Oklahoma is a city of cowboys, style and tradition. A picture of classic cars, greenery, horses, ranches, burgers, and basketball are all summoned to memory on the mention of the 90s’ Oklahoma. Although many of these images are long gone nowadays, yet one very distinctive memory still remains, the drive-in theaters, a smell of the past. A post World War II family tradition, drive-in theaters first appeared when the urge of creating more comfortable seatings other than the small movie theater seats emerged. Drive-in theaters were a traditional family activity - parents and their kids seated in their car and sometimes in pajamas enjoyed a nice movie night. Yet, owing to technology advancements, drive-in theaters are not as popular today as they used to be, however, they are still as interesting. So, if you are one of those people who are always on the lookout of new experiences, then check out our list of the best drive-in theaters in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
1. Winchester Drive-In
Known for a good weather from April through September, Oklahoma city hosts one of the best drive-in theater at 6930 S Western Avenue every April, Winchester Drive-In. A great drive-in theater with a capacity of around 475 cars that is suitable for the whole family. Winchester first opened in 1968 with a triple bill program. The theater has a big screen on which the movie is projected and its concession stand have some nice souvenirs, popcorn, food, and drinks. Winchester is a seasonal drive-in that opens in April and plays some very good up-to-date movies. The movie sound operates from your car’s radio, so tune your radio to 100.9 for digital sound, and you are asked to turn your vehicle off for a good experience. There is an ATM on site. Be sure to make a show before 7 pm to enjoy the nostalgic family experience.
Winchester Drive-In
Address: 6930 S Western Ave Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Website: Winchester Drive-In
Price: 7 USD for adults; 3 USD for kids (aged 3 - 10); additional 20 USD if you bring your food and drinks
Nearby options
2. Chief Drive-In Theater, Ninnekah
Built in 1949, Chief Drive-In Theater is the oldest drive-in Oklahoma. Located in Chickasha, Chief drive-in is open all year round. The theater plays movies daily during summer and on weekends during fall and winter. The theater usually shows two movies per night, so, you have got plenty of choices. The movie starts at 7 pm, however, the gates open at 6 pm. Once the movie starts, no cars are allowed in. The concession stand serves some good popcorn, corn dog, pizza, nachos, burritos, chicken strips, fries, and drinks. Food and drinks are not allowed and in case you break the rules, you will be asked to leave with no refund, so better abide by the rules. The theater plays good new movies and has a “date night” offer. The offer allows you to watch two movies at the price of one, for 50 USD you get two adult tickets, two dinner baskets or one pizza and an order of mozzarella sticks, in addition to one popcorn bucket and two cups and a promise of a good night. Smoking is not allowed in the first four rows or near the concession stand.
Chief Drive-In Theater
Address: South of Chickasha on HWY 81 Ninnekah, Oklahoma
Website: Chief Drive-In Theater
Price: 7 USD for adults (if paid in cash) and 7.30 USD (if paid by credit card); 5 USD for kids
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3. Tower Drive-In, Poteau
River Valley Knights
Posted by River Valley Knights on Sunday, 3 November 2013
Owing to its fairly good weather, Poteau has one of the best drive-in theaters in southern Oklahoma, Tower Drive-In. A seasonal drive-in theater with an early 90s decoration of charming classic cars that is traditional fun for the whole family. Shows are held during spring and summer, with a double feature on Friday and Saturday nights and a single feature during the rest of the week. The place has a nice backdrop scenery of mountains and sunset. The theater is spacious and suitable for the kids to play and have fun before the movie starts. You can choose to either watch the movie in your own vehicle and tune in your radio,or in lawn chairs beside your vehicle or in truck beds, the choice is all yours. Their concession stand has some good food and drinks. Vehicles should be turned off as the movie starts. They ask you not to bring your own food, as the food they sell is what makes up for their operating expenses. So, if you are ever around South Oklahoma and looking for some exotic fun, then head to Tower Drive-In.
Tower Drive-In
Address: 2214 N Broadway St, Poteau, OK 74953-2000
Website: Tower Drive-In
Price: 7 USD for adults; 4 USD for kids
4. Admiral Twin Drive-In, Tulsa
Are you familiar with the movie “Outsiders”? Remember the scene where the Ponyboy met Johnny and Dally, and headed to a night drive-in theater. Yes, you might be sitting exactly where they sat in Admiral Twin Drive-In Theater. A seasonal theater with two screens, two showtimes, and a very good food stand by the Arkansas river selling delicious burgers, fries and popcorn. The sound is broadcasted through a radio station, so either take a radio with you to tune in or tune in your car’s radio, but take care the battery might die out after a couple of hours. The next season starts on March 6th. The gates open around an hour earlier before the show, so make sure you go early to reserve a good spot and avoid a long wait in the queue. The place allows animals as long as they are on a leash; external food and drinks are not allowed. They accept both cash and credit card, but cash is faster. So, if you happen to be around Tulsa and would like a trip down the memory lane, fasten your seat belts, head to Admiral Twin Drive-In and park for a very good night.
Admiral Twin Drive-In
Address: 7355 E Easton St Tulsa, Oklahoma
Website: Admiral Twin Drive-In
Price: 7 USD for adults; 3 USD for kids (aged 3 - 11)
5. El-Co Drive-In Theater, Shattuck
We are excited to announce that El-Co Drive In will be opening in early spring 2019 in Shattuck. More exciting details will follow as we get closer. Can't wait to see you all there!!!
Posted by EL-CO Drive In on Thursday, 14 February 2019
Another very good seasonal drive-in theater in Shattuck is El-Co Drive-In Theater. A survivor of a burndown and a storm, El-Co Drive-In Theater managed to keep the 1955 brand up and running until today in its newly renovated theater in Shattuck. Whether you are a family looking to relive some good old memories, a couple looking for a night of cuddling up under a blanket while watching a classic movie, or a group looking for a different experience, El-Co Drive-In Theater welcomes you all. With some delicious food served at the concession stand, clean restrooms, and good movies shown every weekend during the season, the theater takes you in a time machine to the good old days with modern shows.
El-Co Drive-In Theater
Address: 501 N. Main St Shattuck, Oklahoma
Website: El-Co Drive-In Theater
Price: 6 USD for adults; 5 USD for kids
Get ready for a nostalgic experience
Nothing beats a new experience that is lived with a glimpse of the past. The 90s were classic, elegant, cozy and fun. Yet, the 90s are still alive through its drive-in theaters, a blend between the warm oldies and our modern interest. So, if you are into one of those nostalgic experiences, check Oklahoma’s best drive-in theaters with their up-to-date movies, clean restrooms, first-class concession stands and nice parking spaces.
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