Summer fun. Friendly and family. Date Night Favorites.
These details relate to the atmosphere of drive-in cinema, an American casual entertainment format that had its heyday in the 1950s and 1960s.
At such a theater, visitors park their vehicles in a parking lot, face a huge outdoor movie screen, buy concession snacks, set up a radio or speaker to listen to audio, and watch a show ( often double duty) which begins after dusk.
According to the website of the Capri Drive-In Theater in Coldwater, there were 110 drive-ins in Michigan in 1958, considered the peak of the trend in that state.
Today there are only about ten left.
Here’s a roundup of where the traditional drive-ins are.
Hi-Way Drive-In Theater
2778 E. Sanilac Road, Carsonville
It is one of Michigan’s oldest outdoor movie theaters, dating back to 1948. Sound is available through the car’s FM radio. They also participated in live drive-in concerts.
Program: They plan to open in May for the 2022 season. The box office opens at 7:30 a.m. and movies start at dusk; new movies start on Fridays.
Capri Drive-In Theater
119 W. Chicago Road, Coldwater
Opened in 1964, with a second screen added in 1986, it is a two-screen theater lot. Sound is available via AM and FM, or you can rent a portable radio locally. Was named “One of Ten Drive-Ins Worth a Detour” in 2001 by USA Today and The New York Times.
Program: The 2022 season has started. The box office opens at 8 p.m. with shows from Friday to Sunday; movies start at sunset.
Ford-Wyoming Drive in Theater
10400 Ford Road, Dearborn
Opened in the spring of 1950. As the 70th anniversary took place at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the theater postponed the public celebration and rescheduled it to May 19, 2022.
Program: The seven-day season has started for 2022. The ticket office opens at 7:45 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; 8 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday. New movies and showtimes posted weekly.
5 miles by car
28190 M-152, Dowagiac
Built in 1961. Radios are available on loan if your vehicle does not have FM. Playground on site. Private party rentals available.
Program: Opening scheduled for the 2022 season on May 27. Shows Friday and Saturday nights, doors open at 7 p.m., movie starts at dusk. Occasional midnight performances on Thursdays.
US 23 drive-in cinema
5200 Fenton Road, Flint
Audio heard by FM radio, rentals available.
Program: Friday and Saturday screenings began in mid-April; 7 days a week starting Memorial Day weekend. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Movie selections change weekly.
Sunset drive
69071 Red Arrow Hwy, Hartford
Opened in 1948. Sound is via FM radio, loans are available. According to the website, pets are also welcome.
Program: The 2022 season begins May 27, shows are Friday and Saturday nights. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the first film at dusk. Occasional midnight performances on Thursdays.
Cherry Bowl Drive-In
9812 Honor Highway, Honor
Opened in 1953, with a playground and mini golf on site. According to the website, other events include pony rides, clowning around, classic car cruises and more. Sound available via FM radio or pole mounted speakers.
Program: Opening planned for the 2022 season, date to come. Ran Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in 2021. Screenings begin at dusk.
Highway 2 Community Drive in Theater
5885 W. US Highway 2, Manistic
The only drive-in theater currently in operation in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Opened in 1953, closed in 2001; then, founding members of the Upper Peninsula Film Union began hosting movie nights in 2016. The Film Union acquired the property in 2018. Admission is free, donations welcome, purpose groups non-profit host concession stand.
Program: Four movie nights have been announced for the 2022 season, starting June 25.
Memory Lane Drive-In Drive-In
6501 N. Monroe St., Monroe
The theater opened in 2021 after several years of planning. It is on the site of the old Denniston Drive-In which closed in 1985. The film’s sound is provided by FM radio. Playground on site.
Program: The 2022 season started on May 6. The ticket office opens at 8 p.m.
Getty Drive-in Theater
920 Summit Ave. E., Muskegon
This drive-in has four screens with radio sound with an on-site playground. He is part of the Celebration Cinema theater group.
Program: The 2022 season has started. Doors open at 8 p.m. The new schedule usually starts on Friday.
USA Hockey Arena Summer Drive-In
14900 Beck Road, Plymouth
Drive-in shows are held in the USA Hockey Arena parking lot. His radio.
Program: Sneak Peak Weekends for the 2022 season are May 20-21 and May 27-29.
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