The Best Drive In Theaters in Pittsburgh

Main image courtesy of Travel South Dakota. 

Drive in movie theaters have a special place in the hearts of lots of Americans. This time-honored tradition of spending time with family and friends and seeing a great show is a part of our culture, and has been around since the 1930s when the first theater was opened in New Jersey. People loved to come to the drive in on a Friday or Saturday night to hang out with friends, go on dates, or just enjoy some quality time with the whole family. Drive in theaters offer viewers the chance to enjoy a movie from the comfort of their car, or in a chair outdoors enjoying the warm weather. It’s also a different way to see a movie, outside under the stars instead of in a dark indoor movie theater. And sometimes you get to see more than one movie for the same price!

A lot of drive in movie theaters have closed during the past decades as new advances in film and sound have made the movie going tradition an immersive experience. While this makes movies more enjoyable than ever, there’s still something special about drive ins. Then in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic saw the closure of many traditional movie theaters, so folks were looking for other options to have fun and stay safe, and drive in movie theaters became very popular once again! This was definitely true in Pittsburgh, where you’ll find a variety of drive in theaters nearby, offering old and new films, as well as themed nights and multiple movies in the same evening.

So if you want to check out a drive in theater in Pittsburgh, you’ve come to the right place because we’re covering:

• The top drive ins in Pittsburgh
• Where you can find these drive ins
• GiftYas you can use to enhance your drive in experience!

Get a GiftYa to accompany your trip to a drive in when you’re in Pittsburgh!

If you’re all set to see a movie at a drive in theater in Pittsburgh, or know someone who is, then why not send them a GiftYa to make the experience all the better? GiftYa is an all digital gift card platform that has over 190,000 merchants for you to choose from. So no matter if you want to send someone a gift card for a national chain where they can stock up on snacks and drinks, or you want to text them a gift card to their favorite local spot for after the show, you can’t go wrong with GiftYa. All you need to do is choose which merchant you want, then pick an amount up to $250, customize it with a video or photo, and text or email it to the recipient! They’ll have access to it immediately, so they can use it on whatever they choose.

Dependable Drive In

Enjoy seeing a movie outdoors at one of the most popular drive ins in Pittsburgh!

📍 549 Moon Clinton Rd. | Coraopolis | dependabledrivein.com

One of the top drive in movie theaters in Pittsburgh is the Dependable Drive In, which has been in business since 1950! You can imagine that any drive in move theater that’s been around for that long must be doing something right, as folks from the Pittsburgh area keep coming back for more each summer. This theater offers a double feature on every screen, which means you get more movie for your buck! You can expect to find all the latest flicks showing on their screens, and they even go all out for holidays with events like the Halloween Spook-Tacular that offers prizes for costumes and car decor.

The snack bar is definitely worth checking out, and here you’ll find more than just popcorn and soda. Once you find your designated parking spot, head over to the snack bar where you’ll find options like hamburgers, chicken tenders, pizza, pretzels, corn dogs, fries, ice cream, funnel cake, and so much more! You can choose to watch the movie in your car with retro speakers or tuned in on the radio, or set up your chairs in front of your car. Either way you’re in for a great time! 

“This was my first drive in experience period, and I was not disappointed! The place was packed for Deadpool and Wolverine, but we were still able to get parked and stock up on snacks before the movie started rolling. Overall it was a very fun experience, and I can't wait to go back!” -Yelp Review

Starlight Drive In

Check out this drive in theater that’s close to Pittsburgh

📍 1985 N Main St Ext | Butler | starlightdrive-in.com

If you’re okay just driving a little north of Pittsburgh, you’ll find the lovely Starlight Drive In that’s ready to show you a fun time. This drive in has three screens, and shows all of your favorite movies while you relax in your car, or sit outdoors in a comfortable chair. And for the price of one admission ticket, you always get access to two movies! That means you can come for the first show, then have a 10 minute break before the second movie starts. This is a great way to enjoy a date night, a fun night out with friends, or bring the whole family.

Outside food is not permitted, so you’ll definitely want to stop by the snack bar. Here you’ll find all your favorite options like nachos, fries, hot pretzels, cold drinks, hot dogs, milk shakes, popcorn, and so much more. On special nights you might even find pulled pork, sausage subs, and Philly cheesesteaks! You can also pick up souvenir hoodies, caps, t-shirts, and a throw rug all sporting the retro Starlight Drive In logo.

Dunkin gift card

Give the gift of a Dunkin’ card for a pre (or post) movie fill up!

Text a Dunkin gift card

Do you know someone who’s headed to a drive in near Pittsburgh who wants to fill up before the show? Then why not send them a Dunkin’ gift card! A lot of drive in movie theaters don’t allow outside snacks and drinks, but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy a coffee or donut before they arrive at the theater. Coffee would be a good option, especially if they plan on staying for both shows, as the movie may end a little late. With a little bit of caffeine, they’ll have no problem enjoying the movies, no matter how long the run times are!

In addition to some of the best coffee around, Dunkin’ also offers deliciously sweet donuts and breakfast sandwiches that are sure to keep them full. This would be a nice option if they don’t want to overspend at the snack bar, and instead enjoy a meal beforehand with their gift card. 

Text a Dunkin gift card

Palace Gardens Drive In

Enjoy watching movies under the stars at this drive in theater near Pittsburgh

📍 225 Indian Springs Rd | Indiana | palacegardensdrivein.com

Another drive in theater near Pittsburgh that’s been around since the 1950s is the Palace Gardens. Located just a little east of Pittsburgh, you’ll find it’s well worth the drive out here when you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Here you’ll enjoy two showings of popular movies for the price of one ticket, which is a great bargain especially if you’re bringing the whole family or a bunch of friends. Before the movie starts, make sure to check out their snack bar, which is packed with all your favorites to enjoy throughout the feature. Here you can pick up popcorn, hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, pizza, and all kinds of treats for your sweet tooth.

The first film always starts at dusk, and you can easily tune in your car radio to hear the movie playing. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

“Great drive in. The best in the area. It has a playground and a large parking area. Great prices for concessions and kids are free!” -Yelp Review

Hilltop Drive In 

This drive in theater is showing all your favorites each season!

📍 Hwy 8 and Hwy 208 | Chester, WV | hilltopdriveintheater.com

Located just 50 minutes from Pittsburgh is the small town of Chester, WV that has one of the best drive in movie theaters in the area—the Hilltop Drive In! Gather the whole family and enjoy double features for the same price on all the latest blockbusters. You can either enjoy the show in your car, or set up chairs in front to really get the outdoor movie theater experience. Before the show starts (or at intermission) head over to the snack bar and pick up all your favorites including popcorn, cold drinks, cheeseburgers, nachos, chili dogs, hot dogs, fries, and even coffee, tea, and hot cocoa for the chillier nights.

Seeing a movie outdoors on the big screen is a great way to spend your Friday or Saturday night, so why not head up to the Hilltop and see which of your favorite movies is playing! 

Target gift card

Email a Target gift card

Do you know someone who loves to try new things, but has never been to a drive in theater in Pittsburgh? Well you can change all that by bringing them to one of these options, and ensuring they have everything they need to enjoy the show! While you can always watch the movie in your car, lots of drive ins also offer folks the chance to sit under the stars in a folding chair in front of their car. If you know someone who could use an upgrade to their outdoor chairs, consider sending them a Target gift card! Here they’ll find all kinds of options when it comes to outdoor furniture that would be perfect to bring to a drive in. They can also stock up on blankets or pillows to make the viewing experience even more comfortable!

Email a Target gift card

Evergreen Drive In

Check out this drive in theater just a short drive from Pittsburgh

📍 309 Drive In Lane | Mt. Pleasant | evergreendrivein.com

Not far from Pittsburgh is the Evergreen Drive In, which is located in Mt. Pleasant. Here you’ll find friendly folks who love showing movies on their huge outdoor screens, and you’ll appreciate the high quality sound and crisp pictures! Like a lot of other Pittsburgh drive ins, your ticket price includes two shows and a fun night out with family and friends. Although typically showing the latest movies on their screens, you may also find some cinema classics shown throughout the summer season as well.

If you get hungry during the shows, not a problem, because you can always stop by their snack bar for items like nachos, popcorn, ice cream, hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, pizza, hoagies, and more. You can listen to the movie on your radio, which ensures you’ll never miss a word, whether you’re seated in the car, or out on a lawn chair under the stars!

“I would highly recommend a trip out to the Evergreen. It was a fantastic evening and I know we will be back.” -Yelp Review

Which Pittsburgh drive in will you visit first?

Although drive in movie theaters might not be as common as they were in decades past, there are still plenty of places you can view the latest flicks outdoors in Pittsburgh. So whether you want to catch up on the latest blockbuster, or you prefer to view one of the classics, you can’t go wrong with a drive in theater experience. And why not amplify it by including a GiftYa to stock up on snacks or other essentials for an unforgettable time at one of these Pittsburgh drive ins!