Haven’t you heard? Retro is cool again. And in the many years since its heyday in the ’50s, drive-in movie theaters still offer a fun and affordable option for a night out with the family in Dallas-Fort Worth. DFW has got a handful of new, new-ish and decades-old outdoor theaters to choose from, including one that’s easily our favorite for maximum family fun.
Here, we give you the highlights so you can plan for your next weekend (or weekday!) night out. All movies begin at the sun goes down, so come before sunset to settle into a parking spot, and pop open your tailgate (or hatch) and start popping that popcorn,
Looking for more movie screenings near you? Find them on our calendar by selecting “Film.”
1) Coyote Drive-In Theater & Canteen
Our favorite destination is here at Coyote, which opened back in 2013. It’s at a great central location too, just across the river from downtown Fort Worth and close by the Stockyards. Right now movies are single showings (rather than double features) every day of the week. Book your tickets online or through the Coyote Drive-In app (worth having on your phone if you’re a cinephile).
You’ll want to arrive early to avoid lines and let the littles play in the children’s play area to shake their sillies out before the movie. Dogs are welcome, too! Unfortunately no outside food or drinks is allowed, but you can order from the concession pavilion starting at 6pm and have the treats delivered to your vehicle once it’s ready so you don’t miss any part of the show.
Cost: Regular tickets are $8 for adults for 12 and older; $4 for children 5–11; free for 4 and younger. $5 on Wednesdays.
Location: 223 NE 4th Street, Fort Worth
Learn more: coyotedrive-in.com; 817/717-7767. Follow on Facebook and Instagram @coyotedrivein for the most up-to-date information.
2) Galaxy Drive-In Theatre
Ennis, the North Texas town best known for its bluebonnets also boasts the Galaxy Drive-In, North Texas’ biggest drive-in movie theater with eight screens and a retro atmosphere thanks to the concession stand and putt-putt out front. Open since 2004, this theater is only a 30-minute drive south of downtown and the closest consistently-open option for Dallasites. Typically they screen single features every night, starting at 8pm Friday and Saturday, and 7pm Sunday–Thursday.
Cost: Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children and available for purchase at the on-site box office when you enter.
Location: 5301 I-45, Ennis
Learn more: Check the website galaxydriveintheatre.com or follow Facebook page for the most up-to-date info and upcoming screenings. 972/875-5505
3) Brazos Drive-In Theatre
This family-owned theater 45 minutes southwest of Fort Worth has been in continuous operation since 1952. Watch from your vehicle or from the porch chairs at the full-service snack bar. The drive-in is closed during the winters months and reopens in the spring, typically with showings on a single screen on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Cost: This is one of the cheapest family date nights around, at $20 per carload (or $10 per single adults, or $15 for military, police, firemen, teachers, students, doctors, nurses and seniors).
Location: 1800 W Pearl St., Granbury
Learn more: Check their website brazosdrivein.com or follow on Facebook for announcements of their next featured movie. 817/573-1311
4) Graham Drive-In Theatre
Opening in 1948, the Graham Drive-In is one of the oldest drive-in theaters in the state, according to the Texas Film Commission. This small-town drive-in, about 90 miles west of Fort Worth, is typically open on weekends during the spring season, and after Labor Day, on Fridays and Saturdays. In the summertime, showtimes are rolling with double features on a single screen.
Cost: Tickets are $7 adults; $5 for seniors, military and children 5–11; free for 4 and younger.
Location: 1519 4th Street, Graham
Learn more: Before you head out there, always check on the theater’s website grahamdriveintheatre.com or Facebook page for their most up-to-date movie line-up. 940/549-8478
5) Rooftop Cinema Club
OK this one’s not technically a drive-in, but we audibly rejoiced that Rooftop Cinema is returning to DFW, this time to Downtown Fort Worth. The venue atop The Terrace at The Worthington Renaissance offers skyline views, a variety of outdoor seating and wireless personal headphones for each guest to wear—and of course, entertainment like games and concessions to enjoy before showtime. Look online to reserve your exact seats and see the full movie lineup as it’s announced for the upcoming season. This theater is also unique for its screenings of new but mostly cult classic films over the decades.
If you’re bringing the kids, make sure to check the movie rating and audience restrictions. Some screenings are for 18 and up only, but going earlier in the week is your best bet, as movies that start before 9pm Sunday–Wednesday will be open to all ages.
Cost: Pricing starts at $11, depending on the style of seat (Adirondack chair or loveseat), with discounts for military and seniors.
Location: 200 Main Street, Fort Worth
Learn more: rooftopcinemaclub.com/fort-worth or follow on Facebook. Email info@rooftopcinemaclub.com with any questions.
Photo courtesy of Coyote Drive-In
