Pennsylvania is home to a number of iconic drive-in movie theaters. As of 2023, there are approximately 15 drive-in theaters still operating in the state.
Brief History of Drive-In Theaters in Pennsylvania
The drive-in theater concept first started in 1933 in New Jersey. The idea quickly caught on as a popular new form of entertainment, providing a way for people to watch movies from the comfort and privacy of their own vehicles.
Pennsylvania’s first drive-in theater opened on June 6, 1934 in Orefield, just outside of Allentown. The Mountain Park Drive-In charged 25 cents per car and 25 cents per person. Within a few years, drive-ins popped up across the state as the trend spread.
The 1950s and 60s were the heyday for drive-ins in Pennsylvania and across the U.S. At their peak, there were over 300 drive-in theaters in operation across the state. Drive-ins provided an inexpensive and fun night out for families and teens. Many drive-ins from this era featured playgrounds, snack bars, and arcades to entertain kids before the movies started at dusk.
The rise of television, indoor movie theaters with multiple screens, and cultural shifts led to a decline for drive-ins starting in the late 1960s. Many drive-in theaters went out of business over the next few decades. Today, just a fraction of the state’s drive-in theaters remain open. Those still in operation provide a nostalgic and unique movie-watching experience.
Remaining Drive-In Theaters in Pennsylvania
According to driveinmovie.com, the website for the United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association, there are 15 drive-in movie theaters still operating in Pennsylvania as of 2023. These drive-in theaters are:
- Becky’s Drive-In – Walnutport
- Boulevard Drive-In – Pittsburgh
- Cascade Drive-In – Westview
- Circle Drive-In – Dickson City
- Garden Drive-In – Hunlock Creek
- Haselton Drive-In – Hazleton
- Hilltop Drive-In – Franklin
- Laurel Drive-In – Hazleton
- Lehigh Valley Drive-In – Orefield
- Mahoning Drive-In – Lehighton
- Shankweiler’s Drive-In – Orefield
- Silver Drive-In – Pittsburgh
- Sky-Vue Drive-In – New Tripoli
- Super 322 Drive-In – Ebensburg
- Warren Drive-In – Vandergrift
Many of these drive-ins have been family-owned and operated for multiple generations, evoking nostalgia for the 1950s and 60s drive-in heyday. Today, they keep this piece of Americana alive by continuing to offer outdoor movie magic and fun for families and dates.
Notable Pennsylvania Drive-In Theaters
Some of the stand-out drive-in theaters in Pennsylvania include:
Shankweiler’s Drive-In
Shankweiler’s Drive-In in Orefield is America’s oldest continuously operating drive-in. It first opened in 1934 and is still run by the same family today. It claims the title of being the country’s first drive-in theater. The Shankweiler family also opened the nearby Becky’s Drive-In in 1946.
The Mahoning Drive-In
The Mahoning Drive-In in Lehighton opened in 1949 and is renowned today for showing retro horror, sci-fi, and cult classic movies. It has developed a following among horror fans for its creative double features and themed movie marathons.
The Sky-Vue Drive-In
The Sky-Vue Drive-In in New Tripoli has the largest movie screen in Pennsylvania, measuring 90 feet wide. It opened in 1948 and prides itself on maintaining a retro 1950s atmosphere. The Sky-Vue has appeared in movies like “Angels in the Outfield.”
Why Do Drive-Ins Persist in Pennsylvania?
Drive-in theaters have shown remarkable longevity in Pennsylvania, especially compared to other states. Why have so many survived here? Reasons may include:
- Nostalgic appeal and strong family traditions associated with drive-ins in the state.
- Less sprawl in rural areas of Pennsylvania enabled drive-ins to keep property. In some states, drive-in land was lost to development.
- Devoted operators who modernized with conversion to digital projection in the 21st century.
- The climate and seasons in Pennsylvania are amenable to drive-ins being open April through September.
- Drive-ins offer an affordable experience compared to indoor theaters and stadium seating.
There seems to be ongoing consumer demand for drive-ins in Pennsylvania. For many local residents, these theaters are ingrained in childhood memories and regional culture. The remaining drive-ins have become iconic venues for making new memories. Their success points to the unique appeal drive-ins still hold in the state today.
The Future of Drive-Ins in Pennsylvania
While drive-ins represent just a small fraction of their previous peak, the 15 still operating prove that this industry niche has viability when preserved. The surviving drive-in theaters seem to focus on these approaches:
- Offering emotional connection through nostalgia
- Providing an affordable alternative to indoor theaters
- Prioritizing the social experience and fun extras like playgrounds and flea markets
- Making technical upgrades like converting to digital projection
- Developing a passionate customer base through social media outreach
Interest in drive-ins surged during the 2020-2021 pandemic when they provided a way to watch movies while social distancing. This renewed attention could help stabilize or even grow the drive-in industry in Pennsylvania if theaters capitalize on their renewed popularity. Though they are now a classic piece of Americana, drive-in theaters may still have a place in the modern entertainment landscape for years to come.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania is fortunate to still be home to around 15 drive-in movie theaters, more than many other states. These remaining drive-ins represent treasured local businesses carrying on decades-long traditions for new generations. Drive-ins persistence in Pennsylvania reflects their stubborn hold on American culture. Though an endangered species, these nostalgic theaters prove that the allure of watching movies under the stars is here to stay.