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Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theater — the oldest operating drive in theater in the U.S.

pam kueber - Updated: June 8, 2021

Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021; these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.


TGIF, whatchyou doing this weekend? Maybe Mod Betty of Retro Roadmap‘s new video about Shankweiler’s Drive In Theater — the oldest in the nation, now celebrating its 81st year — will entice you to consider tracking down an old skool drive-in in your neck of the woods. Need a map to find one? Check out Betty’s Retro Roadmap — here’s the link to drive-in theaters on her growing list .

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  1. Karen says

    Route 9W, Albany, NY. & Route 9W, Ravena, N.Y. also have drive ins. Just a few miles apart.

  2. stuff2DAY says

    I’m from Pen Argyl!

    I didn’t know how many would be interested.

    If you go to the park, it’s only open on the weekends thru the fall.
    Pasties are great! If you only have two meals I would do Daisy but Mr. Pastie does have them frozen – so bring the cooler-those vintage old one stay a lot cooler too! Check with the hours, not sue if they are open Sat anymore.

  3. BungalowMo says

    OMG!!!! I used to go there a few times every Summer! Lived just up the road in Neffs PA.

    Oh my goodness…the wonderful memories!! :0)

  4. CarolK says

    When I was very little, my mom and dad took us 4 kids along with them to see Gone With the Wind at the drive-in in Seneca, SC. All I remember about the film was a pretty girl in a white dress walking across the yard and a big fire.

    Earlier this year, my daughter and I took my 5 year-old granddaughter to see Maleficent at the Sunset Drive-in in Shelby, NC. It was so much fun! The management reminded their customers to help out their neighbors that might have a dead battery when they started their cars after the first feature. The snacks are inexpensive, too. As we were leaving, we saw one young couple out on a date complete with a bistro table, chairs and candelabra set up on the back of a pickup. How romantic!

  6. Janet in ME says

    This is one of those subjects that makes me want to cry. So many wonderful things we grew up with are fast disappearing. I too love diners and drive-ins and we try to shop at the mom and pop stores and independent supermarkets if we can, but they are becoming few and far between. I am also thrilled when I see an old movie theater, with the big marquee over the door, still operating, but you usually only see them in small towns that still have a busy main street not abandoned due to malls. I am deeply saddened that so many big box stores have moved in and taken over, but we have found alot of small businesses still survive up in Maine. This is a wonderful article and website and thanks so much for posting it!

  8. ChrisH says

    There are 5 still operating in Michigan (very seasonal) I’m sure Betty has all the links already.

    Now if we could just get them to show retro films.

  9. Katie B. says

    I love the drive-in. I’ve been going to the same one in Lakeport, CA my whole life, and I’m grateful they have not shut down. I think part of the reason they haven’t is that they built the newer movie theater on the same property. I only wish it was year round. My husband and I have always said it would be awesome for them to do a special Halloween showing because it’s our favorite holiday.

    I was researching drive-ins the other day and there used to be one right down the street from my house! Oh, if only I could go back in time. I will definitely have to check out the other NorCal locations, especially if the Solano one is open year round AND has a flea market. Thanks for the awesome info!

  10. BungalowBILL says

    For those of us on the East Coast there is still a drive in in Hyde Park NY, right next to a time capsule motel, and near a diner where some of the cooks are students at the Culinary Institute.