7 Fantastic Drive-In Movie Theaters in Michigan to Put on Your Ultimate Summer Bucket List

Michigan Has 7 Drive-In Movie Theaters – Here’s Where to Find Them

When Michigan summer hits, we are all looking for seasonal fun you can’t get anywhere else.

It’s time for the best Lake Michigan beaches, camping spots and of course… summer movies at the drive-in theater.

Drive-in movies are the retro vibe everyone is loving right now, from Gen X-ers to their kids who have decided that the 90s were the best decade.

They’ve always been a cult favorite throughout Michigan, but now drive-in theaters are going mainstream like never before.

These nine Michigan drive-in theaters are guaranteed to make your Michigan summer sweeter.

Michigan Drive-In Movie Theaters 

The drive-in movie is still alive in Michigan – and a ton of fun for kids and adults alike. It’s good to know a few tips to make the most of your time because there are some things that make a night out at the drive-in theater much different than your typical cinema.

We’ve found nine Michigan drive-in theaters for your next summer adventure, as well as all the tips you’ll need for making the most of your evening.

What to Expect at a Drive-In Movie  

Fun at a drive-in starts well before the first credits roll. Depending on the theater, you’ll usually have different outdoor play options. Some people will get there as early as possible and eat a late dinner at the drive-in.

The Show Starts at Dark

Drive-in movies don’t start until after the sun goes down, so that means the start time of the movies will sync with sunset times. You’ll want to check the showtimes at your theater before you leave.

You Get Two Movies for the Price of One

It’s typical for drive-in theaters to have double-headers. The trade-off for getting two movie tickets for the price of one is that the second movie can start very late (starting around midnight at times) so be sure to figure this into your plans.

What to Bring to a Drive-In Movie

Coming prepared to a drive-in theater can be all the difference between a fantastic night or a failed night.

Your Vehicle and Seating Choice Matters

There are a few different ways you can situate yourself for movie viewing:

• Pull into a parking spot and watch from the front seat. Only those in the front will be able to see, though. It’s not the best option if you have kids along.
• Back into your spot if you have a truck, SUV, or van. Open the back hatch or make a bed in the truck bed and cozy up.
• If you don’t want to sit in a vehicle for the show, bring comfortable lawn chairs, pillows, and blankets to sit on.

Bring Glow Sticks

Completely optional, of course, but bringing glow sticks is a ton of fun for the littler kids. You might also consider bringing bubbles and other outdoor activities for before the show.

Plan for Cool Nights and Insects

Even the hottest days can have cool summer nights. Add a lakeshore location to that and you could be in for a chilly evening. Bring blankets, sleeping bags, jackets and other items to keep you warm.

Also, bring insect repellent. Bugs come out at night, even in places you’d be surprised to find them. Bring this along and you’ll have no trouble with the little pests.

Snacks are a Must

When it comes to food, drive-in theaters offer concessions AND some allow you to bring in your own food as well. Bring a pizza if you want! But check the rules of your specific drive-in before heading out.

Jumper Cables are Handy

Most people will listen to the show’s audio by tuning their car’s radio station to the theater’s channel. Do this for long and you may find your car battery dead.

This is really common and people are usually ready to give your car a jump-start, but it can help the process to have a set of jumper cables in your trunk (hey, maybe you could help someone else in need!). The theaters are typically ready to help out with jumping a car if needed.

Drive In Movie Theater Map

Drive-in Movie Theaters Near Me

More Michigan Summer Fun