While going to the movies may soon become obsolete with the rise of on-demand movies, there are still 335 drive-in movie theaters operating in the United States today, and Colorado is home to eight of them. Find out where you can bask in the blankets of starts while watching the stars on the big screen with these drive-ins in Colorado.
From Fort Collins to Denver, and beyond into the Rockies, you’ll find classic drive-in movie theaters in some of the best places in Colorado. Because these movie theatres are outdoor, they are naturally closed in the winter.
Here are the remaining drive-in movie theaters in Colorado, in no particular order:
88 Drive-in Theatre
As the last original drive-in in the Denver Metro area, 88 Drive-in Theatre has been showing movies to the community since 1972. The dedicated staff is all about giving their customers the best outdoor movie experience with their large screen, high-end digital projector, and 35mm film ability. There are always three features and an admission fee of $9 (free for children 12 and under) to see one or all three. So, pull up and take a car seat and enjoy the latest flick and delicious snacks from their historic Snackbar.
- Where: 8780 Rosemary St., Commerce City, CO
- Hours of operation: rain or shine, closed in winter, 7:00 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 6:00 p.m. Friday – Saturday
- Closed in the winter.
Holiday Twin Drive-in
A family tradition that lives on, the Holiday Twin Drive-in has been around since the late 1960s and is still owned and operated by the family who bought the drive-in in 1979. With two movie screens and two features a night, there is plenty to see! Find special screenings and major releases with their double feature line-up. Located near the Horsetooth Reservoir, guests who get there a little early will enjoy the mountain views before the sun goes down.
- Where: 2206 S. Overland Trail, Fort Collins, CO
- Hours of operation: Sunday – Saturday, show starts at dark
- Closes in the winter.
Mesa Drive-in
The Mesa Drive-in in Pueblo is one of the state’s longest-standing drive-ins, dating back to its opening in 1951. Movie-goers will be able to choose from three different screens, each playing a double feature. Enjoy an extended menu selection that includes, not just popcorn, but burgers, burritos, hot dogs, and more. Don’t feel like waiting for your food? Call ahead and place your order so it’s waiting for you when you arrive. Admission is $10 for viewing of two featured movies.
- Where: 2625 Santa Fe Dr., Pueblo, CO
- Hours of operation: Sunday – Saturday, show starts at dark
- Closes in the winter.
Denver Mart Drive-in
While it may not be a historic drive-in, it certainly is the most convenient for those who live in the city of Denver. Opening in 2015, the Denver Mart Drive-in operates as Denver’s urban outdoor theatre, complete with its digital projection system casting onto the largest outdoor screen in the area. And if that isn’t enough, tune your car into FM transmission for the clearest sound and enhanced movie viewing pleasure. Be sure to also indulge in some favorite movie-time snacks plus beer is available for those 21 and older.
- Where: 451 E. 58th Ave., Denver, CO
- Hours of operation: gates open at 7:00 p.m., Sunday – Saturday
- The season runs Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Tru Vu Drive-in
Tru Vu Drive-in is a small-town drive-in that offers welcoming hospitality and charm, all under a beautiful blanket of stars. Located off CO-92, near the Gunnison River in Delta, CO, there isn’t much light pollution to worry about, with only the night sky to guide the way. Its retro red sign reminds guests of its original roots dating back to 1955. Owned and operated by Delta Theatres LLC (also operate the historic Egyptian Theatre), they strive to offer first-run movies. One screen offers a double feature for $8.50 per person and concessions are also available to complete the drive-in experience.
- Where: 1001 CO-92, Delta, CO
- Hours of operation: Friday, Saturday, and Sundays, movies starting at dusk
- Closed in the winter.
Comanche Drive-in
Take in both the movie scenes and mountain scenes at the Comanche Drive-in in Buena Vista, CO. Family owned and operated since 1966, it still stands today as the highest drive-in in elevation within, the United States. Hight-tech advancements over the years like FM radio sound and a new 4K digital projection, all enhance the drive-in movie experience. Enjoy top box office hits and old classics, with classic movie concessions for a night at the movies, under the stars.
- Where: 27784 Co Rd 339, Buena Vista, CO
- Hours of operation: Friday – Tuesday, showtime at dusk
- Closed in the winter.
Star Drive-in Theatre
The nostalgic tradition of drive-in movie theatre comes to life at the Star Drive-in Theatre. This family-owned and operated theatre has been in operation for over 70 years and doesn’t show any signs of stopping. Catch the latest flicks with their double feature, for only $8.50, but don’t walk away without having tried their world-famous cheeseburgers and homemade fries.
- Where: 600 E Miami Rd., Montrose, CO
- Hours of operation: Saturdays and Sundays, box office opens 45 minutes before dusk
- Closed for the winter.
Best Western Movie Manor
Who says you need to go home after the movies? The Best Western Movie Manor, in Monte Vista, is a hotel, attached to the historic Star Drive-in, where viewers can either choose to enjoy the feature from their car or their hotel room. Book a night at the Movie Manor and sit back and watch the latest flick from your bed, with built-in surround sound, be rest assured you won’t miss a thing! Be sure to also pop on over to the historic concession stands and enjoy some classic movie snacks. Choose from two screens, each with their own features.
- Where: 2830 US Highway 160 West, Monte Vista, CO
- Hours of operation: Saturday – Sunday, the ticket office opens 45 minutes before dusk.
- Closed in the winter.
Bonus – Blue Starlite Drive-in
While not a permanent drive-in, the Blue Starlite Drive-in is a unique pop-up creating an entirely new movie experience. Named “one of the coolest outdoor movie theatres in the world” by Conde Nast, the Blue Starlite Drive-in is an urban boutique drive-in movie theatre. Take in both the scenery and the movies at its pop-up location in Minturn. This pop-up drive-in theatre is small, only offering spots for up to 50 cars, each show. There is one screen that plays only classic movies, including Grease, Goonies, Princess Bride, and others. No concessions are provided, and advanced ticket purchases are suggested.
- Where: 801 Ed6, Minturn, CO
- Hours of operation: various dates in July and August
- Closed in the winter.
Skip a night of Netflix and enjoy your next flick from the big screen!
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