Drive-in Theaters
The map below shows the location of every drive-in theater mentioned in this post:
Holiday Auto Theater
Located on the northeast side of Cincinnati in Hamilton, Holiday Auto Theater is a drive-in theater that has been around for 60 years and is known for showing the latest big-box movies. The theater has a capacity for 600 cars and is open during the spring, summer, and fall. They have a snack bar, which offers most of the traditional snacks you’ll find at movie theaters – popcorn, candy, sodas, etc. Pets are allowed at the theater as long as they’re kept on a leash.
Location: 1816 Old Oxford Rd, Hamilton, OH 45013
Website: Holiday Auto Theater
Starlite Drive-In
Located on the far east side of Cincinnati in Amelia, Starlite Drive-in is a drive-in theater that has been around since 1947 and is known for offering two movies for the price of one ticket. They regularly show the latest movies that are out in ordinary theaters and they also offer a snack and drink bar. For an extra $5, you’re also allowed to bring in your own food and drinks.
Location: 2255 OH-125, Amelia, OH 45102
Website: Starlite Drive-In
Dixie Twin Drive-In
Located in Dayton, Dixie Twin Drive-In is a drive-in movie theater that is famous for offering two huge screens that play 2 movies per screen, per night. They also have a concession stand area that offers an impressive menu of drinks and food including popcorn, pizza, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, soft pretzels, and more.
Location: 6201 N Dixie Dr, Dayton, OH 45414
Website: Dixie Twin Drive-In
Chakeres Melody 49 Drive-In
Located on the west side of Dayton in Brookville, Chakeres Melody 49 Drive-In is a drive-in theater that also offers two huge screens and plays the latest movies that are out in traditional theaters. Their seasonal schedule runs from late spring through early fall and they also have a concession stand area where you can order drinks and classic movie favorites like popcorn and hot dogs.
Location: 7606 Pleasant Plain Rd, Brookville, OH 45309
Website: Melody 49 Drive-In
