The Best Drive Ins In Maine 🎥 🚙 [Ultimate Guide]

There are few things more nostalgic or enjoyable that you can do than a summer or fall night at a drive-in theater. However, drive-ins are becoming more and more scarce these days. So if you are in Maine and you are hoping to enjoy the classic drive-in cinema experience and aren’t sure where to go, not to worry. Today we have a list of all 5 of the currently operating drive-in theaters in Maine so hopefully there’s one near you so you can get out and enjoy a great movie under the stars. 

Of course a movie under the stars isn’t complete with great snacks and cold drinks to go with it, and you can find wonderful concessions at every drive-in on the list today. The great thing about drive-ins is that they are usually much cheaper per person than a traditional movie theater, the concessions are usually more reasonably priced, and you often get a double feature for the price you pay. On special occasions sometimes drive-ins in Maine will even do a triple feature on Friday and Saturday nights. So be sure to check out the schedule of all the upcoming showings and events if you enjoy your night out at any of Maine's incredible drive-ins.

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But that’s enough about GiftYas, let’s get right to that list of incredible drive-in theaters in Maine that brought you here today!!!

1 - The Saco Drive-In

Nostalgic Drive-In on the Eastern Side of the State

980 Portland Rd | Saco | thesacodrivein.com

The drive-in movie experience might not be as common these days as it was in the past, but that doesn't mean that it has disappeared completely. In fact there are still plenty of amazing drive-ins you can find around the state of Maine. And one of the absolute best ones you can find is the Saco Drive-In Theater. It’s over on the eastern side of the state a little ways north of Biddeford. And they really strive to offer you the opportunity to take a step back in time to enjoy a classic movie-watching experience. In fact they are one of the oldest drive-in theaters in the entire country. Which makes them a bit of a historical landmark themselves. They show incredible movies all season long, and offer a double feature almost every night of the week. So not only are you going to get a great movie to watch, but you’re actually going to get to see 2 movies cheaper than you would be able to see a single movie at a traditional sit down theater. 

But there are some important things you might want to know before you plan your trip to the Saco Theater. But try to keep in mind that grills, fires, and firearms are absolutely not permitted on their premises. You can purchase tickets in advance or you can buy them at the gate, but they are sold on a first come first serve basis. So if it’s a movie you really want to see I would be sure to order the tickets in advance. You can get all kinds of great food and drinks at the concession stand, and there are of course on-site bathrooms for everyone to use.

But as long as you keep all that in mind when planning your night out at the Saco Theater then I have no doubt you will have an incredible night watching a movie under the stars!

“Who doesn't like a drive-in? This place is great! $20 for a full car and you get to watch a double feature! That is really an unbeatable deal!! Concession is fairly priced and is clean and the staff is friendly! A very favorite spot for me and my kids!” - Yelp Review 

2 - Prides Corner Drive-In Theatre

Best Drive In Theater That Is Right By Portland

651 Bridgton Rd | Westbrook | facebook.com/PridesCornerDriveIn

Prides Corner Drive-On is located in the south eastern part of the state. Which means it’s one of the drive-ins that is more accessible if you live in the southern part of Maine. In fact it’s pretty close to Portland which is the largest city in the whole state. So I think when it comes to commuting, this will probably be the easiest drive-in theater for most of you to reach. 

Since there are so many people in Portland, there is going to be more competition for tickets at this theater than there is going to be at some of the other drive-ins on the list. So be sure to get your tickets in advance if it’s a movie you are really dying to see. And like most drive-ins they always offer a double feature on Friday and Saturday night so if you are looking to get out of the city and enjoy a night in the fresh air under the stars while watching a great movie then Prides Corner Drive-In is going to be the drive-in theater in Maine for you!

“A wonderful place near Portland for a night out to watch one or two movies. I have been going here for years and am so glad to have this Drive In continue. You can sit outside next to your car or in your car tuning the radio in to listen and watch the movie. The first night of the season was excellent. Two great movies and food and drinks you can buy to enjoy. The French fires and pop corn are the best.” - Yelp Review 

3 - Bridgton Twin Drive-In Theatre

The Oldest Drive-In Theater In the Whole State

383 Portland Rd | Bridgton | facebook.com/Bridgton-Twin-Drive-In-Theatre

Maine's oldest continuous seasonally operated drive-in theater, opened in 1957 and has been running every summer since. And that is a crazy streak of success when you think of all the economic turmoil, recessions, and pandemics that their business has weatherred for nearly 70 years now. 

No business stays open for 70 years because they aren’t providing a great experience for their guests. The theatre is in the sort of southwestern part of the state so it’s great for anybody who lives far from the coast who still wants to spend a relaxing night out in nature while watching an incredible movie or a double feature on the weekends!

“Five stars for a place that evokes nostalgia for something I never did as a kid. As far as I'm concerned this is a great drive in movie theater. Popcorn prices were reasonable and the staff were really friendly and attentive, what more could you want?” - Yelp Review 

4 - Skylite Drive-In

The Drive-In Theater That Is Furthest North in Maine

304 11th Ave | Madawaska | facebook.com/Skylite-Drive-In

Built in 1973 this drive-in is the only operating drive-in north of Bangor. They hold the claim of being the northernmost drive-in east of the Mississippi River. So if you aren’t down by Portland or the southern part of Maine, and you still want to enjoy a classic moviegoing experience at a fantastic drive-in theater, then the Skylite Drive-In is going to be the drive-in in Maine for you. 

Shows start at dusk and there is an extensive menu of good food and treats to keep you satisfied while watching the featured presentation. Between the great concession, the fair prices, and the easy accessibility, I have no doubt you’ll have an amazing night watching movies at the Skylite Drive-In Theater!

“Excellent. I brought my 7 year old twins and 16 month old, everyone enjoyed the show. A nice summer night, watching a movie under the stars is so much better than a traditional movie theatre. Clean, affordable, friendly, and easy going. It's like taking a walk back in time. We are already planning our next trip back!” - Google Review 

5 - Narrow Gauge Cinemas

Most Affordable Drive-In In Maine

15 Front St | Farmington | narrowgaugecinema.net/narrow-gauge-drive-in

Unlike your traditional movie theater, or even some other drive-ins, at Narrow Gauge Cinemas you don’t buy a ticket for each person individually. Instead you can bring a whole cardload of people to watch movies for only $20. And when you consider they are often showing a double-feature it is by far the most cost effective way to watch movies in the whole state! 

They even throw in a large popcorn and two large soft drinks for the $20 you pay to get in. But obviously there are some restrictions. You can’t bring a pickup truck with 15 people piled in the bed and still expect to pay just $20. Same thing with large passenger vans. The general rule is that the $20 covers people who have their own seat. Specifically their own seatbelt. But I mean the price is already so generous that there’s no need to try to break the system and rip them off. 

You’ll get the bang for your buck even when you follow their guidelines. And at that price, this is the best drive-in theater in Maine if you are planning a group night out with friends or if you want to take the whole family to the movies one Friday night!

“clean, comfortable, and reasonably priced. My out of state guest are always pleasantly surprised. Their small drive in theater is great fun ” - Yelp Review 4

And That’s All 5 of the Incredible Drive-In Theaters That Are Still Running Strong in Maine Today!

And there you have a complete list of every drive-in theater in Maine that is still operating. Unfortunately drive-ins are becoming less and less common these days and it can be hard to find a convenient one for a night out. But the incredible thing about many of these drive-ins in Maine is that they have been operating for over 50 or 60 years at this point. I think that kind of longevity really speaks to what an enjoyable experience a night out at a quality drive-in theater can be. 

Just imagine all the ups and downs these theaters have gone through. And they’re still here providing classic entertainment to families, couples, and everybody else who wants to enjoy a great movie under the stars on a warm summer night. With the amazing concessions and great prices you might just find that the drive-in is the perfect place to enjoy the latest summer blockbusters and special double and triple features. So I implore you to give it a try if you never have before, and whether you have been before or not, please support these independently owned historic businesses before it’s too late!