Everything you need to know about Pittsburgh drive-in movie theaters.
At the height of the drive-in movie craze, Pittsburgh was known as the “drive-in capital”. In 1950, there were over 40 drive-ins located in the Pittsburgh area.
While the drive-in has all but faded from most of our day-to-day entertainment, Pittsburgh and the surrounding area still has many operating drive-in movies.
Take a trip outside the city, and watch a new release, or old favorite under the stars this season.
Dependable Drive-In // Moon Township
The last drive-in in Allegheny County, Moon Township’s Dependable Drive-In saw a surge of visitors when most movie theaters were closed for COVID-19. With four operating screens playing 7 days a week, weekend shows have been selling out as theater-goers head to the big screen in their cars. This is in part due to the theater’s distancing policy, which directs attendees to park further from each other than normal.
Playing new releases, Dependable Drive-In offers new release double features on every screen–arrive early for an optimal spot and watch two movies, screened on after the other. Order from the extensive concession stand menu and get the snacks delivered straight to the car on the drive-in’s new mobile app.
Where: 549 Moon Clinton Road, Moon Township, PA 15108
When: 7 days a week, excluding holidays, year-round
Know Before You Go: $9 for adults, $3 for children (ages 3-11). Credit cards are accepted. Arrive before 7:30 pm on weekends to ensure a spot.
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Evergreen Drive-In // Mt. Pleasant
Opened in 1947, Evergreen Drive-In has three screens have been operating for nearly 75 years. Showing both first-run films and drive-in classics (think Jaws and Ghostbusters), Evergreen follows the double-feature model, pairing like films together for a complimentary viewing experience. With two snack bars on-site, you can find everything from nachos and popcorn to chilled dill pickles to satisfy all your cinematic cravings.
Where: 309 Drive-in Ln, Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania 15666
When: 7 days a week in Spring/Summer
Know Before You Go: $10 for adults, $5 for children (ages 6-11). Cash only at the box office, snack bar takes credit cards. Box office opens at 7:30 pm.
Riverside Drive-In // Vandergrift
Riverside Drive-In has a single screen, and hosts a variety of new and old double features every weekend seasonally. From Twister and Pittsburgh classic Slap Shot to The Invisible Man, in addition to other new releases, this Vandergrift drive-in has the perfect mix of old and new entertainment.
Check Riverside’s Facebook page for updates and last-minute events–the drive-in’s been hosting area high school graduation ceremonies and screening live musical performances.
Where: 1114 Lees Lake Ln, Vandergrift, Pennsylvania
When: Weekends seasonally
Know Before You Go: $10 for adults, $5 for children (age 6-11). Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time or with cash or card at the door. Box office opens at 7:30 pm
Starlight Drive-In // Butler
Formally known as the Pioneer Drive-in, this Butler drive-in plays a mix of classics and new releases on its three screens. A claim to fame for this theater is its weekly Thursday “Carload Nights,” where you’ll pay a flat $16 for a car’s admission instead of individual ticket prices.
In addition to movies, the Starlight Drive-In features an arcade with classic pinball machines and video games, as well as an 18-hole mini-golf course. Order concessions online, or at the stand, and have them delivered to your car during the show.
This season, Starlight has instituted a Take-It, Give-It box, where attendees are encouraged to donate a non-perishable food item if they have any to spare or take an item if they’re in need. Any excess will be donated to local food pantries at the end of the night.
Where: 1985 N. Main Street, Butler, PA
When: April-September, weekends only in the Fall/Spring, all week in peak Summer
Know Before You Go: $8 adults, $4 children (ages 4-11). Box office opens 7:30 pm
Comet Drive-In // Dunbar (near Connellsville)
An hour’s drive from Pittsburgh proper, this single screen drive-in in Dunbar Township plays new release double features. The Comet opened in 1950, and briefly closed its doors in the 1980s when it became solely flea market fairgrounds. Now, the space is the best of both worlds, hosting movies in the evenings, and flea markets every Sunday.
Where: 151 Morrell Road, Dunbar, Pa 15431
When: Weekends in the Spring/Fall, all week in peak Summer
Know Before You Go: $10 adults, $4 children (4-11). Box office opens 7:30pm
Brownsville Drive-In // Grindstone
This two-screen drive-in plays a mix of new releases and multiplex classics. Every week the line-up changes, but catch there’s no better place to watch a Jurassic Park and Jaws double feature on a warm summer night. Movies start at dusk, and the ticket office and concession stand are cash only.
Where: 6231 National Pike E, Grindstone, PA
When: April- October, Friday-Monday
Know Before You Go: $9 adults, $4 children (under 10). Cash only.
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This story was originally published in June of 2020 and has been updated for 2022.
