Drive-In Movie Theaters in Tennessee: 11 Classic & Unique Summer Experiences

There are 11 active drive-in theaters open in Tennessee in 2026. Many are found in rural small towns near cities like Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville.

Tennessee drive-in theaters are located within a short drive near cities like Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga and Bristol. It’s a great evening activity in the state’s charming towns.

• Tennessee has 11 active drive-in movies in 2026, spanning from Athens (East TN) to Alamo (West TN)
   
• Admission typically ranges by theater — some rural locations are cash-preferred, but many accept credit and debit cards. Some locations even have online ticketing options.
   
• Peak season is late May through August; most summer drive-in theaters operate Friday–Sunday evenings at dusk
   
• All Tennessee drive-in theaters broadcast audio via FM radio — tune your car stereo or portable radio to the posted frequency before the film starts
   
• No two theaters are alike — options range from a 3-screen family drive-in with a playground (Swingin' Midway, Athens) to a safari-themed experience (Tennessee Safari, Alamo) to a 1940s theater on the TN–VA state line (Twin City, Bristol)
   
• Most drive-ins are located near small Tennessee towns — plan time before the show to browse a local boutique, grab a bite, or explore a downtown square
   
• Arrive 60-90 minutes early — gates typically open before dusk, premium spots fill fast on summer weekends and holidays, and concession stand wait times may be longer.

At most Tennessee drive-in theaters, you’ll park facing a large outdoor screen. You’ll turn off all lights on your car – headlights and interior lights. Bring a portable radio, boombox or set your car to its accessories only setting to tune your FM radio to the broadcast frequency. Grab food and drinks from the on-site concession stands and settle in for a movie or two under the stars. Tickets are often sold per person, with children’s tickets discounted or children admitted free. It’s an affordable family night out in Tennessee!

Family drive-in theaters in Tennessee offer playgrounds, green space for kids to run and play sports before the movies, and kid-friendly meals. 

• Stardust Drive-In Theatre – Watertown, Tennessee
   
• Sparta Drive-In – Sparta, Tennessee
   
• Swingin’ Midway – Athens, Tennessee
   
• Birdsong Drive-In – Camden, Tennessee
   
• Parkway Drive-In – Maryville, Tennessee

Enjoy a double feature at Stardust Drive-In Theatre in Watertown, Tennessee, located about 40 miles east near downtown Nashville. You can see movies year-round. Grab your friends, a delicious pizza from the concession stand and settle in for two blockbuster favorites or nostalgic films.

• Street address: 310 Purple Tiger Dr, Watertown, Tennessee 37184
   
• Number of screens: 2
   
• 2026 operating season:
  Friday-Sunday March through end of November
  Every day Memorial Day until mid-August
   
• 2026 showtimes: Movies begin at dusk.
   
• Admission pricing: Ticket pricing is for the two movies shown on one screen. Use only one transaction per vehicle. The movie begins at the advertised start time. Pre-show previews run before the advertised start time. Can purchase movie tickets at the ticket booth box office upon arrival or online.
  $10 – adults
  $8 – ages 8-11
  Free – Children 5 and under
   
• Payment methods: Cash, credit and debit cards are accepted at the box office and concessions.
   
• On-site concessions: Yes. The Stardust Kitchen & Concessions has popcorn, soft drinks, candy, 16” pizzas, barbecue sandwiches, cheese steak sandwiches, burgers and fries.
   
• FM radio frequency per screen: 
  Screen 1: 87.9 FM
  Screen 2: 91.3 FM
   
• Outside food/cooler policy: Purchase the $8 Outside Food & Beverage Permit to bring in outside concessions.
   
• Pet policy: All animals must be under the owner’s direct control and responsibility at all times. They must be on leash when not secured in the vehicle. Animals are not allowed in the snack bar lobby or restrooms.
   
• ADA information: For ADA information, please call 615-237-0077.
   
• Special 2026 programming: Retro Wednesdays screen double-feature nostalgic movies like “Sixteen Candles” and “The Goonies” May-August. Check Stardust’s website for up-to-date screenings.

Macon Drive-In in Lafayette, Tennessee is the second-oldest continuously operated summer drive-in theater in Tennessee. The atmosphere is full of hometown, drive-in magic. 

• Street address: 3570 Scottsville Rd, Lafayette, TN, 37083
   
• Number of screens: 1 screen for a single feature each night
   
• 2026 operating season and showtimes: Follow The Macon Drive-In Facebook for details
   
• Admission:
  $6 – ages 10 and up
  $3 – ages 5-9
  Free – ages 4 and under
   
• Payment methods: Cash only at the ticket booth; Venmo, cash and CashApp are access
   
• On-site concessions: Concessions include cheese curds, chicken sandwiches, chicken strips, cheeseburgers and hamburgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, nachos, popcorn and fries.

The Pink Cadillac Drive-In Theater is a family-owned and operated movie theater that has been a staple in Centerville, Tennessee for more than 75 years. You can watch a double-feature for one price in the comfort of your own car.

• Street address: 2506 TN-100, Centerville, TN 37033
   
• Number of screens: 1 screen, double feature
   
• 2026 operating season: Typically March-December. Follow Pink Cadillac Drive-In’s Facebook page for updated information.
   
• 2026 showtimes: Monday, Friday-Sunday. Showtimes vary. Box office opens 7 p.m.
   
• Admission: $10/adult; free for kids 12 and under
   
• Payment methods: Cash or credit card
   
• On-site concessions: Yes, concessions are available onsite and include cheeseburgers, popcorn, soft drinks, nachos, chili cheese dogs and lemonade.
   
• FM radio frequency: 98.5 FM
   
• Outside food/cooler policy: No outside food/drink
   
• Pet policy: Well-behaved dogs are allowed, but must remain on a leash and be picked up after.
   
• ADA information: Please call 931-729-2386 for ADA details.
   
• Special 2026 programming: Pink Cadillac Drive-In hosts horror and family-friendly, not-so-spooky movies in October as well as Christmas classic movies in December.

Montana Drive-In Theater in Estill Springs, Tennessee is about 71 miles from Chattanooga and 85 miles near Nashville. You can even rent out the drive-in for private screenings and birthday parties. Montana Drive-In Theater is one of the best family-friendly drive-in movie theaters in the state.

• Street address: 10251 Tullahoma Highway Estill Springs, TN 37330
   
• Number of screens: 3
   
• 2026 operating season: Open year-round and all holidays except Christmas Eve.
   
• 2026 showtimes
  Summer hours: 7-11:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 6:30-11:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday
  Winter hours: 7-11:30 p.m. Thursday; 6:30-11:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday
   
• Admission: Pricing per person. Tickets are only purchased through the onsite ticket booth.
  $8 – 12 years old and up
  $7 – 11 years old and under
  Free – ages 2 and under
   
• Payment methods: All major credit cards, CashApp Pay, and cash. If paying with card, you will be charged an additional $1.
   
• On-site concessions: Yes, a full restaurant menu is offered with funnel cake, popcorn and hamburgers. Check Montana Drive-In’s Facebook page for movie themed drinks and specials.
   
• FM radio frequency:
  Screen 1: 87.9 FM
  Screen 2: 93.7 FM
  Screen 3: 103.9 FM
   
• Outside food/cooler policy: No outside food or drinks are allowed unless you buy a food permit pass when you buy your tickets at the ticket booth.
   
• Pet policy: Pets are welcome. They must be leashed at all times and are not permitted inside the concessions building.
   
• ADA information: Send a note to Montana Drive-In staff via the online contact form to inquire about ADA information.
   
• Special 2026 programming or events: The drive-in hosts concerts, movie character meet-and-greet events, and specials like a carload special that includes discounted tickets for three or more passengers per car.

The Sparta Drive-In in Sparta, Tennessee is set against the mountains and is about 96 miles near Nashville. The restored and classic drive-in screens family-friendly movies. Before the movie, kids can play on the playground and enjoy throwing a football, flying disc or playing a quick soccer game.

• Street address: 220 Roberts Matthews Hwy, Sparta, TN 38583
   
• Number of screens: 1
   
• 2026 operating season: March 1 – Oct. 31
   
• 2026 showtimes: Gates open 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Movies begin at dusk.
   
• Admission: Pricing per person
  $10 – ages 12 and up
  $5 – ages 4-11
  Free – ages 3 and under
  $5 – Radio rentals
   
• Payment methods: Cash and credit/debit cards only for admission and concessions (Discover, Visa and MasterCard)
   
• On-site concessions: Yes, grilled cheese, chili hotdogs, cheeseburgers, chicken nuggets, loaded nachos, taco fries, Texas cheese fries, ice cream, soda floats and snow cones, plus candy, popcorn and soft drinks are some of the concessions available. Throw blankets, bug spray and glo bracelets and necklaces are available for purchase.
   
• FM radio frequency: 88.1 FM
   
• Outside food/cooler policy: Outside food and drinks are not allowed. Alcohol is prohibited.
   
• Pet policy: Pets are allowed on the lot. Pets must be leashed at all times and under control at all times. Pets are not allowed around the concession area or playground. Pets are to be walked to the back of the lot to potty. Refunds are not given if you have to leave because of your pet.
   
• ADA information: Call 931-739-8001 or email SpartaDriveIn@live.com for ADA information.
   
• Special 2026 programming or events: Costumed movie characters for special theme nights and Halloween-themed movies with costume contests and pumpkin carving contests are hosted throughout the year.

Parkway Drive-In in Maryville, Tennessee is located about 24 miles from Sevierville. The 1950s-themed drive-in offers a double feature Friday and Saturday nights at an affordable price.

• Street address: 2909 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy Maryville, TN 37804
   
• Number of screens: 1
   
• 2026 operating season: April to November
   
• 2026 showtimes: Fridays and Saturdays. Gates open at 7 p.m. and movies begin about 40 minutes after sunset.
   
• Admission pricing: Per person
  $10 – ages 13 and up
  $5 – ages 5-12
  Free – ages 4 and under
  $3 – radio rentals
   
• Payment methods: Cash only at the ticket booth. Cash, credit and debit cards are accepted at the concession stand.
   
• On-site concessions: Yes, concessions include patty melts on Texas toast, grilled chicken sandwiches, grilled cheeses, hot dogs and chicken strips as well as cookies, candy and popcorn.
   
• FM radio frequency: 100.9 FM
   
• Outside food/cooler policy: No outside food or drinks are allowed.
   
• Pet policy: Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.
   
• ADA information: Email tndriveinmovies@yahoo.com or call 865-379-9865
   
• Special 2026 programming or events: A flea market is hosted every Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring handmade and home grown goods, household items and clothing.

Twin City Drive-In Theater & Campgrounds in Bristol, Tennessee features bright and clear digital production. A double feature is shown Fridays and Saturdays, letting you make the most of your movie night under the stars.

• Street address: 2512 Volunteer Pkwy Bristol, TN 37620
   
• Number of screens: 1
   
• 2026 operating season: Weekends during the spring and fall and Friday-Sunday during the summer.
   
• 2026 showtimes: Friday-Sunday. Movies start at 8:30 p.m.
   
• Admission pricing: Per person
  $10 – ages 11 and up
  $5 – ages 5-10
  Free – ages 4 and under
   
• Payment methods: Cash only
   
• On-site concessions: Yes, concessions include pizza by the slice or whole pie, popcorn, nachos with cheese and/or chili, soft drinks, candy and hot dogs.
   
• FM radio frequency: 102.9 FM
   
• ADA information: Call 423-764-8033 for accessibility information.

Enjoy double-feature screenings on the big outdoor screen at Swingin’ Midway Drive-In in Athens, Tennessee, located about 59 miles north near Chattanooga. Grab dinner at the snack bar, let the kids expel energy on the giant playground featuring a swings, a giant slide and jungle gym, and settle in to watch a movie the old-fashioned way.

• Street address: 2133 TN-30, Athens, TN 37303
   
• Number of screens: 3
   
• 2026 operating season: Weekends March-late fall
   
• 2026 showtimes: Movies begin at dusk Fridays and Saturdays.
   
• Admission pricing: Per person
  $10 – ages 12 and up
  $5 – ages 4-11
  Free – ages 3 and under
   
• Payment methods: Cash, debit and credit cards
   
• On-site concessions: Yes. Concessions include fried Oreos, funnel cake fries, soft pretzels, pizza, cheeseburgers and hotdogs.
   
• FM radio frequency: The FM frequency is announced for each screen onsite at the ticket gate.
   
• Outside food/cooler policy: Purchase a $10 Food Pass to bring in outside food and drinks.
   
• Pet policy: Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Pets are not allowed in the snack bar.
   
• ADA information: Service animals as defined and certified by ADA are allowed. Call 423-263-2632 for additional ADA information.
   
• Special 2026 programming or events: Retro film nights and car meets are hosted throughout the year.

Have a movie night full of nostalgia at the oldest continuously operating Stateline Drive-In in Elizabethton, Tennessee. The family-owned drive-in theater has been a local tradition since 1947.

• Street address: 3682 U.S. 19E, Elizabethton, TN. 37643
   
• Number of screens: 1
   
• 2026 operating season: Mid-May to mid-September
   
• 2026 showtimes: Friday-Sunday. Open times and showtimes vary. Check the website for details.
   
• Admission pricing: Per person
  $8 – ages 12 and older
  $5 – ages 11 and under
   
• Payment methods: Cash only
   
• On-site concessions: Yes, concessions include popcorn, candy soft drinks, Dr. Enuf slushies, nachos, hotdogs, corndogs and ice cream.
   
• FM radio frequency: 96.1 FM
   
• Outside food/cooler policy: No outside food or drinks are allowed.
   
• ADA information: Please call 423-542-5422 to inquire about accessibility details.
   
• Special 2026 programming or events: Nostalgic summer movie screenings and horror movies in the fall.

Set inside a safari park, Tennessee Safari Drive-In entertains moviegoers and animal lovers in Alamo, Tennessee. Tour the Tennessee Safari Park via the drive-thru route and catch a movie on the big screen outdoors.

• Street address: 618 Conley Rd Alamo, TN 38001
   
• Number of screens: 1
   
• 2026 operating season: Select weekends throughout the year. Check Tennessee Safari Drive-In’s Facebook for updates.
   
• 2026 showtimes: Fridays and Saturdays. Movies begin at dark. Check Tennessee Safari Drive-In’s Facebook page for showtimes.
   
• Admission pricing: Per person
  $12 – ages 13 and up
  $10 – ages 2-12
  Free – under 2 years old
   
• Payment methods: Cash only
   
• On-site concessions: Yes, popcorn and soft drinks.
   
• FM radio frequency: 98.5 FM
   
• Outside food/cooler policy: Outside food and drinks are not allowed.
   
• Pet policy: Pets are not allowed.
   
• ADA information: Flat, gravel surface with flat surface access to the concession stand. For additional ADA information, please call 731-696-4423.
   
• Special 2026 programming or events: Events full of nostalgia and recent movie releases are shown throughout the summer. Classic Christmas movies are shown as part of the drive-thru Christmas Under the Stars at Tennessee Safari Park.

After your road trip, enjoy an ice cream cone in fun flavors like cotton candy and birthday cake at the family-owned Shop Springs Creamery. Savor a full meal at Depot Junction Cafe featuring Southern favorites like fried catfish. Browse the local boutique The Local Collective for something sparkly and new before enjoying a movie at Stardust Drive-In Theatre. 

Before you pull in, browse the many boutiques in downtown Lafayette like 615 Boutique for the latest in women’s fashion, Mert’s Gift Gallery full of home goods and locally made items, and Shelby’s Antiques & Upholstery for timeless finds.

Extend your visit in Centerville with a scenic kayak float in the afternoon on the Duck River, followed by hunting for antiques at the Centerville Antique Mall & Auction House, Joy of the Hunt antique store and the Centerville Marketplace.

You can have a full day of fun near Montana Drive-In Theater including steaks and cocktails at One22West and a tour the Beechcraft Heritage Museum, a unique aviation museum and hangar that traces the lineage of Beechcraft.

Before you pull into the Sparta Drive-In, explore downtown Sparta where one of the first micro-breweries in Tennessee is located, a collective of 86 farmers, 12 bakers and a milling team are found at The Farmers Storehouse, and brick oven pizza at Marioochi’s Pizzeria.

Before your drive-in movie at Parkway Drive-In, browse the beautiful, Southern home accents at J. Danforth Mercantile from art prints to scarves and books. Then, dig into rustic and elegant Southern dishes at The Walnut Kitchen, featuring regional ingredients. 

Before you pull in, head to downtown Athens, Tennessee to enjoy the self-guided, walkable Quilt Trail displayed on historic storefronts. Buy a one-of-a-kind souvenir at The Lantern, where a number of artisans are located under one roof.

Soak in the scenery and snap a photo at the Doe River Covered Bridge and browse the 30 retailers found on Elizabethton’s main street before showtime at Stateline Drive-In.

Take a photo while you’re in two states at once along State Street. Grab a bite to eat at the eclectic 620 State for bison burgers, pizza and tamales.

Get to Alamo, Tennessee a few hours early to experience the drive-thru Tennessee Safari Park where you can see exotic animals and feed them. Enjoy local Mexican and American favorites at The SPOT Eatery in nearby Bells, Tennessee before heading to Tennessee Safari Drive-In.

Arrive in Camden, Tennessee in the early morning or afternoon to enjoy a cruise on Kentucky Lake. Then, enjoy a dinner of tacos, burgers and more Finish Line Diner.