Best Drive-in Movie Theaters in CT [2024 Update]
Although many of Connecticut’s drive-in movie theaters have closed in the past few years, some of them are still open. But which ones are still in operation?
We put together an updated list of all the drive-in movie theaters that are still open. So without further ado, these are the best drive-in movie theaters in CT.
Top Drive-in Movie Theaters in Connecticut
1. Mansfield Drive-in Theatre & Marketplace – Mansfield, CT
Mansfield Drive-in Theatre & Marketplace is the best overall drive-in movie theater in Connecticut. This place has 3 large screens that play the newest movies.
The outdoor theater is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the spring and fall. During the summer the theater is open every night of the week.
Tickets cost between $9 to $14 a person depending on age, plus there’s a snack bar. Dogs are allowed at the theater as well.
The drive-in movie theater is part of the Mansfield flea market, which is one of the best flea markets in Connecticut.
- Location: 228 Stafford Rd, Mansfield Center, CT
2. Southington Drive-In – Southington, CT
Southington Drive-In offers a great drive-in movie experience. This spot is open Saturday nights from June through September screening a number of classic movies.
The drive-in is a cash-only venue, and they don’t sell tickets in advance. To purchase a ticket, simply go to the front gate after 6 pm. A movie costs $20 per carload of people or $5 for walk-ins.
As the name suggests, you can find the Southington in Southington, Connecticut.
- Location: 995 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, Southington, CT
3. Drive-in Movie Nights at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center also offers drive-in movie nights. The gates open at 6:00 pm, and showtimes start around dusk.
Drive-in movie tickets here must be purchased online in advance and cost $50 for 2 people or $70 for a party of 3 or more. Members get a discount with tickets costing $40 for 2 people and $60 for larger parties.
You can also purchase concessions at the movie, like movie-sized candy and popcorn. To find where movies are playing, drive to the parking lot in the back of the museum.
- Location: 151 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT
Read: 12 Best Museums in Connecticut
4. Remarkable Theater – Westport, Connecticut
Remarkable Theater is one more drive-in movie theater in CT. Located in Westport, this pop-up theater plays a variety of older films and new releases.
To enjoy a film here, simply drive up, buy a ticket, find a spot to park your car, tune into the sound through your car’s radio, and enjoy.
There are no snacks sold here but you’re able to tailgate.
- Location: 50 Imperial Ave, Westport, CT
5. Pleasant Valley Drive-in Movie Theater – Barkhamsted, Connecticut
Update: The Pleasant Valley Drive-in Movie Theater was sold and closed in December 2022 after 27 years.
Pleasant Valley Drive-in is another popular drive-in cinema in CT. Movie tickets go on sale around 6:30, but the screening doesn’t usually start until about 9.
You can purchase tickets individually with cash or buy a family pass. If you buy tickets at the movie premier, it costs about $20 per car. Younger kids also get a discount.
This is a great place to take your family to see a movie if you live in Litchfield County Connecticut, since you don’t have to drive across the state.
- Location: 47 River Rd, Barkhamsted, CT
Drive in Movie Theater CT – Final Thoughts
That’s what’s left of CT’s drive in movie theaters. Out of all the drive-in movie theaters in Connecticut, I would argue that Mansfield Drive-in Theatre is the best, followed by Southington.
Unfortunately, Connecticut drive-in movie theaters and drive-in movies around the county are slowly fading.
