These Drive-in Movies in Houston Will Be a Fun Ride

Depending on how old you are you might have a unique relationship with drive-in movies. Some may have been going to them ever since they were teens back in high school, while others have only seen the concept in movies or stories told to them by older generations, as they aren’t as popular anymore thanks to the rise of indoor movie theater chains like AMC Theatres and Cinemark. 

The first ever drive-in movie was recorded to have opened in the 1910’s but it wasn’t until Richard Hollingshead patented the idea in the 1930’s that it really started to hit its groove. Drive-ins are a uniquely fun movie-going experience, for one you have the privacy of staying in your own car to watch the movie where you can talk (or not talk) as  much as you’d like. You’re able to bring your own food, adjust the volume how you want to, and not have to deal with strangers should you not want to. 

We think everyone should experience the drive-in movie atmosphere at least once because it could become a new family and friend tradition! Although they aren’t as popular as they were in the 50’s and 60’s, drive-ins are still very much a thing and if you’re in the Houston area wanting to check one out you’ve come to the right place.

• The Current Landscape of Drive-In Movies at Houston

But like all things there are changes that happened to the traditional “drive-in” format over the years. There is currently only one permanent drive-in movie operating in Houston as of 2024, which we will talk about below, the other known one is the  Showboat Drive In, which is moving to a new location and will be open sometime in 2025-2026. 

So we thought just like the ever-changing landscape of drive-in theaters we would talk about outside movie theaters. These are often flat grassy areas where you can bring camping chairs and blankets while watching on an outdoor projector screen  under the stars. These outdoor theaters have grown in popularity especially in Houston when the weather is getting cool enough now to be comfortable outside enjoying a show with your favorite people.

Today we’re talking all about drive-in movies in Houston and outdoor theaters, in the past we’ve talked about Drive In Gift Cards (And Other Items for a Drive In Movie), which have some great ideas to make the drive-in experience one to remember. 

• GiftYa Can Elevate Your Drive-in Movie To New Heights

One way you’ll discover throughout this article that can elevate your drive-in movie experience is through things you can take with you and get after the movie. You can get take out from your favorite restaurant when you’re headed home or buy blankets from your local retailer, and GiftYa can help you out. GiftYa is a website and mobile app that sells digital gift cards to lots of businesses all over the country like restaurants, famous retailers, department stores, online subscription services and shops, spas, hotels, airlines, and more. You can send your bestie a GiftYa gift card before heading out on your drive-in movie date!

MoonStruck Drive-in

This drive-in movie in Houston shows the latest blockbuster hits, old classics, concerts, and comedy shows!

📍 100 Bringhurst St | Houston | moonstruckdrivein.com

Moonstruck Drive-in is right across the way from East River 9 Golf Course and it plays movies rain or shine- (if there are bigger storms that should be taken with caution, they will wait to show movies when it is safe). Like we said in the intro, they are currently the only operating drive-in movie theater at the moment so this is a big treat!

They use a Barco 4K DLP projection on a 60 foot wide scope ratio screen which means you’ll get a great view of the movie from inside your car or from sitting with your trunk door wide open. They broadcast the audio of the media via FM radio transmission which means you’ll get told what station to turn into so you can hear the showing properly. 

Unfortunately if you want to bring your own outside food it is prohibited at Moonstruck as they get a lot of their income based through concession sales, but you’ll be happy to hear they sell a variety of popcorn, drinks, snacks, and candy along with rotating food trucks every Saturday. Moonstruck tickets go for $33 per car and times for movies or shows playing will be available via their website or social media.

“Went for a work employee event with a friend & I really enjoyed how spacious it was with multiple screens! They had a food truck & a beautiful view of the downtown skyline!” -Yelp Review

Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown

This is the “ultimate open-air cinema experience” where you won’t want to leave!

📍 1700 Post Oak Blvd | Houston | rooftopcinemaclub.com

We’re introducing outside movie theaters with a well loved one, the Rooftop Cinema Club! Rooftop Cinema Club is not just an outdoor theater but a whole experience. Come early to play games with the views of the city in the background, grab a drink and a snack before the movie starts (or during), then put on your personalized headphones where you’ll be able to adjust the volume to your liking before sitting back to watch the movie. They do a range of movies, from cult classics to new releases, so you’ll be able to catch a movie with your loved ones with the community of Houston by your side. And hey who knows, you might even meet new friends! 

In Houston Rooftop Cinema Club is located on the fifth level of the Blvd Place Parking Garage right above the Whole Foods there. Free parking is available on the 4th and 5th floor so you won’t have to worry about any parking headaches while you enjoy your time on the rooftop. They have their own seats that are made for outdoor lounging (they even have the option for heating seating!)

Tickets range from $21.00 to $24.00 or $30.00 for the two-person heated loveseat and warm drink bundle. Watch your favorite movies with Houston in the background at Rooftop Cinema Club.

“Amazing experience for a date night. Come early to play games such as corn hole, connect 4 and others. Lots of adult beverage choices too. It's a throwback to my youth and drive-ins but easier to get to and better views.” -Yelp Review

Movie Night in Helix Park

Unwind from the work week and watch a movie with your favorite people at your favorite park!

📍 1885 Old Spanish Trail | Houston | helixpark.com

Instead of having movie showings constantly like MoonStruck and Rooftop Cinema, Movie Night in Helix Park is more of an “event” for Houston natives and visitors as they will announce showings every couple weeks of movies. You can always keep updated by visiting the Helix Park Event webpage where they will announce their next outdoor movie night and state where you can register to save your seat. 

You’ll find showings normally at their TMC3 Collaborative Building in Helix Hall with doors opening a half hour before for concessions, you and all the family (including the kiddos) are welcome to join in. 

Tickets are free and they suggest arriving a little early to get your spot and that you bring blankets to sit on as they don’t have any seating arrangement available. There’s even sometimes fun games and events taking place before the movie organized by Helix and friends for you to enjoy. And for parking you will use the surface level lot located at 1885 Old Spanish Trail where you can use the code “TMC3” to validate 2 hours of parking.

Movies Under the Stars by Downtown Houston+

Experience movies in two of Houston’s favorite parks!

Downtown Houston+ is the online resource to go to find out current happenings and upcoming events planned in Downtown Houston. They have guides for newcomers exploring the city for the first time, places to dine at, nightlife, public art, museum recommendations, and of course the occasional Movie Under the Stars at two of their parks: Trebly and Market Square.

Movies Under the Stars at Trebly Park

📍 1515 Fannin St | Houston | downtownhouston.org

Trebly Park in Houston is located right across the street from the Slow Drip TX coffee shop which is a favorite amongst Houston locals. Trebly Park is Houston’s newest “green space” first opening up in January of 2023. Here you’ll find an all-day café that serves food and drinks seven days a week, art installations, outdoor seating, pet-friendly areas, and of course: movie nights! 

Movies Under the Stars presents select movies at Trebly Park frequently and you can find more information about which movies are upcoming through the Downtown Houston+ Trebly Park page and Eventbrite. It’s a free event for all members of the family to enjoy, and they show a combination of both new and old movies. You can get take-out from a local restaurant and bring a blanket to sit and enjoy the movie while eating Houston’s finest.

Movies Under the Stars at Market Square Park

📍 301 Milam St | Houston | downtownhouston.org

Market Square Park is located right across the street from the restaurant Hearsay Market Square and is the second location for Movies Under the Stars presented by Downtown Houston+. Unlike Trebly Park, Market Square has been a part of Houston since its beginning and has been transformed into the “green space” that it is now in the 1970s. 

Today the park houses public art shows, pop-up farmer’s markets, a place for dogs to run around, and movie nights. Just like for Trebly: Movies Under the Stars presents select movies at Market Square Park frequently, and you can find more information about which movies are upcoming through the Downtown Houston+ Market Square Park page and Eventbrite. It’s a free event for all members of the family to enjoy, they show a combination of both new and old movies. You can get take-out from a local restaurant and bring a blanket to sit and enjoy the movie.

Movie Night at Levy Park

Free fun-filled family movie nights with themes! 

3801 Eastside St | Houston | levyparkhouston.org

On a semi-regular basis Levy Park hosts movie nights normally with a fun theme surrounding the holiday season or something specific. They recently had “Movie Night with Modern Animal” where they showed a funny mockumentary called ‘Best in Show’ to people and their furry friends who were also invited.

Levy Park is right across from Avenue Grove and has food trucks along with two restaurants: The Hearsay and Gaspachos Mexican Bites. You can’t bring outside food but you won’t need to thanks to their in-house food and drink options for you and your pet. You can learn about more upcoming movie night events on the Levy Park website.

Movie Nights on Skylawn by POST Houston

With city views in the background and the gathering of community- what more could you need?

📍 401 Franklin St | Houston | posthtx.com

And finally we have Movie Nights on Skylawn at POST Houston which features films both new and old every one to two months. The Skylawn is a rooftop located at POST Houston and there are plenty of things going on year round, including of course movie nights. There’s nothing quite like the views when you’re visiting the Skylawn. This rooftop park features culture, food, and recreational activities to make this your new favorite hang-out spot. You can see upcoming movie night events on the POST Houston website.

“Beautiful outdoor space. Lots of room to spread out and to look at the beautiful skyline. They have restrooms upstairs as well. Took the stairs all the way up (maybe take the elevator it needed). Lots of different seating opportunities.” -Yelp Review

For before the Drive-in: A Target Gift Card

Grab your movie-going essentials before the big show!

Buy A Target Gift Card

When you’re headed to the drive-in or even an outdoor theater it’s good to have the essentials with you so you can be comfy while you’re enjoying the movie. Target is a popular American retail chain that sells just a bit of everything. And they will surely have things to help you enjoy the outdoor theater experience like camping chairs, blankets, portable heaters, solar chargers, warming pads, mini fans, and a snack or two.

And if you’re shopping last minute and need things fast but can’t get out to the store or don’t have time to go inside, you’ll love shopping online with your new gift card as they have super fast shipping and even offer same day pick up on certain items!

You can Purchase a GiftYa Gift Card to Target here!

For after the drive-in: A DoorDash Gift Card

When you’re done with the movie, have food waiting by your doorstep to save time on cooking!

Text A DoorDash Gift Card

A lot of the time when you go out for a while, all you want to do is go home, but movies are long and if all you’ve had to eat was popcorn and candy you’re going to be in the mood for a big meal. So that’s why we recommend DoorDash which is an online food ordering and delivery service. 

You can pick your favorite dish(es) from your favorite restaurant(s) and get it delivered right to your door as you’re headed home. So that means instead of delaying your snuggle time on your couch for food, you can go home and open up your take out to enjoy. And if you sign up for DoorDash you can get free delivery for your first order which will be great for after the drive-in!

You can Purchase a GiftYa Gift Card to DoorDash here!

Although there’s only one real “drive-in movie” in Houston at the moment (more to come), the outdoor movie experience is just getting started and there’s a lot of fun to be had at all of these places in one of Texas’ best!